When life seems overwhelming or without meaning

When love, work and social relationships seem to be falling apart

When you find yourself unable to solve the problems that life brings you

Work with me to

• See your problems clearly
• Deal with them at the root
• Choose a better life

Psychotherapy & Counselling

Psychotherapy and Counselling are tasks in which you and I work together to discover the hidden roots of your problems. What is brought to light and examined will begin to lose its power over you. You will know that psychotherapy or counselling is working, when you feel the freedom to choose new goals and ways of living without suffering.

Choosing a psychotherapist or counsellor you feel able to trust may seem difficult. You may find it helpful to make a shortlist of possible counsellors and psychotherapists, who are within travelling distance. You could then approach each one and allow one to emerge as the optimum choice for you.

Don't let the apparent difficulty of choosing a psychotherapist or counsellor prevent you from dealing with your problems. It would be a pity to continue suffering, when there are so many therapists in Surrey who could help.

I offer an initial single session at a low fee to allow you to discover whether we can work together before committing to therapy.

Is there a difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

Psychotherapy entails a radical character adjustment, changing deep-seated and mostly unconscious attitudes which lead the person into unnecessary conflict with the world. Counselling is relatively simple work, suggestive of a change in tactics in dealing with the world. In practice these overlap. It is only on completion of our work together that we could look back and say, that was counselling or that was psychotherapy. Even the seemingly less ambitious work of counselling leading to modest changes can eventually have far-reaching and liberating effects. The matter is further complicated by a certain amount of snobbery among therapists and others, who tend to look down on mere counselling.

Is the Adlerian approach better than other forms of Psychotherapy and Counselling?

My work is based on the theory and practice of Alfred Adler (1870 – 1937), Rudolf Allers, Erwin Wexberg and other pioneers of Individual Psychology.

The Adlerian approach (Individual Psychology), which has matured and developed for a century, offers the power to change your life for the better. The key to this power is Adler’s insistence on placing the person at the centre of the undertaking and dealing with him or her as a comrade in a common enterprise. This was radical 100 years ago and remains so today.

I cannot observe therapists of other orientations at work, so I cannot claim to know that they are less effective. In fact many of my contacts with therapists of other orientations have impressed me with their wisdom and compassion. No matter what the orientation of the therapist, good therapy transcends mere technique.

Is there a Guarantee that Adlerian Psychotherapy and Counselling will work?

This therapy is a form of self-examination and reflection, aided by a therapist. I can guarantee that I will do my best in my share of that process. Providing you bring enough energy and courage and apply it to the task, not shrinking back from the possibility of what you may discover, the benefits of the process are great and permanent.

How much do Psychotherapy and Counselling cost?

The full charge for a 50-minute session is £45. I offer an initial single session for a reduced fee of £25. I also offer Psychotherapy and Counselling in certain circumstances at that same reduced fee.

Can’t I do this work on my own?

Yes, I believe that it is possible to work on yourself psychotherapeutically. I believe we all need to be doing this as a matter of course, in the spirit of Socrates’ dictum a life unexamined is not worth living. However, it is extremely difficult to do this unaided. We are, as it were, standing in our own shadow. There is a tendency either to flatter oneself or to dwell on dark matter and descend into self-pity. On this page in the right-hand column are listed some books that may help. See Helpful Books by Adlerians.

I am afraid of what I may discover, if I start psychotherapy or counselling.

There is a common misconception that within the unconscious lurk unspeakable monsters. In the experience of Individual Psychology what we are most likely to find is error rather than horror. What is there is unspeakable because it has not yet been spoken of or examined. Unexamined, it continues to exert great destructive power over our lives.

Is it all in my mind?

Many of us are aware that problems of the body can have some or all of their origins in the mind. We are generally less aware that there are also mental difficulties that have physical causes. Mood-altering substances, such as drugs and alcohol may be causing some of our difficulties. Hormonal disfunction, organ damage, infections, cerebral tumours, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders, hypoadrenism, poor nutrition, vitamin B deficiency and many other conditions can produce mood changes, depression, personality changes, paranoia and psychotic episodes. It is a wise step to consult your GP when you are considering psychotherapy.

As a man I consider it shameful to admit weakness. If I have problems, I ought to be able to just buck up and get on with it.

Well, I’m a man too, and I believe you may be making a terrible mistake. It is not unmanly at all to see a problem and resolve to tackle it. In fact it is a fundamental strength of our human nature, male and female: we turn problems into solutions.

Where in Surrey is your psychotherapy and counselling practice?

In a purpose-built garden room in Great Bookham offering a calm and discrete setting well suited to this kind of work. I offer sessions Monday to Thursday, daytime and evening.

What area of Surrey do you cover?

That, of course, depends on transport. Great Bookham is within Mole Valley, Surrey, and in easy reach of Effingham, Fetcham, Little Bookham, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Hersham, Brooklands, Byfleet, Esher, Oxshott, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Epsom, Mickleham, Box Hill, Dorking, Betchworth, Buckland, Reigate, Redhill, Horley, Westcott, Shere, Albury, Merrow, Guildford, Godalming, Burpham, East & West Clandon, East & West Horsley, Ockham, Ripley, Woking and Send. Great Bookham is on the A246 close to Leatherhead and Junction 9 of the M25. Great Bookham is also within a short distance of the A3, the A24 and the A25. On-street parking is free.

What are your qualifications?

I trained for 4 years at Bucks Adlerian Training in Aylesbury and earned the Adlerian Society’s Diploma in Individual Psychology DipIIP. For over 7 years I have worked with people struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. Before training I worked in production, sales and marketing in printing, librarianship, publishing and engineering.

To book a Counselling or Psychotherapy session or to find out more dial 07954 277 852 or:

Click to EMAIL
psychotherapy@harry-dowling.net