Hello
WHO AM I?
I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. This means that I have learned a number of different therapies, and I tailor my counselling to suit each of my clients.
My starting point in individual therapy is to be person-centred , and this is often all that is needed. It means that each client is at the heart of their own therapy. My training means that I will know more about the process, but my client is the expert regarding him or herself, so I am guided by them regarding their therapy. I listen patiently and calmly, helping my client to reflect to gain a deeper understanding.
Occasionally, a client may need something a little different, a more 'integrative' approach. On these rare occasions, I may try an alternative therapy to help you tease out something in more depth, but only going as far as you want and at your own pace. My belief is that therapy cannot be rushed and only you know what is best for you. This way you are in control of your therapy.
I am also a couples therapist and can offer you and your partner relationship counselling.
Jane Butler
MY QUALIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, holding a postgraduate diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have undertaken additional training in the areas of couples counselling, historical sexual abuse and bereavement. The BACP is my governing body which ensures that I work ethically within the BACP framework.
Experience and Specialist Areas
COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
I have a particular specialism in bereavement, having been a volunteer counsellor at St Gemma's Hospice in North Leeds for clients who have been bereaved through terminal illness . Living with incurable illness is an area where I can particularly empathise.
I have also worked in depth with clients who are survivors of sexual abuse. I have had intensive training in this area, and worked as a counsellor at a specialist centre in Bradford for survivors of historical sex abuse, which has given me a very thorough grounding in this field.
My work as a sole practitioner has enabled me to broaden my counselling experience to cover a wide range of issues and a deep understanding of many types of problem.
I am also a couples counsellor and can offer relationship counselling to enable partners to understand one another better. By listening to each other more carefully in therapy, partners in a relationship can work more collaboratively and effectively on issues as their way of relating changes.
Experience and Specialist Areas
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SESSIONS
As well as my counselling work, I am a freelance Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. I have delivered short-term courses for various charities and organisations in Leeds such as Oblong which is a charity based at Woodhouse Community Centre in Headingley, Leeds and the Wren Bakery, based in Meanwood, Leeds. This work involves facilitating groups in learning how to live with anxiety and low self-esteem through deep reflection and such practices as positive thinking, exercise, relaxation, mindfulness and improving health generally.
Working as a local solicitor for a number of years, specialising in personal injury law has given me insight into the debilitating effect of chronic pain and the inescapable link between the body and the mind and that if one is not working as well as it can, the other will soon start to follow suit. This experience has proved invaluable to me in my counselling and mental health and wellbeing work.
