Rosie Sharp Counselling
BACP Individual Member
Hello, I’m Rosie and I’m a person-centred counsellor with a particular emphasis on compassion for self and an action-oriented focus . You may be struggling to manage your feelings just now. Perhaps you’re at a crossroads and would like some help as you make difficult choices, perhaps there are things in your past that you suspect are affecting your present. It could be that you just feel you could be functioning better than you currently are. There are lots of reasons that might bring you to this point of seeking counselling but I believe passionately that change is possible. Healthier choices are always possible and it is never too late to look honestly, and compassionately at yourself and move forward with more hope and purpose. I believe that insight is vital, but to get lasting change, this needs to be paired with action to get lasting change. I can help you work out what that change might be and how to go about it.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL:
“Rosie is exceptional at her job. I came to her feeling overwhelmed with life. She listened and took the time to understand me. There were many times where I felt she intuitively knew what I needed at each session. I felt safe to open up to her about personal things that have troubled me for years. She gently encouraged me in a non-judgemental way to make subtle changes and I feel so much more empowered to navigate the ups and downs of modern life as a working mother. I am eternally grateful to her. I would highly recommend her as a therapist.”
My Approach
At the core of the person-centred approach is respect. We are all doing our best and if we are struggling, it is because life can be hard. I will listen to you, be open and honest and you will have the time to talk things through without being judged. When we are understood for all that we are with compassion and support, it helps us to understand ourselves. We gain self awareness, we learn to be more compassionate and we learn what we need to feel happier and healthier.
The power in the person centred counselling is that the approach follows you. I value relational depth, which means that the connection between us is part of the key to unlocking what feels blocked for you. I bring my real self to our encounters and the aim is that we will build a rapport that facilitates your insight and growth. I don’t just hold space for you, we engage in a two-way, collaborative dialogue in which I respond to you in the moment with my own insight and suggestions. This approach comes from the idea that where there is deep connection between people, that relationship can act as both a safe place and a springboard for those involved. We use this phenomenon to benefit you.
Some people find just talking things through is enough, others want a little more direction. We will discuss what feels right for you. I’m able to draw on psychoeducation from different modalities such as CBT, psychodynamic theory, compassion-focused therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet your needs. I also offer working in a more problem-solving way if this feels most helpful. This would involve really exploring and understanding the issues and moving on to brainstorming and evaluating what changes you could make. These don’t have to be big changes, they may be small acts of self care to commit to for improved mental physical health. They may include bigger changes, but we will explore them together, at your pace.
What I can Offer
Talking therapy can help people feel supported through any of life’s challenges, past or present. By talking about our feelings, we can become more self-aware and in touch with our own needs and emotions. We can work through our experiences, better understand them and then move on.
I offer face to face appointments from my home, or virtual or telephone appointments if you prefer. I work from Monday to Thursday, and offer evening appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday at Victoria Therapy Centre in Saltaire.
I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including but not limited to:
depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-harm, hormonal changes, caring responsibilities, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anger, childhood trauma and neglect, loneliness, chronic pain, work-related stress, family estrangement, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence.