Whatever issues have brought you to this point are important. I know that the first steps towards getting support can feel really daunting.
Perhaps you are here because:
You are feeling sad, stressed, lost, anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or angry
Your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and an inner critic is out of control
You don’t know why you are feeling the way that you are
You want to move past feeling helpless and hopeless
You want support to work on a known issue, like trauma, anxiety, PTSD/CPTSD, behavioural/relational patterns, periods of change, health issues, loss, or boarding school syndrome
You don’t want to feel like you are carrying things alone any more
You want to understand how your past informs your present
We can work together to unpick and process things to bring you clarity.
Things can change.
About me
“I was in a very dark place, never thought I could ever feel better in my own skin. Rob is brilliant, I was sceptical at first, however, after a few sessions I'm not having to constantly have the past here and now. I feel at peace with myself.”
Rich Z, 5* Google review
Hi - I’m Rob Pratt, a qualified counsellor, with experience of working with a diverse client group with a wide range of issues. I spent 2 years working in a Cancer support charity supporting Cancer patients and family members, and in a general counselling agency, as well as in private practice.
How I work
Validation and understanding
You will be heard and understood in our sessions. Knowing from personal experience how hard reaching out for help is, you will be empathically and compassionately treated.
You won’t carry things by yourself any more
Sessions are a safe space to express yourself however you want, and give voice to anything that you wish. It’s your time to share and explore things. I’m here for you.
Non-judgmental
We’ll explore things at your pace, in a safe and confidential way without judgment. What is important to you will come into the room when you are ready, and there’ll never be any judgment at all when it does.
Who’s in charge?
Well - you are!
We will be equal partners in the therapeutic relationship. I work from a Person Centred base, so the relationship between us is the crucial foundation on which you will be able to make effective change and find your answers. But, this is your process, and you are the expert on you, so you set the agenda.
What will a session be like?
I know how hard the process can be, especially at the beginning. There’ll never be any pressure or expectations from me.
I have a lively, involved and inquisitive style, tugging on loose threads and allowing you to follow your feelings to their root causes. Silences and reflective moments can be a powerful and important part of the therapeutic process, but I won’t be a passive observer as I believe that the therapeutic relationship needs input from both parties to be effective.
I don’t feel that serious therapy needs to be sombre and heavy all the time. I find that some appropriate levity amongst the gravity can make the really tough moments less draining.
EMDR
I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) which we can work into our sessions if appropriate. EMDR can be a very effective in helping ease symptoms of PTSD and complex trauma, panic, anxiety, phobias, chronic pain and the negative self-beliefs which contribute to low mood and depression.
“I really value Rob's way of working. He's calm, grounded and genuinely caring, helping people feel at ease quickly. He's warm and down-to-earth, with an ability to gently challenge when it's helpful. I've seen his work support real clarity and confidence.”
Emma June, Counsellor, MBACP
What can change?
Emotional Regulation
A greater sense of control over your emotions, less flooding and overwhelm, and more predictable responses. Knowing your triggers, where the triggers came from and understanding where your autonomic nervous system response is driven from will give you greater ability to challenge the “default settings” and make change.
Freedom from the Past
Our past won’t change, but the impact of previous trauma and childhood conditioning on our present can diminish. The way you kept yourself safe need not be your character now. Understanding what it is that makes you feel a certain way in certain situations, and which of your behaviours are driven by that feeling gives the insight to make changes.
Trust in yourself
With time and deeper self-awareness, a greater sense of trust in yourself can develop. As you begin to feel more regulated, less reactive and more confident, relationships with those around you at home and at work can change for the better.
A more authentic You
Your internal resources can strengthen, so that the challenges that family, friends and work present will not overwhelm you or shut you down. That resilience can make you much less sensitive to the opinions of other people, increase your self worth and strengthen your authentic self.
A calmer, steadier life
With fewer confrontations, less anxiety and stress, clearer communication, a stronger sense of self and a growing congruence there can be more internal and external peace.
Sessions and Fees
Face to Face
I have a dedicated counselling room in my home near Fordingbridge which is confidential and secure, in which we will not be observed or overheard.
Online sessions
Online sessions are via Teams, and we will have a unique link which we will use for all our sessions. You will need to have a confidential space at your end where you can express yourself freely without being overheard, and be comfortable.
Home visits
In certain circumstances, I can offer sessions at client’s homes in the local area, with an additional charge for mileage. Contact me to discuss your situation.
Walk and Talk
We can walk and talk around the New Forest near Fordingbridge. Contact me to discuss the logistics, and what is possible.
Fees
Sessions are £60 for 50 minutes or £105 for 90 minutes. Concessionary rates are available.
What does Kinoko mean?
Kinoko is a rather lovely Japanese word, which translates literally as “mushroom”, but has a more whimsical meaning of “Child of the Trees”. Living on the edge of the New Forest, I very much feel connected to the forest and spend as much time there as I can. We can meet for walk and talk sessions there too, if you prefer.
There is something wondrous to me about a new form growing from a dark place, making an obvious parallel to the counselling process.
Please, get in touch
It's all about the right fit! Please use the link above, or alternatively email me at rob@kinoko-counselling.uk or fill in this form to organise a free 15 minute phone/video call, so I can answer any questions you have, and you can work out if I am the right fit for you. Then you can decide whether you want to schedule the initial face to face or online session.
In our first session, we'll agree a contract between us, covering all of the important aspects of confidentiality, boundaries, cancellation policies and emergency procedures. This first session will be your opportunity to outline what you want support with.
There is no obligation to continue after this first session. If we are both in agreement that we will continue, then we'll book a series of sessions at a regular time to suit you.