Purple Clover Counselling & Psychotherapy
Theresa Smith MBACP. NCPS (Acc.)
Person Centred Online and Telephone Counselling in Southampton
Working with Me
Unlock Your Potential and Blossom with Purple Clover
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
– Carl Rogers
When you reach out to Purple Clover, your journey begins with a free 30 minute initial consultation. This is a chance for us to connect, discuss your concerns, and explore how counselling or psychotherapy can support you. We can do this over the telephone or using a video platform like Zoom. Together, we'll determine the best approach to meet your needs and create a plan for moving forward.
My Approaches
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to tailor our sessions to your individual needs and preferences. Some of the approaches I may incorporate include:
Person-Centred Therapy
Person-Centred Therapy is a deeply empathetic and non-directive approach that places you, the client, at the centre of the therapeutic process. The therapeutic relationship is characterised by empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. One of the key principles of Person-Centred Therapy is that the direction of the therapy is led by you. You have the freedom to bring to the session whatever is on your mind. I will follow your lead, offering support, validation, and gentle guidance as needed, but always respecting your autonomy and agency.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy is a strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and building upon your existing resources and abilities. Rather than dwelling on past problems or analysing their root causes, we'll shift our focus to exploring solutions and setting achievable goals. Through guided conversations and solution-building exercises, you'll gain clarity on your desired outcomes and develop practical strategies for achieving them. Solution-Focused Therapy is particularly effective for addressing specific challenges or making short-term changes. By emphasizing your strengths and resilience, this approach can help you create meaningful and sustainable improvements in your life.
Online Counselling
Online counselling offers a convenient and accessible way to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule or prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions, online counselling allows you to connect with me via secure video link. With the same level of support and guidance as in-person sessions, online counselling offers the added benefit of convenience and flexibility.
Telephone Counselling
For some clients, telephone counselling provides a preferred alternative to in-person or online sessions. Whether you're seeking support from the comfort of your own home or prefer the privacy of a phone call, telephone counselling offers a confidential and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings. With nonverbal cues conveyed through tone of voice and pace of speech, telephone counselling can be an effective way to connect and receive support.
At Purple Clover Counselling & Psychotherapy, my goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Whatever approach you choose, know that I'm here to support you every step of the way.
For more information about how Person Centred Online and Telephone Counselling in Southampton can help, please get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
In the first free, initial session I will explain our counselling contract, which includes things like our confidentiality agreement. This appointment will also be an opportunity for you to find out more about counselling and how it works. In this first session you may like tell me about your hopes and expectations for counselling, which will provide us both with the opportunity to decide if I'm the right counsellor for you. If you decide you would like to commence counselling, each session can be spent as you wish, this time may be used to explore your thoughts and feelings, discuss and work through any issues that may be troubling you presently or any difficult past experiences.
All discussions in counselling and psychotherapy are confidential, although there are some legal exceptions that will be explained in your first session and set out in the counselling contract.
All client records are protected by the Data Protection Act and no client information is shared with any third party without your prior consent. Exceptions to this policy may occur only where necessary to protect the safety of clients or others.
Therapy sessions are generally once a week, at the same time and day each week. I offer evening and weekend appointments in order to be flexible to your needs and your personal commitments. Therapy can for as long as you feel is necessary for you, whether that is short term or long term, it is entirely your decision.
No preparation is necessary for online or telephone counselling sessions. However, it's important to ensure that you have a quiet and private space where you feel comfortable talking. You'll also need a reliable internet connection for online sessions. Prior to your appointment, you may want to reflect on what you'd like to discuss during the session, but there's no need to prepare anything specific
The duration of counselling varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some clients find that they benefit from just a few sessions to address a specific issue, while others may choose to engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper issues or make lasting changes. Together, we'll discuss your goals and preferences during the initial consultation and create a plan that works best for you.
While the terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, they can have different meanings depending on the context. In general, counselling tends to be more short-term and focused on addressing specific issues or concerns, such as relationship problems or work-related stress. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is often longer-term and aims to explore deeper issues and patterns of behaviour, such as childhood trauma or personality disorders. Both approaches offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with a trained professional.
Deciding if you need counselling is a personal decision and can depend on various factors, including how you're feeling and how your emotions are impacting your daily life. If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, or if you're struggling to cope with life's challenges on your own, counselling may be beneficial. Additionally, if you're finding it difficult to maintain relationships or perform daily tasks, counselling can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate these difficulties. Ultimately, if you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, I encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation to discuss your concerns further.
Get in touch
If you're ready to take the first step towards greater well-being, I encourage you to reach out to me via email or the contact form below.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or to schedule your free initial consultation. Your well-being is my top priority, and I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and growth.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.