Depression - Self esteem, confidence - Relationships - Career development
My approach
I use a solution focused integrated model and have a Diploma in Humanistic
Counselling. I am also an NLP Master Practitioner and make use of a
range of powerful NLP techniques. I work with warmth and empathy, using
practical tools, such as handouts and a non-judgemental and gentle approach
to help you work through issues and move forwards.
I view the counselling relationship as a working partnership, and aim
to create a safe, empowering and supportive space. The terms 'counselling'
and 'therapy' are used interchangeably in this website.
Information about the different models, which I draw from:
Humanistic - the Humanistic approach is holistic and sees people as innately good
with the urge to reach their full potential. It also sees people as
capable of taking responsibility for themselves and making decisions.
NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) - NLP has been described as 'applied
psychology facilitating rapid change and development'. It makes use
of a range of powerful techniques from cognitive, behavioural, and gestalt
models, as well as techniques specific to NLP. Don't be put off by the
name; NLP is very positive and can make change easy, comfortable and
fun! If you have seen Paul McKenna on TV, he uses NLP techniques
alongside hypnosis in his work to remove phobias.
Cognitive - Based on the view that how a person sees the world and translates
their experience makes a difference to how they behave. It is a solution
focused system which aims to meet set goals. It aims to help people
learn different and more realistic ways of processing and reality-testing
information, which works better for us as adults.
Behavioural - Based on the principle that conditioning and patterns of behaviour come
from habit and repetition, often set unconsciously when we are young.
It works to change these habits to new ones, which work better for us.
Gestalt - This model aims for 'wholeness' - to unite and integrate all the parts
of a person. Gestalt also makes good use of metaphor, and focuses on
the 'here and now'. It encourages personal responsibility.
Person Centred - Person-centred therapy sees people as the expert in their
world and places importance on how people see and define themselves.
Sessions & charges
Sessions are usually for 1 hour, at the same time each week. I have some flexibility
to fit in with shift work. At our first session, we will jointly agree
what our focus will be and how many sessions we expect it to take.
Short-term work is usually between 1 and 8 sessions. Working with you at the start
to set achievable goals and agree a plan, I can normally guarantee that
we will get there within 8 sessions. Initial sessions on traumas
may be for up to 2 hours. I occasionally do longer term work when
appropriate.
If there is a comfortable and effective way to do something, that is what
I use. As I see it, if one of the reasons for counselling is to find
out more about ourselves, I believe it should be an enjoyable and creative
process - at least most of the time. I find that my clients usually
look forward to and enjoy sessions.
Session
content varies depending on the issue and how you prefer to work. I
share effective coping strategies if they will help, and sometimes use
relaxation and guided visualisation to reduce anxiety and help people
learn how to relax better. I also make use of a range of concise
handouts, which clients find useful.
Charges:
Sessions cost £38 per hour.
This rate is negotiable for students, young people, and those on benefits or a low income.
Short term work gives you results fast and saves you money!
Specialist aeas of expertise
I work primarily with young people and women because I feel passionately
about empowering people to take control of their lives, to feel happier
and more resourceful. I think that women and young people who tend to
have less power in society respond best and get most out of my model
and way of working.
These are just some of the issues I have worked with successfully in the past.
If you are unsure about your issue or problem, please feel free to call
me to talk it through without any obligation.
- Lifting depression
- Overcoming fears, anxiety, panic attacks
- Dealing with the results of trauma, phobias and stress
- Increasing confidence and self-esteem
- Resolving Relationship and family problems
- Dealing with the results of domestic violence, sexual, physical or emotional abuse or
bullying and harassment, either recent or in childhood
- Career development and resolving work related issues
- Working to resolve health issues, ME
- Resolving distress from self harm, eating disorders
- Self development - understanding what you feel, what you want, and how you want your life to be
- Young People
Time-Limited work may be less effective for some ongoing issues such as cancer, or
carer responsibilities. I occasionally work longer term with some issues.
If you are not sure if I would be right for you, please call me to talk
it through. I am happy to give contact numbers and signpost you to someone
else. Call me on 023 92 733920 or email me at info@elementsinbalance.co.uk
About Joe Isaac
Originally
from Lancashire, Joe has lived in Southsea for 7 years. She has
a grown up daughter.
Between 1994 and 2000, Joe undertook various NLP trainings and is now an NLP
Master Practitioner. She also has a Diploma in Humanistic Counselling.
Joe also brings a wealth of personal life experience to her work, with a good
awareness of gender and power issues, knowledge and experience of meditation
and relaxation techniques, experience of empowering people to take control
of their lives, both 1-1 and in groups, and work with individuals and
organisations to help them function better.
As well as work with private clients, Joe works with NHS staff providing counselling,
and is trained and also provides mediation, traumatic incident response
and support to staff experiencing bullying. She also works as
a youth advocate with NYAS. Joe does local talks to groups on
counselling, the different models and how to find the right counsellor.
Some Client Comments:
"Thanks for the breathing tips - very useful
and easy to put into practice as a proactive relaxer technique too - great!"
(Laura)
"I really enjoy counselling!"
"I feel lighter, more comfortable with myself; happier!"
"It really helped put things in perspective."
"Thankyou so much for helping me to believe in myself again."
"Have used my 'circle' a couple of times already; how nice to have
your own little space in a travel format!" (Sally)
"Thank you for all your support. It has helped me to move on."
"I feel a lot better . . . a lot stronger. It's really helping."
Ethics
- Sessions are confidential
- If I don't feel able to help you, I will refer you on to someone who can
- I am fully insured
- If at any time you are unhappy with the service I provide, you can complain
to the BACP or NLPtCA.
I am a member of the following organisations:
BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
www.bacp.co.uk 01788 578328
The BACP has a code of ethics which all members are bound to adhere to:
As a member of BACP, I am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice
in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct
Procedure for the time being in force.
HACP (Hampshire Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
www.hacp.co.uk 01329
663611
ANLP International (International Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
www.anlp.org 0870-787-1978
NLPtCA (Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy and Counselling Association)
www.nlptca.com 0870-241-3276
NLPtCa has a code of ethics and practice and also a complaints procedure.