Claire Goodwin
Becoming a counsellor has been a journey in itself. I opened my own beauty and holistic salon in 2004, within a few years I realised that my clients shared some of their darkest secrets and deepest thoughts with me. I thought I was just there to provide beauty treatments, but soon recognised they wanted more from me.
One day I heard a story that was so sad and painful for my client to share, I felt honour she had chosen to tell me about her experience. As I stood there listening I realised then that I had to become a counsellor.
I relocated my business in 2014 and now work from a purpose built a building from my garden.
I still offer beauty and holistic treatments to none counselling clients. But now my day also includes counselling clients. It is very private and offers an extra level of confidently because if you were seen arriving no one would know what you were here for, a beauty treatment or a counselling.
My initial training was the humanistic approach person-centred therapy, in 2016 I added Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to my work.
Being a ‘person-centered’ counsellor allows me to provide clients the opportunity to develop a ‘sense of self’; supporting them to recognise their own attitudes, feelings and behaviour, helping them to find their true positive ‘self’ and reach their full potential. The non-directive approach enables the clients to find their own solutions to their problems and concerns.
CBT is very different, it is a directive therapy focusing on how thoughts and feelings influence behaviour.
Deciding which therapy is best for you is something you can decide in our first meeting all therapy is done in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment; where I will offer congruence (genuineness), empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Confidentiality is very important for the counselling relationship is built on trust. Confidentiality is the foundation of gaining your trust and facilitating the therapeutic relationship.
In the past, I worked for MIND – the mental health charity as a counsellor. I now work for myself in private practice and provide counselling services for Shropshire based companies.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Therefore adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy.
