About Chris Mousicos
My Story
My Approach
My Approach
As a Counsellor and Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner, I qualified at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London. My diverse skill set include diplomas in Life Coaching, Sophrology and Meditation Teaching working with both adults and young people. I have provided therapy and mentoring in both primary and secondary schools
As a Counsellor and Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner, I qualified at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London. My diverse skill set include diplomas in Life Coaching, Sophrology and Meditation Teaching working with both adults and young people. I have provided therapy and mentoring in both primary and secondary schools across London and Hertfordshire. My experience includes, but is not exclusive to, Special Educational Needs, Looked After Children, Bereavement and Loss , Self-Injury, Low Mood, Depression and Anxiety
My Approach
My Approach
My Approach
In my work I employ an integrative approach influenced by various modalities and I am particularly passionate about utilising the creative arts, creative writing, sand trays, clay modelling, drama/improvisation and more.
I have a great interest in the benefits of humour and play for all ages, and am currently training as a Laughter Ther
In my work I employ an integrative approach influenced by various modalities and I am particularly passionate about utilising the creative arts, creative writing, sand trays, clay modelling, drama/improvisation and more.
I have a great interest in the benefits of humour and play for all ages, and am currently training as a Laughter Therapist.
I have an enhanced DBS certificate and am fully insured.
My Aims
My Approach
My Aims
My aim within the sessions is to establish a strong connection with each client and meet them where they are, in their place of need. This can be through building a trusting relationship before embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The aim of my work is to nurture and enhance my clients wellbeing capacities, fostering sel
My aim within the sessions is to establish a strong connection with each client and meet them where they are, in their place of need. This can be through building a trusting relationship before embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The aim of my work is to nurture and enhance my clients wellbeing capacities, fostering self-awareness, confidence, resilience, emotional literacy and the ability to self regulate.
Therapy/coaching - im my words
There is no magic wand!
Imagine if, with one wave, all of our troubles could come to an end and we'd be complete, trauma-less human beings without any challenges. Unfortunately, I've never met a therapist with these powers and have no idea what a "complete" person looks like.
The character Rafiki from Disney's 'The Lion King' (pictured left) was portrayed as a wise old baboon in the movie. He held Simba aloft at the start of his life and had an ability to show up in times of need and sometimes just be there without trying to force or fix anything He did occasionally offer advice and guidance, but it was his consistent presence that struck me. .
I invite you to go back to the times in your life that perhaps you struggled to understand. Moments that were confusing, hurtful, scary or unfamiliar.
Imagine having a Rafiki for every one of these occasions, to simply say "I'm here. I see you. I feel your pain. I can't fix this, but I'm here with you"
Not many are lucky to have had this, but such a relationship can be developed with a good counsellor. Any healthy therapeutic relationship should consist of the following...
Safety.....
when safety has been missing. Feelings of being unsafe drive many, if not most destructive behaviours. When we have been made to feel unsafe, our stress response is to feel threatened, often when there isn't an obvious threat. We'll do whatever we can to restore a sense of safety. Therapy must be a safe and trusting space where a client can explore challenges without fear.
Connection/relationship
that is reliable, consistent and warm. This is a crucial starting point for anyone seeking therapy. As Carl Jung said "Know your theories, master your craft, but when in the presence of a human being, be just another human being" Human connection is everything and a good therapist will make you remember how they made you feel, not what they told you.
Clients must be willing to commit to a process and understand that there is no quick fix or magic wand.
Boundaries....
when perhaps they were missing. Boundaries help to ensure the integrity of the therapeutic process, protect both the client and therapist, and create a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect. They are essential for creating a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
Empathy...
when nobody really saw the world from the clients point of view. This involves hearing the words spoken, but also attempting to understand the emotions and experiences behind those words. It is crucial for the client to feel felt, that they are truly the only focus and also have the ability to move the therapist.
Genuineness...
and honesty help to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood and accepted, encouraging them to explore their thoughts and feelings openly. The therapist must be real and transparent and not hide behind a therapeutic mask. An openness and honesty about their own thoughts and feelings about the process helps to build trust and forms a deeper connection. This can achieve better outcomes and personal growth.
Non judgement...
or Unconditional Positive Regard. Clients, particularly at the start of their therapeutic journey, can often be guarded for fear of judgement, It is therefore paramount that the client feels safe and trusting enough to know that anything they wish to disclose will be accepted unconditionally. The client can then begin to accept themselves, which is a crucial step towards self discovery and healing.
Playfulness and Laughter...
when you haven't done either enough.
"It is in playing and only in playing that the individual is able to be creative and only in being creative that the individual discovers the self" Donald Winnicott.
Laughter releases endorphins the 'happiness hormone' and reduces cortisol, the 'stress hormone', providing a sense of well-being and relaxation. By laughing, we learn to not take ourselves seriously, accept our mistakes and realise we have the right to be imperfect. We can see our flaws as part of our humanity and uniqueness. Laughter and play both gift us the opportunity to be in the present moment. We stop worrying about whether we look good or awkward, smart or stupid.
Experiments
are when a therapist might direct a session and, if the client is ready, suggest an activity or challenge. This will be something safe, that has been tried and tested, that the therapist might feel is potentially beneficial to the client. There are many examples of this using the Therapeutic Arts where the client might be encouraged to move, draw, write, paint or use improvisation.
Sometimes the biggest and most profound changes and revelations happen after trying something new for the first time.
"The true method of knowledge is experiment." William Blake
Supervision...
in counselling is a crucial part of professional practice. It involves the therapist meeting regularly with another often more experienced therapist to receive guidance, support and feedback. This helps the counsellor to develop their skills, gain new insights and enhance their professional growth. It is important for all therapists to self care in order to maintain good practice.