North East Counselling - PJ Toal

About

Available to work with individuals and couples online

As an integrative Counsellor I draw on elements of different perspectives and provide a unique therapy which can be adapted to suit a client's needs. I use the insights and techniques of Humanistic Counselling, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and relational therapy to gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and work towards a new and happier sense of self. Below is a very brief description of the approaches I use in my practice which you may find present in our therapy sessions together. These approaches build a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship to grow in a safe and supporting environment.

By integrating Jacob's and Egan’s counselling Models as a framework, I am able to integrate different theories and approaches as required by my individual clients. Humanistic Counselling offers a non-judgemental relationship between the therapist and client; this enables the client to explore what they need and want in the ‘here and now,’ and how they can reach this goal.

Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on unconscious thought processes which manifest themselves in a client's behaviour. The approach seeks to increase a client's self-awareness and understanding of how the past has influenced present thoughts and behaviours, by exploring their unconscious patterns. Clients are encouraged to explore unresolved issues and conflicts, and to talk about important people and relationships in their life. By using this approach I offer a safe holding and containing environment in which I aim to build trust and autonomy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works on exploring how negative thoughts and feelings can affect our behaviour and how different aspects of these can be changed to resolve a particular problem or issue. CBT can help you make sense of overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts. In CBT, problems are broken down into five main areas:

situations
thoughts
emotions
physical feelings
actions
CBT is based on the concept of these five areas being interconnected and affecting each other. For example, your thoughts about a certain situation can often affect how you feel both physically and emotionally, as well as how you act in response.

I am also a relationship therapist and I am currently employed by Relate NI therefore I take part in ongoing training and CPD.

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