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Meryem Hassan

Diploma in Integrative Psychosynthesis Counselling, Re.Vision Centre for Integrative Psychosynthesis (Dec 2010). BSc Hons in Psychology, University of East London (2002). I am a member of BACP and have been at Spiral since January 2009.

For over 20 years I have actively worked within the social care environment, across the voluntary, statutory and third sectors. I have worked with both individuals and families from varied backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and age groups, with those most vulnerable, as well as those needing direction or support. In addition to practising as a counsellor, until recently I was also a part time manager of a psychosocial team for a Children and Young People’s Charity. In previous years I managed a Women’s Centre, where I gave support to women who experienced domestic violence, relationship difficulties, and physical, sexual and mental abuse.

My counselling approach will involve working with you empathically and intuitively, paying attention to what is both spoken and unspoken. I will bring in methods that are relevant to what is currently taking place for you and we may also look at dreams, use imagery and explore your hopes and aspirations.

Each of us is different. I will work with you, the individual, and I will focus on the approaches that I feel will best suit your unique journey. Within this, we can explore the current life issues that impact on your emotional health and wellbeing, as well as giving space to your history, experiences and childhood memories.

I have worked closely with many people to address their levels of confidence, self- esteem, depression and anxiety, helping them to understand and not judge their distress as well as finding tools and improved coping strategies. I also have particular experience of working with disability issues, addictions, sexuality and gender identity. In other therapeutic settings I have worked collaboratively with vulnerable young people to support them in understanding the impact of their life choices, and exploring how to move their lives forward more purposefully.

Often people come to counselling seeking answers, or positive change, or support to help them take back control of their lives. This process is a journey of discovery, and sometimes of answers, and just as importantly it is an invitation to raise your awareness and acceptance of who you are today.

I work at Spiral on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fees: My fee ranges from £55 to £85; contact: 07946 360981 or Meryem@journeys-counselling.co.uk, or see www.journeys-counselling.co.uk