Welcome
Hi, I'm Darren Nelson
My background and experience
I have a Masters (MA), PGDip and PGCert in Gestalt Therapy, which is a humanistic approach. I am also a qualified group facilitator, and I am UKCP Accredited. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I also have a diploma in Person Centred Counselling. My experience enables me to use an integrative approach when working with client’s presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse to name a few. In addition, I am a tutor at a London Institute delivering integrative counselling and psychotherapy classes — Theory to Practice along with Personal Development Group Facilitation.
Before working in the field of psychotherapy, I worked in the medical, charity and education sectors, specialising in communications and providing creative solutions. Working in these areas and team leading helped to increase my awareness and curiosity of the dynamic that occurs in co-created relationships. This curiosity has driven my interest in mental health and how psychotherapy and counselling might help facilitate the process of change and healing. Using a variety of therapeutic interventions and models, my aim is to creatively work with clients to support them through the tuff and challenging times.
There are no quick fixes and one size does not fit all. However, I work directly with what the individual presents as problems or challenges in their lives, such as anxiety, depression and different forms of loss or trauma. Often when working therapeutically and with a focus on the here-and-now, in the moment experiencing, it is possible through new insights for other subconscious elements to rise to the surface or in to view.
Working with current situations and paying close attention to empathic attunement and process, together we can explore fixed patterns of behaviour and experiment with what might be habitual ways of relating. Gaining an understanding of how you think (mind) along with how you feel (body) might foster the type of growth that you are trying to achieve. The phenomenon of being 'stuck' is a reality for many, so the kind of therapy I offer speaks to a willingness of committing to the process. An openness and the will to work on entrenched difficulties is valuable if adjustment, change and growth is to be achieved.
In addition to working with individuals, I have a passion for working with and facilitating couples and groups. In terms of group work, this can be a therapeutic focus, and or a personal development focus group. I see group work as an intentionally supportive space that offers the potential for members to experience and explore their personal situations more fully alongside and with others who might have had similar life experiences.
My core aim is to create an environment safe and supportive enough for people from all backgrounds to bring what they bring and feel welcome. I work with people aged 16+.
My practice is based in Central and South London. Contact me for more details.