Hello there, my name is Erica Hardy, and my pronouns are she/her.
As a mental health practitioner there is the expectation that clients will feel able to share their innermost selves with me within sessions so I feel it only fair that to make this process seem a little more balanced, that I share a little of myself with you. So here goes...
First and foremost, I consider myself as being a very family orientated person and given that my family is so very large, it’s just as well. I’m very much drawn to all forms of self- expression, the arts, music, live theatre performances. I've morphed into quite the crafter over the years that I find so very therapeutic and relaxing in equal measures. There's nothing quite like clicking away with a pair of knitting needles to dial down the stresses of the day. Highly recommendable!!
I also enjoy country walks down quiet leafy lanes, walking barefoot across sunny sandy beaches and losing myself in a good book. Bliss!!!
My previous professional background was in early years teaching and social work.
Like most people in society, I have experienced my own mental health challenges to varying degrees. The famous Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, considered that a therapist's own inner wounds open a doorway into understanding the emotional challenges of others. I definitely think he was on to something there.
In 2017 my ever growing interest in mental health peaked to the extent that I enrolled myself onto a post graduate training course that enabled me to gain my registered counselling qualification. This was later extended to enable me to further qualify as a CBT Therapist.
I am so very passionate about supporting the mental health needs of others and consider it a privilege to work with individuals who place their trust in me in order to help bring about positive and much needed changes within their lives.
Each and every one of us has the right to experience good mental health, be happy, contented, and feel empowered enough to be able to deal with all of life’s challenges, however big or small, that therapeutic support is able to open that door towards achieving.
My therapeutic methods
Person-centered therapy
This is centered around the view that every individual has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change when provided with the right support and conditions.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
SFBT is a strength-based approach to Psychotherapy based on solution-building rather than problem-solving.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
In cognitive therapy, the focus is on what people think rather than what they do and creates lasting behavioural changes.
In order to support my clients therapeutic needs, I incorporate the following therapeutic techniques that I have been specifically trained to use.
I aim to ensure my clients always receive the appropriate level of emotional support within a supported and confidential space where they can safely explore their innermost thoughts and feelings. This exploration helps client’s to both identify and openly discuss their problems. They are then able to work upon developing realistic and manageable strategies to overcome varied and complex issues as:
Stress
Personal Loss/Bereavement
Depression
Anxiety
Phobias
Disorganised/Unhealthy Eating Habits
Weight Management Issues
Body Image
Lack of Self Confidence
Low Self-Esteem
So, how may I be able to help you improve your wellbeing today?
My professional experience
Bachelor's degree in Social Work( Lincoln University)
Education
Accreditations
Experience
Weight Management Support (NHS)
Trauma Support
Bereavement Work
Depression & Anxiety Support
Fear and Phobia Support
Person-Centered Counselling (BACP)
Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy Diploma
Brief Solution-Focused Therapy Diploma
Contacting Me
Should you have any questions about the therapies I offer or would like to arrange an initial consultation with me please feel free to contact me via the contact form.
Alternatively you may call me directly on 07873955437
Doloress K.
Therapy has really helped me overcome some past trauma I had been keeping under a lid for a long time. Now, I feel happier and more confident in my life, and feel like I can walk with my head held high.
Anthony M.
Coming from a competitive sports background, the injury that ended up making me give up my career was a hard blow. With therapy, I was able to start building my identity around other things than just sport.
Happy clients
(Names have been changed to maintain privacy)