The Therapy
Coaching and Mentoring
There at times when we all require an enabler to support and encourage us to overcome day to day life experiences that have become too much to deal with alone. First Steps Forward put you at the centre of the process enabling you to feel valued and supported. It is about forming positive therapeutic working relationships. It is about guiding you to find you own solutions while the Counsellor acts as a critical friend, acting in a non-judgemental way you will be supported and encouraged to identify and manage solutions towards self-healing. This takes place in a safe and confidential environment where you are able to feel empowered. The counsellor promises to listen without judgement and will give you the time you need. Then, when you are ready, will guide you towards self-healing.
Trauma & PTSD symptoms
Trauma & PTSD symptoms
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger after traumatic events. The counsellor can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
Addiction Counselling and Substance Abuse Counselling
It is often the case that we look at our lives and worry that we are addicted to certain aspects of it. This can be shopping, sex, pornography, the internet, alcohol, drugs or substances. The Counsellor will work with you, and other professionals when you are ready, to support you through these challenges, and help you take those first steps to recovery.
The Therapy
Autism and Asperger’s
Neurotypicals, non Autistic people, often find that the Autistic Spectrum Condition (A.S.C) is complex and difficult to understand. While adults and children who may believe that they are on the Autistic Spectrum or who have a diagnosis may struggle with understanding as well as with many skills such as social integration, social skills and relationships, sensory overloads and many more. These are often linked to self harm and depression and impact on day to day living making life a struggle.
Work related issues such as interviewing, getting on with colleagues, as well as losing work, making and keeping relationships are common examples of concerns for adults on the Spectrum.
While with children and young adults, an understanding of themselves is often hard and fitting into peer groups a huge problem. Likewise with children and younger adults education experiences such as exam concessions, classroom strategies, E.H.C.P, school placements and specialist provisions are often questions that are difficult to find answers to.
Dave is able to support people who have, or are awaiting, diagnosis for A.S.C. He is able to support their families and carers to understand the diagnosis and what it means to be on the Autistic Spectrum. He is able to support with parenting skills for this unique group of people and help find solutions to day to day concerns as well as help manage children and young adults on the Autistic Spectrum demonstrating challenging behaviour.
List of Barriers or concerns
Abuse
Addictions-substances, porn etc
ADHD
Affairs and betrayal
Alcoholism
Anger
Anxiety
Autistic Spectrum Condition/Asperger’s
Bullying
Carer support
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Emotional abuse
Family issues
Learning difficulties/ SEND
Low self-confidence/low self esteem
Passive aggressive behaviour
Physical Abuse
PTSD symptoms
Healthy relationships
Self-harm
Sexuality
Stress
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma
Qualifications and professionalism
BSc (Hons), BA (Hons) in Counselling, PGCE (PCET), Post Grad. Dip. Ed. SEN, Post Grad. Dip TALD, AMIoC, MNCS (Accred)
Costs and duration
The initial assessment and discussion may take up to 90 minutes depending on the complexities of the support required. The cost of this is £80. Thereafter, the cost is £45 per 50 minute session. There are concessions available for households with low income and receiving PIP/DLA. These will be agreed at the first session and paid at the beginning of each session. The duration will be agreed and a review date set within this initial assessment.
In the event that the Counsellor believes that your concerns require a greater level of expertise the counsellor will refer you to more senior practitioners