Mirek Polanowski – Humanistic Integrative Counsellor, Addictions Specialist, Attachment Therapist, Clinical Supervisor – About Me

Short Bio

I have studied on a BACP accredited counselling advanced diploma course. Before I became a counsellor I had completed a master’s programme in human development, psychology and methodology of teaching called pedagogy and also an extensive programme on substance misuse management at the University of Kent.
I am a registered member of The British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and Federation of Drugs and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) and I work according to their ethical frameworks.

My interest in human suffering and human behaviour as well as how we relate to ourselves and others reaches my early teenage years. I am a strong believer in a continued personal and professional development and I constantly take opportunities to develop my own skills and expertise in order to offer my clients the best possible support.

Over the last 10 years I have been involved in various projects working with various groups of vulnerable people. I have worked with the most hurt and challenged members of our society – homeless, prisoners, refugees, survivors or wars and survivors of physical and emotional abuse, including rape, torture and long term family alcoholism. I have worked within agencies specialising in working with people experiencing the effects of trauma, addictions, relationship issues, mental health.

I am passionate about human behaviour, learning, my family, music, cooking, history and travelling. I am always questioning and intrigued by life and I believe that this breadth of interest makes me a more effective counsellor. If we work together in a counselling relationship you will find me genuinely interested and engaged in your story. That’s the best way for me to help you make the progress that you want.

 

Theoretical Framework

I am a humanistic integrative counsellor, an attachment based therapist, addictions specialist and a clinical supervisor. I regard every person as a beautiful unique human being. One which brings their history, hopes, desires, happiness and unique suffering to the session. One with their very unique personality, emotional, physical as well as spiritual make up. I also believe that every one of us has a right be and to become more free and happier in they way they are with themselves and others.

I integrate various counselling schools and techniques including Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis (TA), Gestalt, Person-Centred, CBT, Transpersonal and the attachment theory. What I use in sessions depends on the person I am working with, the difficulties they are bringing as well as on the overall aim of therapy.

Working integratively enables me to use whichever theoretical concept fits best in the moment, and I find it helpful to have a number of alternative ways in which to think about my clients’ lives and their stories.

I strongly believe that we need to be understood and treated as individuals. What works for you might not work for someone else. It’s important that you feel that you get the right treatment and to that end I will always be happy to answer any questions you have prior to beginning work.

I know that sometimes the hardest part of getting help is finding the strength to ask for it. That’s why I try to make my practice accessible, flexible and free from confusing or unnecessary terminology and jargon.

If you are suffering or have suffered from:

  • Relationship problems
  • Depression
  • Low Self Esteem
  • Lack of confidence
  • Self-Defeating behaviours
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Attacks
  • Stress
  • Bereavement
  • Bullying
  • Abuse
  • Childhood Trauma
  • Attachment issues
  • Childhood related issues
  • Bullying
  • Spirituality and religion
  • Social anxiety
  • Shyness
  • Identity issues including sexual identity
  • OCD
  • Low self esteem and low confidence
  • Intimacy and trust
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Guilt and shame
  • Trust
  • Separation/Divorce
  • Tiredness
  • Stress including work related and burnout
  • Anger

or indeed anything that is standing in the way of you leading the happy and fulfilling life that you would like (and fully deserve!) then you can benefit from counselling.

People often ask how many sessions they will need, and I tend to tell them that it depends on the person, the problem and again the overall aim of therapy. I commit to giving you a better idea once we have spoken.

I will only work with you if I really believe I can help you.

 

Ethical Practice

I am a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) and FDAP (Federation of Drugs and Alcohol Professionals) and I abide by their Ethical Framework for professional practice. My unique BACP registration number is 050858.

 

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