Welcome to New Pattern Counselling
I imagine if you are reading this you may be struggling with an issue that has left you feeling stuck, like a knot you can't seem to untie. Maybe you've tried hard to untie it, maybe you don't even want to think about it. Whatever the reason - whether it's anxiety, depression or relationships, something in the past, present or future - counselling can help you explore, understand and work on these problems in a safe and compassionate environment.
About me
I’m Ben. I’m 27, based in Poole and Bournemouth and deeply passionate about all aspects of mental health. My counselling practice combines a warm, non-judgmental, compassionate space with a deep curiosity about how others can end up feeling stuck and how they can help themselves to feel free again.
Following my time at the University of Bath, where I studied Biology, I pivoted my studies to counselling and psychotherapy as I experienced, and heard from others, the benefits that open communication about mental health can have. I completed my CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and became a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring I work with you in a safe, ethical and informed manner.
How to get started
Get in touch via email
Drop me an email at newpatterncounselling@gmail.com - if you feel comfortable it would be great to hear what brings you to counselling
Book a free assessment
This introductory call will allow us to begin to get to know each other and give you a space to ask any questions you may have
Book in a session
We'll book in our first session if you would like to work with me. A first session isn't a commitment; we'll take it one session at a time together.
What we could work on together
This is not an exhaustive list; counselling sessions can become quite fluid as one conversation flows into another. There isn't necessarily a need to categorise and label everything we speak about. That being said, the list below of areas I have experience in may help you decide if I am the right counsellor for you.
- Anxiety in all its forms
- Depression
- OCD
- Trauma and abuse
- ADHD
- Autism
- Panic Attacks
- Phobias
- Relationship, family and friend issues
- Grief
- Bullying
- Attachment disorders
Location
I offer in-person sessions at the Dorset Practice in Poole, located in the Old Town near the quay. The Dorset Practice itself is a lovely space with well-furnished counselling rooms and a supportive environment. There is a waiting room, toilets and lift-access.
Alternatively, I also offer sessions online (via Google Meets) and over the phone.
How we would work together
On a practical level, I am a humanistic integrative counsellor focusing on person-centered therapy. What this means is that we work collaboratively, but the content, pace and method of exploration in our sessions is always in your control. Additionally, I may bring in some information and skills for you to consider and occasionally use more directive techniques if I feel it will help you unlock something within yourself.
Qualifications and memberships
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Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
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CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Current availability
| Day | Early morning | Late morning | Early afternoon | Late afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Tuesday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wednesday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Thursday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Friday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Frequently asked questions
What is person-centered counselling?
Person-centered counselling is my primary method of working with clients. It is a less-directive approach than some therapies and revolves around the principles that you, as an individual, know yourself better than I or any counsellor ever could and, therefore, the key to unlocking change is already within yourself. My job as a counsellor is to help you to learn how you can best help yourself.
How many sessions do I get? Is there a limit?
There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have. How long an individual stays in counselling is an entirely personal decision (although, like anything, I am always happy to have a conversation around that too!) You may even decide you would like a break and would like to pick up our work again later on when it suits you.
How much do you charge?
It is £35 for both online and in-person sessions. The initial assessment is always free.
What if you're not the right counsellor for me?
It can be hard to tell exactly what kind of counsellor you would like to work with, especially if you're new to it. Sometimes it's best just to take a leap and begin the journey of finding help. The therapeutic relationship is the most important thing when it comes to the work we do together and there is a chance that following the free assessment I may conclude that I am not the right fit for you. But there are many excellent counsellors and services in the area and I will do my best to point you in the right direction of the help that best matches your needs if that is the case.
What happens if I don't want to continue?
There is never any pressure to continue with sessions. The counselling process is open ended so you're in control of when you want to pause or stop, whether that's because you've achieved what you set out to do, you would like to take a break or you decide it's not right for you.