Lorna Brewin
My name is Lorna Brewin. I have been working for Write-Trak as a tutor for 21 years. I now have two roles within the company, one as tutor and another as counsellor. I am a fully qualified Person-Centred counsellor. I have an Honours degree in Childhood Studies, Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). Person-centred counselling is one of the humanistic modalities or approaches. It was founded in the 1940s by the American psychologist Carl Rogers who believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self, which he termed ‘self-actualisation’. This actualisation process is innate and accessible to everyone.
To help my young clients at Write-Trak achieve self-actualisation, I offer: –
- unconditional positive regard(UPR) – accepting and valuing them
- congruence – being genuine and real, allowing the clients to build a trusting relationship
- empathic understanding – seeing their viewpoints as if I were them
When my clients attend counselling sessions, they are encouraged to bring their own issues to the session – the counselling is led by my clients and not directed by me.
Many clients, with no prior knowledge of counselling, believe that I will sort their problems out for them. As person-centred counsellor I help them to explore their own issues, feelings, beliefs, behaviour, and worldview, so that they can become more self-aware and achieve greater independence.
Discovering their own abilities
During therapy, at times I will also help my clients to realise what resources and support are available so that they work through their own issues, build self-confidence and appreciate that there are always options. I believe that my clients are the experts on themselves, as no-one else knows exactly what it’s like to be them.
I will not judge, no matter what a client brings to the session. Although my clients are made are aware of the limitations regarding harm to self or others, these fully confidential sessions help build a trustworthy relationship in which they can feel free and supported to disclose whatever is troubling them. It is hoped that eventually it will lead them to discover their own abilities and autonomy, so that they can cope with current and future problems.
All of the Write-Trak clients are able to choose the method of counselling that suits them best. Walking and Talking Therapy, (which is the most popular) or via Zoom or telephone.
I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and as part of that, I have regular supervision.