Arike (Stan Grant)

As a counselor, I aim to create a safe, supportive space in which clients can –

• Work towards achieving their full potential. I do this by offering a range of approaches and techniques, including the use of creativity to explore emotions and to help clarify issues.

• Increase their awareness of the strengths they derive from identities they carry, as well as explore the impact of any mistreatment they may have received as a result of those identities.

• Identify and release painful emotions, in order to develop their ability to respond to new situations with flexible thinking, unfettered by past painful experiences.

Whilst I have a diverse client group, I have a particular focus on –

• PARENTS
I help parents to appreciate themselves for who they are and what they do and to work through conflicting and confusing feelings. I also support them to identify ways to enable their children to blossom.

• YOUNG PEOPLE
I provide a breathing space for young people to get a clear perspective on their worth.

• PEOPLE TARGETTED BY RACISM
I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this area of my work. I support people targeted by racism [and in particular Black men] to face the emotional and physical impact that the racism in society and the internalization of racism on their lives.

• ELDERS
I provide a welcoming place for people to explore the joys and challenges of ageing.

• ARTISTS
As a counsellor who is also an artist, musician and photographer, I have particular insights into supporting artists to identify their strengths and their visions and to tackle creative blocks.

• THOSE AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE
I enable both survivors and perpetrators of violence to safely work through their emotions.

• PEOPLE IN INTERCULTURAL /INTER-RACIAL RELATIONSHIPS
I provide a space where people can work through challenges experienced, personally or professionally, in inter-cultural or inter-racial relationships.