Counselling

I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. This has been in a range of settings. The primary focus of my experience has been related to the treatment of trauma. My therapeutic approach incorporates a range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. As I have chosen to work with people who have experienced trauma, I have also developed specialised skills in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Neurotherapy.

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a treatment modality designed for treating PTSD and trauma. There are several steps involved in this protocol including;

• Identifying the key traumatic incidences

• Preparing the client by resourcing them with strategies to cope when they become over aroused.

• Setting up the client for the Desensitisation process.

• A process of ‘Bi-lateral stimulation’ where the client will have traumatic images desensitised by rapid eye movements.

• Removing negative beliefs about themselves and the world around them

• Installing positive beliefs that reinforce a clients capacity to cope and feel safe.

 

Safety and comfortability are paramount in counselling! This is an important factor to consider when you are looking for a counsellor. I try to understand what I can do to help you feel as comfortable with me as possible. I am straight forward; I will share my thoughts and feelings with you. I will support you while you explore what ever challenges you face. I value honesty, respect and fairness and so will always treat you in line with these values. I encourage my clients to be open and straight forward with me, I don’t mind if you don’t agree with me. It is imperative you feel like you have a voice as counselling is a great chance to practice being assertive! Especially if you don’t feel like you can in your own life.

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I am always happy to answer questions, no matter what! Please feel to reach out to me by phone or email, we can arrange a brief chat over the phone before you agree to commit to appointments.

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Damien is able to provide a range of support services to young people who may be experiencing a range of difficulties/challenges which may impact on their ability to engage to their full potential at school. Damien has experience providing support to children and young people who may be experiencing difficulties with;

• Stress or anxiety

• Relationships (family and friends)

• Depression, Worries or sadness

• School refusal

• Self esteem difficulties

• Anger or difficulty managing strong emotions and other behavioural difficulties

• Attention problems

Damien has training and experience in treating and working with;

• ADHD

• Attachment disorders

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Trauma (Physical, emotional and sexual)

• Oppositional & Defiant Disorder

• Self-Harm and Suicidal thoughts

• Other behavioural disorders

• Sexualised behaviours which may have been harmful or problematic

• Developmental Delays

• Working with young people who voluntarily attend or may be mandated due to court orders

 

So if you have a child who is finding it difficult to participate in school (or other social situations) as meaningfully as possible, or find stress, worry or sadness major problems. There may be a way in which to support your child to address these difficulties and be able to experience a greater sense of self-worth and more fulfilling relationships.

Damien will also be able to support parents while they learn to respond to their child in a way which supports their child’s overall well-being or overcome the distress they experience if their child has suffered with trauma. Damien can also provide advice/support as a way of supporting the family communicate and function in a way which see’s all family members feel valued.