Helping you to find a way forward
Psychodynamic Counselling.
Acceptance, Understanding & Strength
About AUScounselling
AUS Counselling is a dedicated practice located in West Oxfordshire, offering services both virtually and over the phone across the UK.
I understand that everyone possesses a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, and that navigating life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through counselling and therapy, individuals can:
Acknowledge their inherent strengths and self-worth.
Gain insight into the formative experiences that shape who they are. Develop the resilience needed to move forward in life.
We are influenced by our past, our relationships and the challenges we face.
Pauline’s background
I have a background rooted in Australia, where I began my journey in mental health as a counsellor for Lifeline, which is akin to the Samaritans. My early 20s marked the foundation of my career in this field. As I progressed into my late 20s, I pursued training as a psychiatric nurse, deepening my understanding of mental health and care.
In the early 1990s, I committed to a three-year training program in psychodynamic therapy in Cambridge, allowing me to explore the intricacies of human behaviour and emotions. My application of these skills has been diverse, ranging from supporting international aid workers to helping individuals facing homelessness and substance misuse. I have engaged with adults from ages 18 to 70 across various cultural backgrounds.
I find great fulfilment and meaning in working with individuals from all walks of life. Witnessing personal growth and the ability to navigate life’s challenges is immensely rewarding. My academic background includes a Master’s in Public Health, which further informs my interest in holistic approaches to sustaining well-being.
To stay informed and effective in my practice, I have participated in numerous short courses across time and my newest exploration will be on mindfulness therapy and understanding trauma. This commitment enables me to draw from a wide range of therapeutic approaches that can best serve you.
Therapy is your space to explore thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Pauline’s Approach
Pauline’s approach is characterised by warmth, compassion, empathy, and expertise. My goal is to provide a safe and serene environment where you can express your thoughts, experiences, and concerns freely.
This space encourages self-exploration, allowing you to collaboratively hold and examine your feelings and ideas.
Together, we can identify and illuminate the overlooked strengths and opportunities that lie within you, facilitating personal growth and new possibilities for your journey ahead.
If you are considering counselling, I encourage you to reflect on your motivations for seeking support. Consider what you hope to achieve through this process and the type of individual you would like to engage with. It’s essential to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss your thoughts or questions.
What I offer you
Therapy with me is truly your space. Here, you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I believe in the importance of nurturing a safe environment where you can bring any concerns related to your mental and emotional well-being.
Life can be challenging, and I understand the weight of personal struggles. Having faced my own demons, I have learned significantly from my experiences in therapy. This understanding allows me to offer you a respectful space to openly discuss any issues that cause you distress.
All sessions are confidential. In this space, you are free to talk about your experiences—both current and past. My role is to listen actively and reflect back what I hear, which can help you begin to unravel and understand the complexities of your emotions. As you gain insight, you may feel a sense of relief from the grip of your problems. This newfound understanding can empower you to make choices and instigate changes in your life that foster growth and well- being.
Therapy that works for you should leave you feeling more complete and accepting of yourself, enhancing your understanding of who you are. Together, we will navigate your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
We are influenced by our past, our relationships and the challenges we face.
How, When, Where - Information
I see most people face to face, I also offer online or by phone, it is about what works for you, and I am experienced using all three approaches.
Most people I see weekly, or fortnightly, depending on your preference, some 3 or 4 weekly depending on individual circumstances and also as we come to the end of sessions, the frequency of when we meet depends on you.
You choose when you feel you want to stop and I only ask that we have 1-2 sessions to discuss progress and gains made for you to take away with you.
Sessions are normally 50 minutes long and can be for a short or longer period of time. This depends on you, your reason for entering therapy and what you want to achieve.
Our first session is introductory, an opportunity to talk and for you to consider might I be right for you.
Thereafter sessions are £60, and I do provide concessionary rates according to circumstances.
I have a private counselling room in Eynsham with free street car parking is available and easy access to the therapy room.
Our first session is introductory, an opportunity to talk and for you to consider
- Might I be right for you?
Testimonials
“I found my sessions with Pauline incredibly helpful during a time when I was struggling with anxiety, low confidence, and a sense of confusion.
She helped me make sense of what I was going through and guided me towards making decisions that felt right for me.
Through our conversations, I gained clarity and a deeper understanding of myself, which allowed me to move forward with more confidence and independence. Pauline’s support not only gave me the headspace I needed, but also helped me prioritise my own wellbeing, something I had found challenging before.
I’m grateful for the progress I made during our sessions, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for support.”
“Pauline was so easy to talk to. She listened with great interest and thought. I felt lucky to have found her as she seemed to really take in what I was saying and I felt totally at ease.
Pauline is very well qualified through her experience in working in mental health and I felt very confident that I had made a good choice of counsellor. It was a very positive experience for me and she has given me the tools and to move forward.”
If you would like to talk, explore further and discuss what you would like from counselling
Email me to arrange a free initial consultation
