Verity Owers Counselling

"When grievers feel connected to and supported by others, their grief outcomes are better..." Community and relationships offer valuable sources of support but for those that need something more, I offer one to one bereavement counselling in central and south London.
https://creativegriefstudio.com/nobody-gr ieves-alone/

One of the most effective tools I've found for helping people access and express stuck feelings is a technique called Focusing. Great to see Julia Samuels - author of Grief Works - recommend it too!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/…/do-suffer -grief-eight-simple…/
To read more about how I support clients by weaving different counselling approaches together in an integrated way, visit -
... https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ couns…/verity-owers
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I never underestimate how scary it can be to reach out for support when you're struggling so aim to make it as easy as possible by taking a gentle, empathic approach to counselling and offering a FREE initial consultation. To find out more about the way I work, visit -
www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsell ors/verity-owers

You said it Mr Rogers!
How often do we really feel heard? How often do we want to be? Counselling can offer a time and space to be heard that's just for you.

When a friend or loved one is struggling following a loss, it can be tempting to think the best way to help them is to tell them what do to or try to cheer them up. But sometimes the best thing to do is be with them in their pain. I've seen that many times in my work with clients. My role becomes about sitting alongside them for as long as they need me, offering empathy and support and the chance to heal in their own way, at their own pace.
http://www.refugeingrief.com/2018/07/19/h elp-a-friend-video/

On National Grief Awareness Day... Top tips for supporting someone following a bereavement from Cruse.

Many clients come to me unsure how to navigate grief - caught between worrying they will fall apart but unsure how to hold it together. In my experience, the journey always involves something of both so my role is to be alongside them wherever they land up and whatever they need.
https://www.theguardian.com/…/how-do-yo u-deal-with-grief-fa…

I just discovered this short film made by the Loss Foundation. It powerfully illustrates how providing a space for people to talk about their grief can shed light in the darkest of times. Talking can provide relief and offer a lifeline. Watch the film and help spread the word.
https://www.thelossfoundation.org/vr/

Finding the right therapeutic approach and the right therapist to work with is important in ensuring counselling is beneficial and effective. Therapy isn't a 'one size fits all' process!
By recognising their unique character and circumstance and by drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, I tailor the therapy I offer to meet the individual needs of my clients.
https://metro.co.uk/…/cbt-didnt-help-wi th-my-anxiety-heres…/

I'm currently able to offer some lower cost sessions from my premises in central London. If you know of someone who is struggling right now but who might benefit from counselling, do spread the word. For more info visit www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsell ors/verity-owers

"The therapeutic process is like ‘turning the light on in a dark room’. It’s about starting to see things with more clarity and with a different perspective. In the safety of therapy, you start increasing your self-awareness, learning things about yourself and discovering new ways of behaving."
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ …/why-counselling-…

I offer specialist bereavement counselling because I know how important the right support can be when you're struggling in the wake of loss so am delighted to read that the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and Cruse Bereavement Care have just formed a strategic partnership in order to promote the benefits of counselling and ensure access to the highest quality of care and support.
https://www.careappointments.co.uk/…/43 349-new-partnership-…

I'm now offering my counselling services from a second location on Regent Street - near Oxford Circus tube station. As well as providing therapy for a range of issues I offer specialist support for those struggling with grief and loss following a bereavement. If you know someone who is stuck or struggling and looking to move forward with their life do spread the word. Noone should suffer alone. My initial consultation is FREE so we can talk about what's needed and how I can help.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsell ors/verity-owers

What a brilliant idea! A free booklet offering guidance in dealing with financial issues for people experiencing mental health problems, however that may manifest. As the author puts it "mental health problems can cause severe debt, and severe debt can cause mental health problems."
The booklet covers handling debts when unwell, working with banks and accessing free debt counselling and gives specific tips for bipolar disorder and depression sufferers. The guide is not only aimed at people experiencing mental health problems, but friends, family and carers who want to help them tackle their finances.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credi‚Ä ¶/mental-health-guide

"Wellbeing flourishes from the inside out. We can’t chase it and we can’t buy it. But we can train ourselves, mind, body, and heart, and grow the “muscles” that enable our best selves."
http://www.6seconds.org/…/daniel-golema n-emotions-wellbei…/…

How to find a therapist when you don’t know where to start...
https://www.headspace.com/blog/2017/12/07 /finding-therapist/

I sometimes use a toolbox analogy with clients. Over the course of sessions we explore what resources they are already using to improve their mental health and consider what other strategies they could adopt.
These 'tools' can be anything from; coming for counselling, talking to a friend, going for a run, taking an art class or practicing a breathing technique. When a client jokes about their tool box being heavy I know we're getting somewhere!
It means they have a better u...nderstanding of the tools available to them and are feeling more empowered and resilient with a better sense of how they can improve their own wellbeing.
The best thing about the tool box is - the contents are personal and tailored to the individual. Plus it's portable so when sessions end clients know they can keep on accessing those tools in future or add different ones as they need.
Try it for yourself. Next time you're feeling anxious or depressed or you're struggling with a problem in your life, ask yourself - what have I already got in my toolbox that could help with this? What other tools could I acquire? Then take a moment to consider if sessions with a counsellor could be one of the tools you invest in.
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