Deciding whether you can work with someone in what can be an intimate and vulnerable relationship like that of the client / therapist is something that needs to be considered and must feel right to you. Having had seven years of therapy myself with several counsellors and psychotherapists I definitely appreciate being apprehensive of contacting someone for the first time, and wanting someone to help me soon. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes. So what can I say to help put you at ease? What kind of person am I? The easiest way to describe it would be to simply say that I’m a good listener - people feel like they can talk to me, but also that they want to. I’m non-judgemental, curious and interested to know what is happening for my clients and I don’t look to place labels on them or pathologise their behaviour. I’m highly able to understand and connect with the emotions of others, I’m open and transparent in my approach but also able to be analytical about what is happening too.I also think it’s important for clients to have a space where they can simply be, to express their fears or other feelings they don’t believe can be shown elsewhere. Sometimes people just need to be able to take off whatever mask they feel they need to wear in the world so that they can be seen, accepted and understood. I do my best to make my clients feel comfortable so that when they are challenged it feels like someone trying to help them, not like they are being criticised, judged or attacked.Internal family systems therapyIFS is a relatively new therapeutic approach that helps clients confront what they are experiencing now through a process of internal discovery rather than an external narrative approach. It can also be used to heal trauma and correct maladaptive coping mechanisms, as well as addictions, compulsions or mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Please read my website for more information if you are interested.