Nice to meet you

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. 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 and crafting that I find therapeutic and relaxing in equal measures.

I frequently find myself getting lost in a good book. I enjoy country walks down leafy lanes and walking across sandy beaches, especially on warm sunny days. Bliss!!!

I hold a great appreciation for all the seasons of the year, some more than others, but I can and do see the wonder within each of them as they unfold.

I’m not the biggest fan of creepy crawlies, especially those that have the capacity to bite or sting but I can appreciate that they do have a rightful place within this world just as animals and us humans do.

My professional background is in teaching and social work. In 2017 my 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 therapist qualification.

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.

All people have the right to experience good mental health, be happy, feel settled 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

Bariatric Weight Management Support (NHS)

Person-Centered Counselling (BACP)

Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy Diploma

Brief Solution-Focused Therapy Diploma

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the therapies, feel free to contact me.

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)