York Clinic
Carole Ashton
Psychotherapy and Counselling
My approach to counselling/psychotherapy is 'humanistic'. This means that the way I work is guided by a particular view of human beings. First and foremost, I see people as unique and valuable individuals. We each have our own particular experiences, perceptions and approaches to life. We each have personal strengths and resources and the capacity to take responsibility for ourselves and to make our own choices. Nevertheless, as human beings we share basic needs and we are social beings. We influence and are influenced by others. We share common struggles and difficulties in life and we can fall into similar patterns in coping with them.
Generally, facing difficulties and talking them through, exploring feelings and experiences and deepening self-understanding all increase our sense of having choices and control in our lives. We can often begin to see ways forward, perhaps in changing aspects of a situation or relationship. Even if we cannot change our circumstances a change of attitude or way of coping can often make a big difference. Some people seek therapy because of a particular difficulty, some because they feel stuck, lost, down, worthless, out of touch with themselves or generally unhappy, others because they wish to explore and understand themselves better.
How I work
I place a lot of emphasis in my therapy work on self-responsibility: being aware of the choices we each make and how those choices impact upon ourselves and those around us. My approach is to work with you in a way that helps you gain greater understanding and awareness. With this raised awareness come opportunities to identify what you may want to change about how you interact with others.
My approach is based on many years experience and training using Gestalt psychotherapy. This places emphasis on the present and recognises that each person's ability to deal effectively with their immediate environment is directly connected to their ways of making and avoiding contact. By noticing, observing and commenting on my impact on you and your impact on me, and connecting that with your experiences in the world, we can uncover important information about how you are in relationship with other people. Together, we learn what changes might make your relationships more rewarding and more fulfilling.
My preference is for an initial agreement of six sessions, so that we get to know and understand each other. After the initial six weeks, we agree if and how we will proceed. If we do continue we will review our work at intervals. Sessions are weekly and last for one hour.
My professional background
I have been practising therapy and counselling for over 15 years. I initially trained as a nurse and mid-wife and followed this with training through Relate, focused on understanding couple dynamics and sex therapy. I completed my M.A. in 1999 and since then have completed numerous short workshops with some of the leading Gestalt practitioners in the world. I offer group, couple, individual work and supervision at the York Clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays.
My formal qualifications include: M.A. Gestalt Psychotherapy (UKCP, GPTI accredited); Diploma in Psycho-Sexual Therapy (Relate); Certificate in Marital and Couple Counselling (Relate); Certificate in Supervision (London Gestalt Centre); Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Training (Metanoia); R.G.N; S.C.M. My contact telephone number is 01759 307656. Alternatively you may approach the Clinic directly, on 01904-709688.