On-line & Phone therapy is available during the co-vid19 pandemic

Ferg offers a safe space for his clients to talk through their experiences, emotions, and behaviours. He sees counselling as a journey of self-exploration, increasing levels of self-understanding and awareness. As a result, one is able to identify more rewarding ways of thinking and acting. He is passionate about helping his clients to discover new resources inside of themselves as they remove blocks to personal growth.

sessions

Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes long, once a week. The timing and duration of therapy depends on individual client preferences. Treatment can be arranged on a short or long-term basis. The first session is introductory, designed to explore specific needs of the client and to answer questions. This session is also used to further explain therapy and discuss confidentiality, fees, and cancellation policies. The client always has the power to end sessions. In order to bring healthy closure to the counselling relationship, last meetings are usually discussed in advance. If needed, Ferg also offers therapy via video conference.
 

Specialities

Ferg also offers supervision and support for staff teams and conducts speaking engagements to encourage young people in self-discovery and making positive life decisions.

Philosophy

Thinking critically is an important part of the therapeutic process. Ferg allows his clients space to determine the direction of therapy, making them central to the process. He understands that trust is earned, working hard to reassure clients they will never be betrayed within the counselling relationship. He allows therapy to proceed at the client's chosen pace, constantly reviewing progress to ensure treatment doesn’t continue for longer than necessary. 

Ferg believes the most successful therapy is administered when the counsellor is fully present as a listener. He invites his clients to express and focus on issues that are most important to them. Each individual is an expert on themselves and their own lives; therefore, Ferg never dictates beliefs, but rather encourages mutual exploration, occasionally offering his own thoughts and feelings in order to foster understanding. By revisiting personal experiences, counselling can challenge negative self-perceptions, allowing clients to uncover and develop a positive relationship with their true identity.

Ferg believes in the wisdom of borrowing perspectives and techniques from well-established counselling theories—mainly person-centred therapy and psychoanalysis, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy.

AccreditatioN

Ferg is a qualified psychologist and counsellor/psychotherapist. He follows the Code of Ethics as set down by the I.A.C.P., promoting professional, ethical, and best-practice at all times. He maintains an accredited membership with the I.A.C.P. by meeting the criteria of Continuing Professional Development, along with regular Supervision and Professional Indemnity Insurance.