Chris Gore Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy in Woking and Guildford GU22
Counselling and therapy for individuals in a safe, comfortable and private setting
People come to Counselling and Psychotherapy for many reasons – for example as a result of depression, anxiety, loneliness, difficulty in facing life’s circumstances or relationship problems. For some, memories about the past, painful events in the present or worries about the future may mean they cannot enjoy life or live it in the way they would wish.
A Psychodynamic approach helps link historical events that may have been too painful to process at the time to current difficulties. It allows space to explore thoughts and feelings about yourself as an individual and in relationships with others, with someone trained to listen in a non-directive way.
The Psychotherapy/Counselling I offer is both in person and online via Zoom and is either for short term work of 6-12 sessions or longer-term work which can involve a once or twice weekly commitment for 50 minutes. This can be thought about both prior and during our work together. Whatever brings you here I will take your concern seriously and try to help you think about a way forward.
I have outlined in the list below some of the reasons why one might seek out a Psychodynamic therapist to help make sense of both psychological and physical symptoms:
Disturbed mood, manifesting as depression, anxiety or anger
A sense of detachment, loneliness, or emptiness within.
Patterns of repeated difficulties in work, love or friendships
Self-destructive patterns of behaviour (towards yourself, including self-harm in relationships and substance abuse
Unsure about one’s feelings of doubt, guilt, inner conflict, or low self-esteem.
Unsuccessful attempts with other types of therapies in the past
Sexual difficulties, obsessions, or physical symptoms
A feeling of not being able to reach your potential
All calls and messages are accessed by myself and will be treated in the strictest confidence. If I am unable to answer the phone please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I am able.
My practice is located in between Woking and Guildford in a very quiet, confidential and tranquil setting. My consulting room is located in spacious grounds with free parking. To read about my background and qualifications, click here.
Who Comes to Therapy?
The short answer is anyone who feels dissatisfied with their lives or is struggling with a particular problem. As human beings we have to adapt to societies demands and try to fit in to this. For some this can be at the expense of our true feelings and can leave us feeling lonely, depressed and angry. We may also just feel plainly unhappy with our lot. For others not knowing why they feel the way they do may be baffling and frightening leading to a dissatisfaction with life. In Psychodynamic therapy one can begin to give meaning to why certain behaviours, feelings and thoughts are impacting on one’s life and to free oneself of longstanding problems.
The Initial Consultation
The first step is asking for help which is not always easy. A short telephone conversation before coming for a consultation can sometimes help with this. If you decide you would like to proceed to the consultation we will spend up to 90 minutes looking at what it is that you are struggling with and decide a way forward. This may include deciding on a short number of sessions 6-12 to focus on the problem and to explore its meaning for you. For others a more regular slot of weekly or twice weekly psychotherapy might be more suitable.
About Me
My Background, Qualifications, Accreditation, Memberships
IIn my earlier career I was a Physical fitness instructor helping people to get fit and look after their bodies. What I noticed was the more we talked during our sessions the better psychologically people felt. Of course, the endorphins created by exercise were part of this but also someone being alongside listening to the difficulties helped.
I trained as a Social Worker in Palliative Care alongside the fitness and health work before focussing solely on Psychological health. I undertook further training as a Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist in 2000 where I increased my knowledge and understanding of the Psychological health of those I worked with. My background in physical health has helped connect the two and over the years I have developed an increased understanding on how the body and mind influence each other. This Psychosomatic understanding is useful in the work I currently do.
I have worked in numerous settings over the past 25 years with people from all backgrounds with different presenting issues which has helped me develop a way of working that is unique. I have, alongside my practice, undergone my own scrutiny via an intensive 5 x weekly Psychoanalysis for a number of years, which has enhanced my understanding of the difficulties we can all encounter. I have regular supervision to help me monitor my own working practice and continue to develop understanding and meaning for those I work with. The confidentiality of those I work with is always a priority.
I am also a Group analytically trained Supervisor helping less experienced Counsellors and Psychotherapists to develop their work.
My Professional Qualifications so far are as follows:
- Institute of Psychoanalysis-Post Foundation course 2024
- Institute of Psychoanalysis- Foundation course 2021
- Institute of Group Analysis (IGA) Group Supervision Training (2012)
- MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy (2002-2003)
- Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling (2000-2002)
- BA in Social Work (1997-1999)
I am accredited and a member of:
- BPC registration (British Psychoanalytic Council)
- BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist
- BACP/UKRCP Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist
- Full Member of the Birkbeck Counselling Association
- Associate member of the Institution of Group Analysis
- Full member of the Guildford Centre for Psychotherapy
Supervision
Individual Supervision
I offer supervision for Counsellors and Psychotherapists who have been trained in Psychodynamic therapy or want to learn more about this way of thinking. There is a particular focus on Unconscious processes, Transference and Counter Transference and how our working together can sometimes echo what might be happening in the work being presented. The parallel process can be illuminating when thinking in a Psychodynamic way.
I also offer supervision for allied professionals who work in therapeutic settings and where support is being offered. A list of the disciplines I work and have worked with is adjacent.
Fees: £80 - £100 per 50 minute session.
Disciplines
The list below outlines some of the disciplines I work and have worked with:
Psychotherapists
Counsellors
Social Workers
Mental Health advisors/workers
University Mentors
Teachers
Support staff
Managers
What my clients say...
My location
I practice from a confidential and tranquil setting conveniently situated between Woking and Guildford which easily accessible form surrounding areas such as Chobham, Knaphill, St John's, Camberley and Pirbright.
Fees & availability
My current fees are:
The initial consultation lasts for up to 90 mins at a cost of £100
The ongoing once or twice weekly Counselling/Psychotherapy is for 50 mins at a cost of £80 per session. If we decide that working twice weekly would be beneficial the fee can be negotiated.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07919184239 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
Frequently asked questions
I completed a 3 year Masters Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2003. I have undergone further training in Group Supervision and have regularly attended professional development training courses and events to maintain, improve and broaden my clinical knowledge and skills. I continue to do this on a regular basis. I am currently embarking on further training at the Institute of Psychoanalysis.
It means I specialised in Psychodynamic theory during my training and believe that early experiences in our lives can continue to impact on here and now current experiences. I am skilled in listening for both conscious and unconscious communication either verbally or through the body.
As part of becoming a therapist one is required to undergo some level of therapy depending on your theoretical orientation. I have had many years of intensive 5 x weekly psychoanalysis and 2 x weekly group analysis over these years in order to enhance my capacity to think with clients.
I have extensive knowledge of most counselling theories along with group analytical ideas. This has been gained through many years of working in health and educational settings and lecturing on counselling courses.
I received professional British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation in 2007.
I adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy as set out by the British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy.
All sessions are confidential, except in circumstances where a) I believe a client or third party to be at serious risk or b) where I would be liable to civil or criminal proceedings if information a client had shared was not disclosed. I would always think with you first about this.
In line with the professional requirements of the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy I meet on a regular basis with a clinical supervisor and always maintain client anonymity. The aim of supervision is to help me reflect on my clinical work and is essential in my maintaining an ethical and competent work practice and attitude.
I practice from a confidential and tranquil setting conveniently situated between Woking and Guildford.
The initial session provides us with an opportunity to explore why help is being sought and whether what I can offer is appropriate, and most importantly, that we both feel comfortable working together.
If at the end of the initial session, it is felt to be appropriate to continue working together, we can, dependent on your presenting issues/needs, put in place either a short-term focused counselling or longer-term in-depth psychotherapy contract.
Monday - Friday.
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