Welcome to
Samantha Oliver Counselling
Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
I'm a fully qualified counsellor with training in various modalities from an approved and well established university. I believe knowing and understanding lots of theories and methods of working is beneficial in creating a bespoke therapy for individual clients. I use a relational approach which invites all parts of you into the therapy space, you will be able to discuss with me what you may well have never been able to talk to anyone else about before - this is due to my ability to create an environment where you feel accepted. I'm genuinely interested in my clients and use alot of curiosity which endeavours to promote your own curiosity to your emotions and intrapsychic processes. I utilize clinical methods, this is most effective in treating clients issues due to better outcomes overall, it's methodical and the interventions I use are proven in clinical research.
I've recently taken an interest in how COVID 19 & the pandemic has created or drawn out earlier issues for people, this is something I've seen in one way or another in all of my client work.
I've experience of working in a sexual health setting and with LGBTQ+ clients, and working with survivors of sexual abuse in the third sector and specialise in compulsive sexual behaviour, working also with partners of compulsive sexual behaviour.
I'm sexology and trauma informed meaning I work in a safe way that is inclusive of diverse sexualities - it's a validating, normalising approach that will leave you with a greater understanding of yourself and why you feel as you do.
Areas I've extensive experience in:
-Anxiety
-Childhood neglect & abuse
-Compulsive sexual behaviour
-Betrayal
-Depression
-Dissociation
-ADHD
-Relational abuse
-Sexual abuse
-Covert sexual abuse
-Sex workers
-Gender dysphoria
-Grief & Loss
-Partners of compulsive sexual behaviours
-Trauma
-PTSD
-Sex addiction/porn addiction (I use a Compulsive sexual behaviour treatment)
Transgender Allied, Sex worker Allied, Sex Positive. LGBTQ+ allied. Sexology informed. Kink aware.
Some clients aren't aware of the source of their unhappiness, therapy is a place where the feeling of being low can be explored and made sense of. You may be experiencing:
-Trouble sleeping
-Addictions
-Using food to manage emotions
-Anger & rage
-Suicidal thoughts
-Self harm
-Flashbacks
-Dissociation
-Poor relationships
-Lost libido
-Self hatred
-Low self-esteem
-Poor self confidence
-Crying a lot
-Hopelessness
-Dibilitating shame or guilt
-Sadness
-Feeling up & down
Therapy isn't a quick fix, but starting the counselling process can ease your distress as you keep coming back and engaging. We can look at how many sessions you would like to work within or keep it open ended.
“When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
— Alexander Den Heijer
Why do people seek counselling?
There are many reasons why you may need counselling, See below the areas I work with which are some issues or presentations people seek therapy.
People seek counselling most when they've become stuck and their usual ways of coping are now failing. This can look different for many, but often symptoms of anxiety and depression are the most common. You may be experiencing flash backs, break down in relationships, or generally disatisfied with life.
You may have had counselling for other issues and now want to work on others areas. We can look at your goals in therapy.
Sometimes people have a persistent emptiness or boredom that shadows their lives - or feeling lost without purpose. Therapy is helpful in shining a light on what's happening and working out how to get back to a life that is rich and meaningful.
How can counselling help?
Counsellors can offer a safe and confidential space for clients to reflect and make sense of their feelings in a non-judgemental environment. At your own pace, you can explore the cause of your distress.
As we get to know each other and your present issues, we will look at your goals in therapy. You may choose a set number of sessions to work on a specific issue or choose longer open ended therapy. This is a period where we can select ways of working that may benefit you. I can advise what would be best after an assessment period - assessments periods are still like counselling sessions, with the gathering of lots of information so it's a great space for you to feel free to talk to me openly and get off your chest what you may have been holding for a long time. Some clients struggle to be so open, that's ok, it's all at your pace.
My approach
Is compassionate and highly relational. I view humans as complex beings with manys parts of themselves. I utilise different ideas and ways of working to help my clients connect to different aspects of themselves for the purpose of integration. Integration is about creating an inner calm and a compassionate community within yourself. It promotes self- governance, autonomy.
Areas of counselling I can help with but are not limited to
People come to me for help a wide range of issues/presentations. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Abuse
Abortion
ADHD
Anxiety
Betrayal
Burnout
Childhood abuse
Covert Sexual Abuse
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (formerly known as sex addiction)
Depression
Dissociation
Domestic violence
Grief & Loss
Infidelity
PTSD
Porn Addiction *
Pregnancy
Relationship Issues
Relational Trauma
School/workplace bullying
Sex Therapy
Sexuality
Sex workers
Sexual Abuse
Social Isolation
Trauma
Transgender
Work stress
Online, Telephone and Face to face sessions.
FEES
Sessions are £62 face to face in Newcastle under Lyme.
£52 online & telephone sessions.
Email me at [email protected]
I offer telephone counselling and online sessions for clients in the Nantwich, Cheshire area and beyond via Zoom. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about how online therapy works.
Contact Me
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