I’m glad you found your way here…
Therapy is an open and honest relationship that meets you right where you are, providing a safe space to explore what feels difficult to work through alone. It is a unique opportunity to encounter yourself just as you are and to say what is otherwise unspeakable.
Why begin therapy?
When we experience emotional distress, we need someone to listen who can help us make sense of the maze we find ourselves in. There are times in our lives where a good friend and a cup of tea is exactly what we need, but there are other times when repeated themes can frustrate us and leave us feeling hopeless.
This is where therapy comes in.
Therapy offers a non-judgemental space where you can encounter the whole of yourself, all the beautiful and desirable parts, and the ugly and less desirable parts too. It is about gaining a compassionate perspective of who you are and learning to be curious about your inner world.
So… Who am I?
My name is Chris and I am an integrative counsellor offering talking therapy to people in Cardiff, Wales and online. My approach to therapy is mainly influenced by psychodynamic and relational approaches, and I incorporate body-awareness and trauma-informed practices.
My approach is less problem-focused and more exploratory; allowing space for uncovered themes and unconscious experiences to be worked through. For this reason, it is preferable to work longer-term (six months or more) with a commitment to meet at least once per week. While a shorter or time-limited arrangement is possible for relationship therapy, it is still preferable to work together for at least twelve sessions.
I have experience working with a wide range of issues, which specifically include (but are not limited to) anxiety, depression, loneliness, bereavement, relationship difficulties, emotional abuse, sexual problems and sexual abuse. I also specialise in Psychosexual Therapy, which enhances and deepens my awareness of sexual and relational difficulties, including Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) issues.
How does therapy work?
Therapy is also a two-way process where honesty and openness go both ways. In other words, as you courageously bring the whole of yourself into the room, I am fully present to your experiences and processes.
Individual Therapy – As we work together, I will listen carefully to your experiences and ask questions to help you identify themes and patterns in your life. I also pay careful attention to our relationship as this can offer insights into your relationships outside of our sessions, both in the past and in the present day.
Relationship Therapy (Couples and Groups) – Relationship therapy places greater attention on the relationship, specifically what each person contributes to the relationship while noticing the relational, intimacy and communication difficulties that arise. Relationship therapy includes any consensual combination of individuals whether married, in a long-term partnership, open relationship, throuple or anything else. Relationship counselling is also for those looking to amicably separate or divorce, also know as conscious uncoupling.
All relationship types, genders and sexual orientations are welcomed and affirmed.
Choosing the right therapist
Sitting in a room and sharing your hopes, dreams and fears with another person takes a lot of courage and can feel very daunting. You may have never spoken them out loud before, which makes it so important that you feel safe and not judged – that you feel understood and heard.
There are so many different therapists out there and it can be difficult to choose one person in the sea of online directories and profiles.
Here are three simple suggestions to think about when looking for a therapist:
1.
Reach out to several different therapists before deciding who you want to work with. Each person will approach therapy differently and everyone has a unique personality which adds colour to the relationship and the work.
2.
Pay attention to your relationship with the therapist. Ask any questions you want to and check whether you feel supported by them. A strong relationship with a therapist is essential to overcoming challenges and healing from past pain.
3.
Consider whether you feel able to challenge the therapist when something doesn’t feel right for you. If this happens, let your therapist know. After all, therapists don’t know everything – we’re human too.
Session Fees & Location
My therapy room is located at Sophia House, 28 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ., next to Sophia Gardens, 18 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus from Cardiff Central Station. Free parking is sometimes available along Cathedral Road and paid parking is almost always available in Sophia Gardens. Free on-site disabled parking can be arranged upon request.
I offer sessions in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and online on Wednesdays, mornings and evenings.
My session fees are as follows:
| Session | Rate | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Therapy | £75.00 | 50 minutes |
| Relationship Therapy (2 people) | £100.00 | 60 minutes |
| Relationship Therapy (3+ people) | £POA | 90-120 minutes |
Looking to hire a room?
Whether you are looking for a consulting room or therapy space, Sophia House is a great location near Sophia Gardens and close to the Cardiff City Centre. It offers excellent facilities including a receptionist to greet your clients, secure and reliable wifi, breakout space with a kitchen, daily cleaning and showers.
My room is located on the ground floor with disabled access and window ventilation. It is set up for one-to-one therapy, but can easily accommodate working with couples as well. The room also contains a desk, lamps with white light temperature control and an air filter for improving air quality on colder days.
The room hire periods are as follows:
| Hire Period |
|---|
| Morning, Afternoon or Evening |
| Full Day |