Hema Patel Counselling & Psychotherapy

About Me

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Hello, my name is Hema. I am a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and registered Counsellor, currently working for the Primary Care Service with over 14 years’ experience in the field of mental health.

I believe people and their journeys are all distinctive, so my approach is integrative and tailored to the individual’s needs. Based on this, I use a variety of therapeutic techniques which include person-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, solutions focused, ACT, mindfulness and relaxation to help overcome the distress experienced.

I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-worth, loneliness, relationship issues, emotional abuse and the impact of perimenopause/menopause, panic, loss and bereavement.

How might counselling help?

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Low mood and anxiety can take a hold and negatively impact every aspect of life.

My role is to support your journey by providing a confidential safe space and the necessary tools and techniques to gain the confidence to take control of your situation at your pace.

This will involve working together and developing a shared understanding of the difficulty experienced and what would help you throughout the therapeutic process.

What to expect from our first session and the counselling process?

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It is important to gain an understanding of what you want from counselling and to see if I am the right counsellor for you.

This process involves building trust and feeling comfortable whilst working together and regularly reviewing the main area you want to work on. Initial sessions are weekly however this is changeable depending on individual needs as some prefer to work fortnightly, this can be agreed if you feel I am the right counsellor for you.

I trust to help make your counselling experience a positive one which encompasses time for reflection, inspiration and personal growth. Please feel free to call or email me to make an appointment.

Training, qualifications & experience.

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I trained at De Monforte University, my qualification are:

Graduate Degree in Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions.

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Counselling Skills (QFC)

Brief Solutions Focus Practice (foundation).

Brief Solutions Focus Practice in Consultation & Supervision.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training.

I am a member of BACP (The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy),a regulatory and professional body and adhere to their code of ethical practice.

I hold an enhanced DBS and am registered with the Government DBS update service.

BACP Registered Member – 861759

Area of Interest

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I hold a particular interest in the effects of perimenopause/menopause on mood and anxiety, the impact on the individual, partners and family. Depression and Anxiety, low self-esteem and emotional abuse.


Depression

Changes in appetite

Feeling down most or nearly every day

Tiredness

Feeling worthless or guilty

Noticing negative thoughts

Sleep problems

Little interest or pleasure in daily routine or activities.

Depression can affect anyone at any age and make living life difficult, I can work with you to look at what is happening and help you regain control and start enjoying your life again. Depression If you find that you notice you have been worrying excessively, it can be a sign of an anxiety problem called Generalised Anxiety Disorder or GAD for short. Do you find you worry often and find this impacting your daily life, does it stop you doing things and have a negative effect on your mood? When you have GAD, you can worry about everyday things like, relationships, health, finances, family and work. Do you notice more tension in your body, more aches and pains, headaches, stomach problems as a result of worrying. Does this lead you to avoid tasks, people and situations? Do you put things off or over prepare things? This can lead to a cycle of worry and anxiety. The good news is I can help you work through the worry to help to improve your anxiety in easy steps. Panic Do you experience feelings that seem to ‘come out of the blue’ and feelings that are unexpected and so strong they frighten you? Panic attacks affect people in many ways, but there is usually a frightening feeling that something really awful is about to happen. Does panic affect your body, your mind and the way you behave? Do you notice your heart pounding, chest pains, changes in your breathing, tingling in your body, pounding in your head? Do you feel as though you are going to faint? Do you have unhelpful thoughts or avoid situations because of panic? If this is you, I would love to work with you to help over overcome the panic and achieve and sense of calm to be able to enjoy life again. Emotional Abuse/Co-dependency: Do you have relationships where you tend to feel overly responsible for the other person? Do you notice you make excuses for them and are self-critical and want things to be perfect? Does fixing others make you feel you are needed? Do you go out of your way to please others even when it means neglecting your own needs and wants? Do you find it hard to say ‘no’ and set healthy boundaries, or ask for help? Experiencing emotional abuse/Co-dependency can leave a person with low self- esteem. I can work with you to feel secure in yourself and in your relationship and to develop and maintain healthy boundaries, so that you can change your co- dependent relationship to a loving, interdependent relationship.

Additional Information:

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