Hans Meijer
Counsellor in North London

Counselling in North London (N8)

Welcome to my website. I am Hans Meijer, a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have a small counselling practice in Crouch End (Haringey), North London (N8), within easy reach of Muswell Hill and Finsbury Park, Turnpike Lane and Archway tube stations.

This website aims to help you find out more about psychodynamic counselling,or talk
therapy, and whether I might be the right counsellor for you.

Why counselling?
You may feel alone, frightened, in pain or have a sense that nothing has meaning anymore. Maybe you need to understand the grief of losing someone you love, the break-up of a relationship, a "life threatening" illness or loosing your job. It may be that nothing seems solid anymore.
You may want to talk this over and over again but feel that no-one you know will understand your situation. You know something needs to change but find it hard to admit you need help.

Counselling is confidential and sometimes referred to as talk therapy. It is an opportunity to talk about thoughts and feelings you might find difficult to discuss with friends or family. You are supported in looking at yourself from different perspectives; in your relationships with others, yourself and with your environment. This process of becoming more aware of what’s going on can help you deal more effectively with personal challenges.

People have described their experience as 'Blowing away the fog' and 'I've gained clarity'.

My philosophy is Humanistic - Existential, which means I believe in the capacity of human beings to overcome hardship and despair, but we are also responsible for our actions.
My approach is Psychodynamic - Integrative. Psychodynamic counselling acknowledges that we are not always fully aware of why we do what we are doing. Integrative means that as a counsellor I use insights from a variety of models depending on what feels right for you.

Who is it for?
Most people, at some point in their life, could benefit from counselling. People often come to counselling in a crisis, others find it a useful tool to take stock and reflect. I work with people from all walks of life on issues such as "work-related stress", anxiety, redundancy, trauma, bereavement, depression, domestic violence and panic attacks and so on.

How long does it take?
Counselling can be open-ended or for an agreed time period. Time limited therapy may be between 6-24 weeks but always within an, at the beginning of the counselling, agreed time period. All sessions are at the same time at my practice in Crouch End (N8), North London.

Do you have a special interest?
As a counsellor I am particularly interested in working with issues around bereavement (Read more) and relationships and with individuals affected by depression (Read more), anxiety or domestic violence.

What else do you do?
In a different capacity, both in Haringey (North London) and further afield, I facilitate workshops on self awareness as part of The WellBeing Programme. I also work in partnership with a colleague on tailored counselling for musicians and offer advice for those who need a career change

You have an uncommon name. Where are you from?
I'm Dutch and have lived in Crouch End (North London, N8) for 10 years. As for many people in Haringey and North London English is my second language. I conduct therapy sessions in English and Dutch. I also have a good understanding of French and German.