Rate Robert Dawson

Thank you so much for checking out my Better Help Profile! I’m Rob and I’ve worked as a therapist in a variety of professional settings for nearly a decade. I have worked with both adults and young people from all ages and backgrounds in my work. I am passionate about working alongside those who might feel different, left behind or marginalised and my work as a therapist emerged from my academic work in human rights. I value that every one of us is unique and I can guarantee your individual needs will be heard, seen and respected if you decide to work with me.

There is no concern too big or small for counselling and I will work compassionately with whatever you wish to explore and will always put your goals at the forefront of our time together. I know from personal experience how daunting it can be to take that first step towards counselling. I will offer you a non-judgemental, respectful, and sensitive ‘safe space’ where you can explore whatever might be on your mind and whatever challenge you are facing in life. My clients tell me I’m a very warm softly spoken individual and I believe this is vital to working effectively with you as an individual!

I know life can be extremely tough and I will meet your needs where they are right now.

I fundamentally believe a collaborative process between counsellor and client is essential. Building a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship will be at the heart of our work as it is where I believe the best outcomes in counselling lie. I hope counselling could offer a space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and we can work together to see how I can best support you. I would describe myself as an integrative counsellor who likes to embrace good practice from different counselling approaches, but above all I tailor my approach to what your unique needs are.

I believe counselling is an opportunity to help you unlock your full potential, feel more empowered and to be more accepting of yourself. Counsellors are human beings just like you, and I have personal experience of what it is like to struggle with your mental health. This enhances my ability to empathise with people and helps me appreciate what you experience as a client. I am happy to share that I have a stammer, and this disability helps me be more empathic in my work. I believe my disability helps me be one of the most patient and sensitive counsellors you are likely to find who prides himself on making clients feel comfortable. I endeavour to be my full authentic self as a counsellor, and I'll encourage you to do the same. Given my own disability I have a particular interest in working with those who experience disability or marginalisation, and I am very interested in working with individuals who see improved communication as a way to improve their mental wellbeing.

I have considerable experience of working with a wide range of emotional concerns including depression and anxiety, confidence and self-worth, grief and loss, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, relationships and sexuality, and trauma. I abide by the highest professional standards and integrate the ethical values that lie at the heart of counselling into everything I do.

If you feel I might be the right kind of counsellor at this time, I look forward to potentially working with you. Please feel free to get in touch and ask any questions you might have about me, my work, or my approach to therapy.