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ABOUT ME
Kerry Chapman
A warm hello,
I am Kerry, a fully qualified psychotherapist (BACP accredited) and owner of the private practice Pharos Counselling & Psychotherapy.
My counselling approach is integrative and I hold a Master's degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Some of the difficulties I have worked with include: depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, bereavement, relationship struggles, low self-esteem and phobias.
My aim in counselling is to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore any difficult thoughts, emotions or behaviours you may be experiencing.
Pharos is Greek for lighthouse / beacon. No matter how dark and rough the sea may be, there will always be a guiding light to help sailors find their way. My hope in counselling is to provide you with this guidance when you may be encountering troubled waters.
THERAPY APPROACH
The counselling approach of Pharos Counselling & Psychotherapy is integrative. Every client is unique and through integrative therapy, counsellors have the ability to adapt their approach to compliment the needs of each of our clients.
Working in an integrative way means that we use theories and concepts from different therapeutic modalities (in particular: attachment, cognitive behavioural therapy and the person-centred approach). Psychological difficulties are rarely caused by just one source or situation and therefore a variety of strategies may be helpful for achieving your desired outcome. Our approach is always client-led, so we will spend time to listen and find out what you want from your sessions and help you get to where you want to be.
MY JOURNEY
Although I enjoyed previous jobs, none ever gave me the true job satisfaction that I desired. I ended up saving hard and took the opportunity to go on a career break to travel the world. I came back with so many memories but the one that stuck with me the most was the Phare Circus.
The Phare Circus was the most incredible show; based on a true story about a young girl, haunted by memories of the Cambodian war and how she learnt to cope with her emotions through art and dance.
This girl, along with 8 other war survivors, spent their childhood in a refugee camp where they received art therapy to overcome their trauma. When they were older, they opened an artistic social centre to rebuild their community and help others experiencing emotional difficulties. This was the start of the Phare circus.
Many of the performers today have deeply moving personal stories of abuse and trauma. Watching the genuine enthusiasm and dedication of these talented performers, you would have no idea how difficult their lives had been.
I have always had a passion for helping others but it was from this moment I realised the true power of therapy and knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. When I got home, I began my career in psychotherapy. The word Phare originates from the Greek word Pharos, which means guiding light.
In addition to my internal desire to help others, I have also experienced personal mental health struggles and understand the importance of just being able to talk to someone. I have first hand experience of the positive impacts counselling can have and I hope my counselling practice can provide the same for others.