Core Considerations Counselling & Coaching

Welcome to Core Considerations

Talking therapy in a safe space to help you navigate your own unique way to the core of your concerns and through the labyrinth of life

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Hello and Welcome

My name is Stacy Alcorn-Davenport and before I tell you a little about myself and the ways I can support you as a registered therapist, counsellor and coach, I’m wondering if you have heard about the “Wounded Healer.”

Psychoanalyst, Carl Jung created the term, an archetype actually, to explain why counsellors choose to counsel others. He said that many of those in the healing professions have been wounded in the past and that by working through their own mental health issues and understanding more deeply their own internal wounds, they in turn desire to help others who may be dealing, struggling and suffering with similar life concerns and trauma.

It makes sense, right? To want to help and support others going through similar life challenges that one understands either first-hand or empathetically, stepping into someone else's shoes for a short time and seeing things from their frame of reference. Successful talking therapy relies on the special relationship that takes place between the counsellor and the client and provides just the right combination of core counselling conditions to allow one to lead oneself out of a dark place and see and feel things more clearly and with a better sense of clarity.

A 2006 study showed that 73.9% of counsellors and psychotherapists have experienced one or more 'wounding' experiences leading to their career choice as a therapeutic counsellor. (Barr, A. 2006)

A Bit About Me

My wounded heart throughout the years has led me down some dark paths before I ended up on the path of personal growth and development taking me to places where it was incredibly necessary to do the therapeutic work you may currently be considering as a way to move forward in your life and find the means and tools to provide peace and calm within yourself.

All of this was personal and hard work, including engaging in face-to-face talking therapy. My trials also required of my personal development to take it one step further towards the necessary psychoeducation of counselling which led to my studying it as a profession.

I am a big proponent of self-awareness and looking inside oneself to your very core to discover or perhaps, rediscover your ‘authentic self.’ The person you were at birth but somehow were separated from through ancestral, familial and/or cultural conditioning. Despite feeling lost at times in life, deep down only you know what is best, what feels right for you. "It is up to the client to decide what is best for them." - Carl Rogers

These days the world requires us to wear many masks to survive which can suppress so much of our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energy. When what we really desire deep down is to thrive wholeheartedly in being our true selves.

“Most of our conscious brain is dedicated to focusing on the outside world, getting along with others and making plans for the future. However, that does not help us manage ourselves. Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.” -Bessel van der Kolk “The Body Keeps The Score”

Working Together

Carl Roger's person-centred theory of counselling and psychotherapy most closely reflects my mindset and philosophy and his core conditions of empathy, congruence (authentic self) and unconditional positive regard (non-judgement) are at the heart and core of my counselling service, considerations and practice.

As an active listener and not an advice giver I’ll work with you from our very first point of contact to establish a safe and supportive working environment and to build a client/counsellor relationship that can last as long as you deem appropriate. We could meet for one, two, six or twenty sessions. It is up to you.

A Holistic Approach

I practice an integrative approach to counselling which means I am continuously educating myself with ongoing psycheducation and CPD, which involves all theories of counselling, including psychodynamic and CBT, to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of new developments in counselling and psychotherapy. I am continuously adding new therapeutic tools to my counselling toolbox to support my clients better.

As best practice, I approach and we discuss what is going on for you from a holistic balanced life perspective of body, mind and soul. I believe one affects the other. We can sort out together what is your best mix for a more balanced, productive and fulfilling life perhaps discovering or rediscovering your authentic self in the process.

Issues I Work With

Since having received a PG Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and becoming a member of the BACP, I have met with and supported clients face-to-face, and online or by telephone beyond 200 counselling hours, who bring with them to sessions a variety of mental health concerns and life issues. Some of these include work-related stress, chronic health issues, trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, mental health diagnosis, low self-esteem, menopause, life direction and relationship issues. I continue to support area clients with one-to-one counselling at Mind and Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre and have supported students at Durham University.

If you have a particular issue or concern, or any questions that you'd like to discuss then please contact me at 07808 535073 or by email at hello@stacycounselling.com and request a 30-minute free consultation.

My Location

I meet clients face-to-face in a safe and comfortable therapy space in Darlington, Co Durham, UK and online using Zoom or by telephone if you prefer.

After our initial free 30-minute consultation, Counselling sessions for individuals last 1 hour, usually taking place every week as it is through regular weekly or bi-weekly therapy that one can gain so much more momentum and positive outcomes from our work together. It is up to you how many sessions you require but it is standard counselling practice to review our session work after six sessions.

"With Stacy's genuine & calm, accepting & reassuring support, I felt safe to begin exploring my varied and deep-rooted traumas. Stacy gave me space whilst being ever-present; for the first time I felt listened to & 'heard'. The happy surprise of beginning this exploration is I'm getting to know & understand myself better; my confidence, morale & spirit are soaring! My journey with Stacy is just beginning; an angel in disguise that will always be on my contact list!"

Emma

“After my sessions with Stacy, I found all my overwhelming inner turmoil reduced to a manageable level. I have found myself able to accept passed traumas and move forward positively. Stacy has helped me to be more determined to work on myself and to keep improving, especially with my mental health. I feel like I’m growing as a person, and even though sometimes life can be overwhelming, I have a sense of confidence that now in reflection makes it all worth it. I loved my sessions with Stacy, it’s so good to find a therapist that you can connect with and get the best out of your sessions as I did.”

Jen

“After suffering from anxiety and depression for many years, I began weekly counselling sessions with Stacy. She helped me to better understand my emotions and gave me the tools to deal with them and myself in a more constructive way. Then taking the steps I needed and at my own pace and comfort level, Stacy helped me get my life back on track. I am now much happier and more confident with myself and my relationships. I would definitely recommend Stacy.”

Sue

Fees and Availability

My fee is £45 per session. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low income. Contact me to enquire about availability.

Note: For new clients, a formal assessment will take place at your first scheduled session.

If you want to cancel an appointment, I require 24 hours notice; otherwise, you will still need to pay for any sessions missed.

I accept payment by bank transfer and require payment before the session begins.

Get in Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how I work or to arrange an appointment.

You can also call me on 07808 535073 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me. I am very 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. Thank you

Integrative Talking Psychotherapy in Darlington, County Durham