Welcome and thank you for visiting. My name is Nathan and I am a qualified therapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I have around 20 years experience of working with different mental health issues and supporting people through common life problems. I will do my best to help if I can.
Sometimes I have really struggled with life myself and I know that everyone does at times, yet it can be really difficult for us to reach out for help. So rest assured I'll be happy to hear from you and answer any questions you might have.
I can offer face to face appointments in Kent, Online counselling via video calling, or can offer home visits in some circumstances, where needed. I will aim to be as flexible as possible to meet individual needs.
Please book a free introductory call if you would like to discuss further.
I will work with people facing a range of different issues and am happy to discuss your needs, current situation and whatever life difficulties you are facing to see if we can work together, are a good fit for each other and can agree a way forward, as well as times, availability, frequency and any other practicalities.
My approach is primarily Person-Centred, although I bring aspects of other approaches into my work at times. I believe everyone has the innate knowledge of what they need themselves, the ability to solve their own problems, grow, heal, and make positive changes when provided with a safe space and the right support. I generally try to avoid giving people advice or telling them what I think they should or shouldn't do and will work through issues with people instead and assist them to find their own solutions and healing.
I believe that if we can build a rapport and connect in an honest and open, meaningful way, then we can work together, make progress and find solutions, or navigate a way through whatever life problems it is that you are facing.
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Divorce
Separation
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone, either online or in person, who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling provides the space and opportunity to gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
Working through things together, I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to situations or problems the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a free introductory call. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07534 146920 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
I offer online sessions to clients throughout the UK via platforms such as Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp.
I also see clients face-to-face in Sheerness or Belvedere, and offer home visits in Kent for people with a disability or where otherwise needed.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and are generally attended weekly at a set time, though sometimes more regularly or less frequently by agreement.
I offer an initial free consultation to assess availability, compatibility, timing and needs, or just to see if we can work together.
Fees thereafter are £50 per session with some concessions available for people on low income or in receipt of benefits - Please feel free to contact me to discuss.
Payment is by bank transfer and required 24 hours in advance.
A first session will generally be used for building a rapport, or getting to know each other a little and developing an understanding of what's needed or what might help. We will also agree how we will work together, the frequency of sessions and cover some contracting and assessment information. For example: there's some practical information required, such as emergency contacts, next of kin, relationships, address and reasons for accessing counselling, as well as some information for me to give around confidentiality, cancellations and timing and such. This will be a two way process with flexibility offered and a chance for you to ask any questions you might have, as well as decide if you feel comfortable and happy with everything and wish to continue.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on individual needs and the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people, twelve to twenty four sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, or get them through a difficult time and they feel ready to move forward; other problems such as mental health issues or trauma may require more of an open-ended or longer term approach. We will generally have regular reviews to explore progress and what's been most helpful, focus our work together and complete closure prior to ending.
My aim is to offer a free initial consultation within 48 hours and a first appointment within 1 - 2 weeks. We would then agree the time and frequency for sessions to take place, normally weekly and when it is convenient for you and I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free ‘slot’ which suits us both, but there are generally very limited waiting times.
Everything that is said within counselling sessions will be treated as strictly private and confidential - this is essential in order to create a safe space. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, I'm sure you will find the freedom to connect honestly, openly and in confidence is of great value.
Please note; there are some exceptions, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or where summoned to court to give evidence. In these rare circumstance I am required by law to break confidentiality but would always discuss with you first to avoid any breach of trust.
© Nathan Motherwell Counselling
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