Life's path can be tough to navigate
Life's path can be tough to navigate
Hello, I’m Dom, a qualified Counsellor offering therapy for men.
Men’s mental health is complex, as a man in today’s world you may be feeling overwhelmed; struggling with burnout from work, financial pressures, strained relationships, expectations of fatherhood, feelings of inadequacy, body image and low self-esteem. The effort to hold it all together can cause stress, anxiety and depression which in turn may lead to coping strategies such as alcohol or substance abuse.
And as a man you might feel you have to cope in silence conditioned by traditional concepts of masculinity to endure, stifle your emotions and be strong. This can hinder your ability to express emotions and make seeking help seem like weakness.
Counselling provides a secure place to unpack these issues without judgement. Making sense of the pressures you're under can redefine what being a 'man' means to you and help you understand how you’re really doing. In therapy you can also develop practical tools to help manage stress, lessen the load and find some relief.
Before qualifying as a Counsellor, I worked in a creative sector for both large corporates and my own business. I’ve experienced how juggling our job, home, family and relationships with life events such as loss can all cause stress and anxiety, while past life events influence how we deal with our everyday challenges. And how this can easily spiral out of control. I have experienced, both as a counsellor and in my own counselling how therapy can lessen the burden and find healing. And I understand the stigma around a man seeking help with their mental health, how it takes courage to reach out, to open up, to talk and allow yourself to be vulnerable, in spite of the the perception that this might look like defeat.
After the Covid lockdown I set up a local running group to provide peer to peer mental health support and help process the emotional damage that living through the pandemic had inflicted on us all. Very quickly I witnessed the profound value of talking, listening and human connection. This inspired my training to become a qualified counsellor. I am passionate about taking a holistic approach to wellbeing and how our physical, mental and emotional health are all connected.
I have lived and worked in the Middle East and Asia amongst diverse cultures and faiths which has enhanced my understanding of difference and is intrinsic to my practice.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and offer therapy sessions both in person and online.
I have been awarded the following qualifications through the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body:
Level 2 Certificate: Counselling Skills
Level 3 Certificate: Counselling Studies
Level 4 Diploma: Therapeutic Counselling
The Cure
As an integrative counsellor I practice a blended approach to create an honest and human relationship between myself and my client. Together we reflect on the present, explore the past and visualise a positive future. And I promise I won’t constantly ask you ‘how that made you feel’ as not everyone finds this easy. I will only ask you to bring the stuff you are comfortable sharing but I will help you explore your emotions if we think it will help.
In your therapy sessions I create an environment that is supportive and empathetic, enabling you to explore and understand yourself without fear of judgement. My training has taught me that we all have the inner resources to foster personal growth and positive change. We all have the ability to heal.
In your early sessions I will invite you to ‘unpack your shed’ to help you understand how your life history has impacted on you. We all carry trauma, like a heavy sack on our back, weighing us down in a never-ending test of emotional endurance. By emptying this out and exploring what lies within we can unburden ourselves. And by understanding the root causes, we can adjust our perspective, find acceptance and initiate change.
There is no magic wand or bag of miracles. Although there is no advice I will always be 100% honest with you and there will be absolute faith that you have the resilience to find your pathway to change. I will accompany you on that path, by your side every step of the way. Your journey may be challenging, and at times raw but you will not be alone.
Depression
Anxiety
Pressures from work
Relationship difficulties
Loss & grief
Low self-esteem
Stress management
Confidence issues
Life transitions
Overwhelming emotions
Boarding School Syndrome
I charge £55 for both online or in person sessions, payable in advance each week.
I offer an initial consultation session at a reduced rate of £45.
I can see clients in-person in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Maidstone. In each location my counselling rooms are comfortable, quiet spaces and all are centrally located close to public transport. My Maidstone rooms are fully accessible.
I work online with clients via Google Meet which I find to be very user friendly and does not require you to download an app. I will send a link prior to the session.
Sessions are 50 minutes and we will meet once each week at the same time on the same day.
There is no maximum and everyone has different needs. I recommend making a commitment of 6 or 12 weekly sessions, and then review our work together. You may decide this is sufficient or you may choose to continue on an open-ended basis. As with all aspects of counselling this is your decision.
It is perfectly natural to feel a little apprehensive about beginning therapy. Our first session will be an initial assessment during which we will explore your needs and goals and I will outline what you can expect from me. This meeting is a chance for us to understand each other better and agree how we will work together. After the first session you are under no obligation to continue.
I kindly request a minimum of 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. With sufficient notice, I can accommodate rescheduling based on availability. The session will be charged at the full rate for cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice.
No. I work on a self-referral basis but am happy to accept GP referrals if appropriate.