The Grounded Counsellor Counselling issues I do not work with

Issues I don't work with

Like all counsellors, there are some issues and situations which for various reasons I don't feel comfortable working with.

Ethical counselling for men

As an ethical counsellor in private practice, there are areas that I choose not to work with either because I am not trained in them or simply because I do not feel comfortable working with some issues. I think it is only fair to let you know what those areas are before you get in touch.

NO QUICK FIXES

First, if you are looking for someone to tell you what to do without developing an understanding of why you are doing what you do and working together to identify how to resolve those issues, I may not be the right person for you.

My counselling style is to walk alongside you and compassionately challenge you and your behaviours safely while helping you identify pragmatic solutions to your difficulties.

SEE YOUR GP

I do not work with issues meant to be dealt with by medical doctors. For example, I do not work with people experiencing severe psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc. Nor do I work with people who cannot distinguish between reality and non-reality (e.g. psychosis or paranoid delusion). Mild phantasies (“I think no one likes me”) are OK to bring to counselling.

I am a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), not a medical doctor (GP). I am also a counsellor/psychotherapist, not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychoanalyst. I do not diagnose illness, label or categorise clients, or prescribe medication.

WILLING PARTICIPANTS ONLY

I will not accept requests to see someone being “sent” to counselling by a third party, no matter how well intended.

Couple’s Counselling should not be used to try and ‘fix’ your partner, nor should your partner be ‘forced’ into counselling. Both parties must be willing participants who want to find a way ahead and understand what is happening. I will explore this aspect of counselling with anyone who comes for relationship counselling with me.

OVER 18’S ONLY

While my main focus is on working with men, I do work with many women who prefer a more masculine approach to counselling. However, I do not work with anyone, irrespective of gender, who is under 18 years old. Many charities and other counsellors can work with that age group more effectively than I do.

BETTER SUPPORT ELSEWHERE

Some organisations can provide more effective short-term specialist support to help you than I in certain circumstances for this reason:

I do not work with issues of end-of-life care.

I do not work with matters relating to abortion.

I do not work with people experiencing short-term grief
- by this, I mean those who have been recently bereaved – although I do work with long-term grief — over two years after bereavement
I do not work with issues around sexual/gender identity.

OTHER ISSUES

I may decline to work with other issues if I feel that another counsellor may be more qualified or experienced in helping you.