BACKGROUND:

Hi. My name is Murray Lindley and I’m here to help you with problems that are currently impacting upon your life; some of which I may have experienced myself.

Both my personal and professional experience prior to and since completing qualification as a Counselling Practitioner attest to the impact that life can have upon a human being’s mental health. 

During a five–and–a–half year period as an employment advisor, when I successfully utilised a range of life coaching skills in assisting people facing various life challenges, I became increasingly passionate not only around the subject of mental health but empowering people to help themselves.

I subsequently realised that the humanistic approach (recognising an individual’s uniqueness and capacity for psychological growth) which I had instinctively adopted with clients in that context, can be extremely effective within a therapeutic relationship.

Throughout studying towards qualification and since becoming a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (“BACP”), I have been humbled by the resilience, determination and bravery of clients who have chosen to collaborate with me, in attempting to better understand their perceptions and world views. By enhancing this understanding, they have overcome many challenges; making meaningful changes to their lives. This has empowered them to enjoy greater authenticity to themselves and autonomy in decision–making and their relationships with others. 

ETHOS AND PRACTICE:

My practice is informed by the belief that you are the expert in your own life and absolutely have the possibility to achieve your uniquely individual potential for self-awareness, growth, authenticity and contentment.

In working with you, I would offer a collaborative approach and although I can never promise a defined outcome; I do promise to work at least every bit as hard as you. Utilising a non–directive, empathic and non–judgemental philosophy, I would engage with you in exploring your requirements and then we would agree between us your initial aims of counselling.

During the course of counselling, I encourage continual collaborative assessment of our work, to measure your view of our therapeutic relationship and your progression. Throughout our engagement, I will always do my best to make you feel safe and valued, ensuring confidentiality and opportunity to discuss whatever is pertinent from one session to the next.

Session numbers are not limited, but I firmly believe that the absolute aim of counselling is to empower a client to be able to plan towards ending the therapeutic relationship and to no longer need that engagement. There may be occasions where further engagement is beneficial, in addressing subsequent concerns; but a vital component of the work is to aim towards a well–planned ending. This usually includes a retrospective of the initial aims, how they have been met and celebration of what the client has achieved.

I am comfortable working in person (when possible), via video platform, telephone or text (according to requirement) with anyone aged upwards of 18 years old. I hold a current extended DBS check and indemnity insurance.

My practice and conduct are governed by the BACP Ethical Framework (which can be reviewed here).