M J P Counselling

Hello, I'm Mark, a person-centred counsellor based in Colchester, Essex. I bring over 16 years of counselling experience to help individuals, couples, families, and young people aged 11-18 with a wide range of issues. I use varied counselling styles, including Person-Centred and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), tailoring my approach to suit your unique needs. I also employ an assertiveness coaching approach, which helps people in "toxic relationships" where they need to establish boundaries, become less angry, or for others, less passive.

Why Counselling?

People seek counselling for many reasons. Sometimes, they look to offload an emotional burden, deal with a loss or change, or negative ways of thinking. Some struggle with an immediate issue, such as a change in circumstances or a bereavement, which can cause depression or anxiety. Others face traits of behaviour they feel unable to tolerate any longer, such as anger issues or addictions, which usually mask a deeper cause.

My role is to help you get to the core issues so you can feel and function in a healthy manner, relating to yourself and others without hiding behind a mask. For some people, a few sessions are enough to gain clarity by talking to someone neutral who can provide an objective insight. Others may benefit from a longer journey, 'peeling off the layers' and allowing the process of counselling to take its course as they begin to discover themselves and find the true self they always knew was there.

Types of Therapy

I work primarily with three styles of counselling:

1. Person-Centred Counselling: This involves really listening to the client and reflecting back what they are expressing to me in various ways. This can help the client to understand their thought process and can sometimes lead to those 'lightbulb moments' where they start to see things with clarity. This style relies on the importance of building a relationship of trust, which is respectful and accepting of the client and where they are presently.

2. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): The focus is on helping a client alter the way they think, where irrational, self-destructive thoughts are replaced by more realistic, rational thoughts. For example, where clients over-generalise towards sweeping statements made from limited evidence or thinking in a very black and white, rigid way, when more flexible thinking is needed.

3. Emotionally Focused Therapy: This style is especially useful in working with couples and families. It aims to address negative patterns of interaction between partners or family members and create a secure, emotional bond.

Counselling Services Offered

I offer counselling services for individuals, couples, families, and young people. I have extensive experience in helping clients deal with a wide range of issues, including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Bereavement and loss
• Anger issues and assertiveness
• Addictions
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Relationship issues
• Work-related stress
• Trauma and abuse
• Eating disorders
• Bullying

Sessions & Fees

I offer both short-term and long-term counselling, depending on your unique needs and circumstances. Each session lasts 50 minutes, and I offer a sliding fee scale, so you can choose the fee that best suits your budget.