Counselling in Stratford upon Avon

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy explores the root causes of unhealthy and unhelpful behaviours that can be destructive to you or others. It is based on the principal that all behaviours are learned, therefore can be changed. This approach is particularly helpful when dealing with addictions (smoking, drinking, sexual), self-harm, eating disorders, anger management, phobias and general behavioural management.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy, commonly known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), explores how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour. It focuses on helping you change your thought patterns so that you can change your responses to challenging situations. This approach is particularly helpful when dealing with stress, anxiety, mild depression, social anxiety and relationship counselling.    

Integrative Therapy

Integrative therapy uses different therapeutic approaches to support you to explore your presenting issues and work towards achieving your goals. Combining different elements from diverse counselling psychology methods makes integrative therapy a more flexible and tailor-made approach to therapy.

Carla Devereux uses a combined therapeutic approach in all therapy sessions. Covering Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington and Warwickshire for face-to-face appointments, and from the comfort of your home with online, telephone or FaceTime therapy. You will gain a fuller and more comprehensive understanding of your situation, acquire new skills and apply them to your everyday life.    

The first time we meet we will talk about your symptoms and situation, and discuss what you are looking to achieve. Work will begin straight away as we explore underlying causes and start to formulate an action plan. You will most likely come away with some new insights and a few exercises to do prior to your next appointment.

Counselling is a journey that takes time and effort. For the work to be effective it is preferable to have regular counselling sessions. The number of sessions needed is dependent on you, the presenting issue and how much you are willing to do between appointments. The more you engage with the process the less number of sessions you will need. 

Counselling is relaxed, confidential and takes place in a safe and friendly environment. Should you feel apprehensive about your first or subsequent sessions, you are welcomed to bring a friend, parent or partner to the appointment. Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the first session; thereafter there is a degree of flexibility to accommodate the child’s needs. In some cases it is preferable if a parent or guardian is present at each session to help you understand the therapeutic process, which will enable you to better support your child. Carla has a DBS Enhanced Certificate to work with children.

Common topics Carla Devereux works with and applies an integrated therapeutic approach are:

• Abuse – mental, physical, sexual
• Addictions – alcohol, smoking, gambling
• Anger Management
• Anxiety & Panic Attacks
• Bereavement Counselling
• Boosting Confidence
• Career Change & Progression
• Changing Behaviour Patterns
• Childhood Issues
• Dealing with Depression
• Disrupted Sleep Patterns
• Exam Stress & Study Techniques
• Family Therapy
• Fears & Phobias
• Low Self-Esteem
• Post Traumatic Stress
• Presentation Skills
• Sex & Relationships Counselling
• Stress Management
• Weight Management
• Work & Business Performance