Chris Trewick (Karunapalita) MBACP
contact - t: 07757 330540   e: info@christrewickcounselling.co.uk

Personal Experience

It is my heartfelt intention to make a genuine connection with the client. I have been meditating for over 15 years and feel the awareness developed through this helps the healing resonance that can take place in the counselling setting. I have a strong interest in how existential issues may be of relevance to the therapeutic context. Also I believe that being present through mindfulness is of real value.

I am a qualified counsellor in private practice and have experience with a wide range of issues. I work with a person-centred approach. My work mirrors the British Association for the Person-Centred Approach (BAPCA) principles - where the individual is believed to have intrinsic value and has a natural potential for growth, change and self-determination. I am a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and as an individual member I am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure. I am covered by professional liability insurance.

I have been involved with Brighton and Hove Cruse Bereavement Care, Sussex Breakeven (Gambling issues) and CRI-Equinox (Drugs and Alcohol) as a volunteer counsellor.

I have a personal understanding of dyslexia. In my psychology degree I completed research in this area. More importantly I have a strong sense of empathy and understanding of this learning disability.

Over the last 15 years I have had experience and training in meditation. I have also taught different forms of meditation including 'mindfulness of breathing'.

Theoretical Model

The person-centred approach to counselling/psychotherapy was originally described by Carl Rogers. The theory evolved out of his experience with clients where a particular type of relationship was found to be beneficial. This relationship was characterised by genuineness (congruency), warm respect (unconditional positive regard) and empathy (resonance with the client's experience).

Initially this type of counselling was known as 'non-directive' psychotherapy because it was based on the principle that the client is self-directive and that there is an organic urge to grow/heal in each individual. The approach was later called 'client-centred' or 'person-centred' to reflect the fundamental role and value of the client in the therapeutic process.

Qualifications

Foundation Degree in Counselling (FdSc) accredited, University of Brighton (Sussex Downs College) – July 2008
Equinox and CRI Drug and Alcohol Counselling Training (90hrs) Brighton – February 2008
Cruse Bereavement Care Volunteer Counsellor Training, Eastbourne – March 2007
Sussex Breakeven (Gamcare) Problem Gambler Training, Brighton – February 2007
Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills (OCN accredited – levels 2&3), Lewes – completed July 2006
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Primary Teacher), University of Brighton – July 1993
BSc (Hons) 2:1 Psychology, University of Sussex – July 1990