Chris Wake
About Me
Hi, I’m Chris – a psychotherapist and mediator. I work with individuals, couples and families. I love helping people improve their lives through better relationships – with themselves and with others. In my work with couples and families I’ve supported clients with issues including improving communications, managing conflict, affair recovery, navigating relationship breakdown and managing mental health difficulties within the family.
As an individual therapist I have experience in helping people manage a range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship issues, low self-esteem, addiction and trauma recovery.
My approach
I work in an integrative way, meaning that I draw on a blend of different counselling approaches, depending on your priorities and needs. Overall, my approach is to provide a relaxed and safe space for you to untangle your problems – and figure out ways to manage them better. I do this by asking questions which shed light on what is driving your difficulties, from the past and present. These may include exploration of your underlying emotions and associated needs, fears and protection mechanisms, narratives and patterns from your family and culture, the influence of formative relationships on how you navigate the world, and how traumatic events in the past may be shaping your experiences today.
Drawing on these insights, I then collaborate with you to figure out effective ways to improve your wellbeing and relationships. These could include tools and techniques proven to be effective from recent research; as well as the approaches which work best for you based on your own context, skills and experience. Evidence shows that the effectiveness of therapy reflects the quality of the relationship between the counsellor and client(s). An important common thread of my work as a therapist is therefore to facilitate a relationship between us which is authentic, warm and (hopefully!) enjoyable.
Memberships
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I’m also a registered member of the Association of Christians in Counselling (ACC) and am happy to discuss issues of faith, religion and spirituality where that is relevant to you.
Exploring counselling
If you are interested in exploring counselling with me then I offer a free initial consultation without any obligation to proceed. This provides an opportunity to get to know me, ask any questions and gauge whether I would be a good fit for you as a therapist.
Online and/or telephone appointments are available.
