Terry Bond
Counsellor based in basingstoke & surrounding areas
Are you looking for a therapist who can help you discover and understand yourself better? Do you want to feel accepted, respected and valued for who you are? If so, you may benefit from Person Centred therapy.
As a young man I had not even heard of counselling, during the 80’s it seemed there was no where to explore difficult thoughts and feelings. Certainly the general view was that you should ‘man up’. This was no place to show emotions or any other kind of vulnerability. You just got on with it. Admitting any kind of struggle would almost certainly result in being labelled ‘weak’.
Later in life, the sudden unexpected and shocking loss of family resulted in feelings of anxiety and depression, however my experience in formative years prevented me from seeking help for many years. This wasn’t what men were supposed to do. Just get on with it. The problem being that this approach was not working since feelings of anxiety were impacting day to day life.
I wanted to understand why I was feeling like this. Counselling enabled me to at last feel heard, in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential place. This was a place where I could question what my experience had been. I felt supported, understood and accepted. In time, as the therapeutic relationship with my counsellor grew stronger I was able to rediscover myself but, most of all it allowed me to accept myself for who I am.
It was due to my life experience that I trained to be a therapist. I am passionate about providing you with a safe and confidential, non-judgemental space where you can bring your concerns. I was particularly drawn to train in Person Centred therapy for the way in which this type of therapy accepts the uniqueness of us all, the understanding that our experience is as unique as each and everyone of us.
Person-centred therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on your own experiences, feelings and perspectives. It was founded by Carl Rogers, who believed that every person has an innate tendency to grow and fulfil their potential. In person-centred therapy, you are not seen as a problem to be solved or a diagnosis to be treated. Instead, you are seen as a unique individual with your own strengths and challenges.
The role of the therapist in person-centred therapy is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can express yourself freely and authentically. The therapist strives to be empathetic, genuine and non-judgemental towards you. This way, the therapist can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation.
As a person-centred therapist, I am committed to creating such a therapeutic relationship with you. I will listen to you attentively and respectfully, without imposing my own views or expectations on you. I will also encourage you to explore your feelings and thoughts at your own pace and direction. My goal is to help you find your own solutions and resources within yourself.
I am a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and adhere to the Ethical Framework. I have achieved the Certificate of Proficiency, this means that my way of working has been assessed as safe and ethical. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Other qualifications include CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies and Level 2 Counselling Skills.
Continuing Professional development includes:
Online and Phone Therapy
Exploring Suicidal risk with clients
Zero Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness Training
Working with Bereavement and Complex Grief
The Plain Guide to Grief - Dr John Wilson
Men's barriers to mental health support
Men Intimacy & Shame - James Hawes
Integrating Nature Therapy into Counselling Practice
My therapeutic expertise and experience is wide, areas where I am able to support include, but are not limited to:
Bereavement & Loss
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal ideation
Sexuality
Men’s Mental Health