Approach

My approach is one that values the uniqueness of each person believing we each have to find our own meanings in life. Hence I see counselling as an exploration of the whole person, the heart as much as the head. Intuition alongside reason. My approach is an eclectic one. As we grow, develop and take on responsibilities we can end up feeling alienated, frustrated, stressed, anxious and unhappy. We are inevitably affected by the familial and cultural conditioning that we have experienced and that surrounds us. Counselling could be likened to a journey upon which, if we can venture, we can turn towards the habitual ways that we see ourselves, others and the world around us. I encourage a curious and compassionate approach to these issues as often we can encounter fear, anxiety, hopelessness and self-criticism. The aim is encourage each individual to reconnect with what they value in order to live a fuller, more empowered, and authentic life. 

Counselling can help with many issues including

Stress
Bereavement & loss
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship issues
Problems around food
Phobias
Addictive & compulsive behaviours

I trained in person-centred counselling, an approach that values and respects the individuality of each of us, acknowledging how we are conditioned by the circumstances and influences we are exposed to. It believes that given the right conditions we can change, grow and develop in to happy healthier people. Counselling aims to provide such conditions. Each client brings a certain uniqueness and I try to respond appropriately, not in a fixed or prescriptive way. Inevitably I am influenced by mindfulness practice as well as drawing on other approaches such as compassion therapy, existentialism and cognitive behavioural therapy.

I offer private counselling sessions in quiet comfortable surroundings in North Herefordshire.

Experience

Besides private work I currently  work at the Bracken Trust cancer care centre in Llandrindod Wells. In the past I have worked with children and young adults at the CLD youth counselling trust and have worked as a volunteer counsellor for CRUSE bereavement services. I am a registered member of BACP, adhere to their ethical code of conduct, am professionally supervised, insured and partake in regular professional development.

Matthew Ward FdBsc MBACP
01568 708836
07982 466224
marchesmindfulness@gmail.com
Herefordshire