2019 was a year of positive change; after five years of training Duncan achieved his advanced diploma in therapeutic counselling (from specialist counselling college Ridgeway College in Lincoln) joining Active Listening Therapies full time in July. Louise was promoted to Managing Director in September. Whilst continuing to see clients, she is also responsible for best practice and developing ethical values as the company expands.
In 2020, Active Listening Therapies will be offering two new counselling clinics in Nottingham. The first will open in January and is located in West Bridgford, the second will open in March, located on Western Boulevard. This allows clients from all areas of the city and the peripheral regions easy access to Active Listening Therapies’ mental health and well-being services.
As was the original idea for the Newark clinic which opened in 2017, the Nottingham clinics will offer a the same ‘open book’ service; offering non-judgemental support to adults and young people who are struggling with emotional and mental issues. In three years, Louise and Duncan have established themselves as solution focused therapists working with individuals looking to manage chronic illnesses, overcome life challenges and achieve new goals. Couples who are struggling with relationship dynamics and young people overwhelmed with the education system along with people of all ages who are experiencing grief and loss, trauma, depression and anxiety.
From January, Louise will be managing Newark appointments and will continue to be the point of contact for education based intervention. Whilst Duncan will be concentrating on developing the Nottingham clinics and managing corporate clients who require in-house support.
Choosing the right time to start therapy
January is the perfect time to consider what Active Listening Therapies can offer you. By January, the winter will be in full-swing with cold, dark days and realisation that the next holiday opportunity is at least a few months away. This can overwhelm the emotions. January is also the time when many people put aside their vices and concentrate on ‘a new self’. This often means better diet, healthier life-style choices and a new way of thinking. Sadly, more often than not, the plan will have crashed by February, largely due to poor self control and a lack of will power. Counselling can certainly help to keep you on the right path.
The word counselling is somewhat misunderstood; many believe it is solely the domain of people struggling to cope – the reality is, it also works wonders for people who are looking to take the next leap in life. Counselling is about being authentic – finding the real you. We often use the term restoration – a return to how you want to be before life skewed your thoughts – we think this is a less judgemental phrase which people understand much better.
Access for everyone
The Newark clinic will be open throughout the week at times to suit everyone including evening and weekend appointments. Nottingham will be open on Monday’s and Friday’s, with additional days being added with demand. In Newark, we will be holding the current price of £40.00 per session, or three sessions for £100.00. In Nottingham, £45.00 per session or three for £115.00. From the new year we will also be offering a discount for serving and ex-serving military personnel, and front-line 999 staff.
Whether you are looking to over-come issues which have been holding you back for a while, or would like to find clarity and move your life forward, Louise and Duncan from Active Listening Therapies are available to discuss your thoughts and emotions with a view to making 2020 your year of change.