Alternative Therapies

Bibliotherapy/Book Counselling: Literature and Mental Health

Bibliotherapy or Book Counselling is a form of therapy that uses reading books to support people in addressing their issues. It can help with a wide range of problems and is used as a therapeutic medium for mental and emotional health.

Books are easily accessible and affordable with a variety of topics addressed whether they be fiction or non-fiction texts, and are hugely relatable to what may be going on in your life.

Therapists often recommend books to people to assist the therapeutic work, however this is more specific as it is a form of therapy which uses reading as a tool which may resonate with you as you are able to connect with those experiencing similar struggles.

As well as being a Psychotherapist and Counsellor, I have years of experience of selecting and reading books previously as an English Literature and Creative Writing Teacher which enables me to work with you on choosing a recommendation list of suitable books to read.

We then discuss their relevance to your own personal situation and look at ways to work through the presenting issues together.

I will ask you about your reading habits, preferences of genres, authors and help find books where the narrator or character is going through similar experiences, but also be mindful of anything that may be triggering of past traumatic memories.
I actively encourage people to share their own book recommendations with me as part of the process.

You can choose to read hard copies, online copies, visual copies or audio versions to suit your reading style.
‘Reading is to the Mind what Exercise is to the Body’ (Richard Steele). Let’s turn the page together to begin your story.

Please contact me for more information and to book a session.

Creative Writing Therapy

Sometimes we find it easier to express our thoughts and feelings through other methods than just talking, for example: writing, art, dance, music, drama. You don’t need to be an expert at writing fiction or non-fiction, all you need is some inspiration, motivation, pen and paper to get started.

Writing can be guided or free form, and as your therapist, and an ex-English Literature, Language and Creative Writing Teacher, I can support you with prompts, ideas and exercises to work through any issues.

Sometimes it is easier to write about stressful or traumatic situations through the word form, choosing your own form such as poems, plays, short stories, novel excerpts, articles, diary or journal extracts, scripts to name but a few.

You don’t have to worry about spelling, grammar and punctuation as this is not the point of writing therapy.

I will give you the tools to get you started and help you write both in sessions and in your own time.

Writing can help you find meaning in your experiences, gain alternative perspectives and deeper insight and understanding of yourself and others.

Why not start the first chapter of your therapeutic journey through written expression?

Please contact me to find out more and arrange a session.

Walking, Talking Outdoor Therapy

Walking, talking outdoor therapy became very popular during the pandemic and is a form of taking traditional therapy sessions outside.

Sessions can be held in parks, gardens, beauty spots, by the river or sea or any other places in nature.

This type of therapy can suit those who do not have the opportunity to get outdoors and the session takes place whilst walking and/or sitting in a private space.

It is very good for people who feel claustrophobic or find it hard to make eye contact and can be very relaxing for our minds and bodies to be in a different environment than the typical indoor setting.

It has the added bonus of lots of physical, mental and emotional health benefits.

Initially the first few therapy sessions will involve the traditional set up and then the outdoor therapy can be factored in.

Sessions will be weather permitting and if conditions are too distracting which can affect the quality of the session, then postponement and reverting to indoors may be the best option.

Please contact me to find out more and arrange a session.