Self-development & Therapies > GUIDANCE > Counselling and Life Coaching

At Ashwhin I use counselling and coaching together, as I have found this to be to most effective and flexible way to help you to become the best you can be. I have a broad background spanning many years of counselling, mentoring and coaching.

Some principles of good practice:- (that you would expect in any counselling situation and you will certainly find here at Ashwhin)

• Unconditional acceptance of every client as they are

• Respect for each client and their unique ability to make the right decisions for themselves

• A welcoming and warm attitude, and a safe haven

• Enthusiasm for personal growth and change that is essential to living happily

• An open and honest attitude, never hiding behind a professional front or personal facade

• Acknowledgement that each client has the right to be in control of their development, including the choice to take a break from or end counselling at any time

• Clear goals set with each client to meet their specific needs

• Complete confidentiality

The purpose of Counselling is:-

To provide a safe setting where you have time and space to reflect on your circumstances, and to consider the changes you might like to make to improve your situation.

These changes might be very personal (emotional or mental health), or the changes could be external (related to work, relationships and family) or both.

Counselling is about:-

• Enabling you to see the range of possibilities before you, and to support you while you go through the process of choosing the best direction for you right now.

• It often includes looking at your past, and the circumstances that led to where you are, because this can be useful in understanding the person you are now. We are all shaped by our experiences, by our family and culture, by our challenges and achievements.

• So counselling begins with looking at where you are, how you got here, and where you would like to be.

• My main role as counsellor is to help you see and explore your life from different perspectives, so that your decisions are informed by your mind and also your heart.

• You can be sure that your decisions will not be rushed, and you can be certain that whatever you choose will be yours, and not someone manipulating you.

• So Counselling is about understanding and accepting yourself as you are. It is about discovering the right way forward for you.

The purpose of Life Coaching is:-

To help you follow the path you have chosen, so that you can achieve your fullest potential and enjoy the life you dream of.

We will identify the skills that you need to reach the goals that you have set for yourself. Often you will find that you have all the skills you need, sometimes you will need to develop your existing abilities or learn something new. As your life coach. I will help you prioritise things, and to keep moving in the direction you have chosen.

Life Coaching is about:-

• Enabling you to handle change, and to move forward in your life - at your own pace.

• It is about introducing you to a range of practices or ideas for living life to the full, and supporting you as you learn about yourself.

• Life Coaching is a role that blends friendship and mentoring. The atmosphere is always informal and the process of growth is fun - and shared.