The Personal Development Plan
A comprehensive programme for developing new life skills.
One to one sessions to provide support, healing and relaxation.
This programme will:
But first, why not read the article from
TIME OUT LONDON - April 9-16th 2003
Written by Andrew Shields
Making Room for Growth
Escaping the shackles of emotional pain
We all have strategies to forget the problems of modern-day living. For some, it's a night getting blasted down the pub; others might prefer a few days stretched out on a beach. Trouble is, all you're left with is a hangover or a tan; the difficulties you're escaping haven't magically disappeared.
"In this country we have the longest working week in Europe, not to mention the highest incidence of adult depression, the highest divorce rate and the most congested roads," says Maria Arpa. "It's hardly surprising that we try to avoid dealing with issues that matter."
Funny, warm and a firm believer that her kitchen table in Kensal Green is just the kind of unthreatening location to help people get to grips with reality, Arpa is a qualified counsellor and Reiki Master. She has devised a twelve week programme which combines the two techniques: counselling to create a secure personal space and reveal the patterns behind a client's specific condition, the ancient 'hands-on' benefits of Reiki to trigger the body's natural healing ability.
"Mental distress triggers physical reactions in the body," she explains, "affecting a person's overall state of health as well as their emotional resilience. In this context, Reiki works by hastening the therapeutic process. It helps someone to relax, open up and retain the lessons they've learned." Indeed, after a session dealing with some of the challenges set out in the 12-step 'Personal Plan for Inner peace' which Arpa produces for each client, 45 minutes lying fully clothed while she places her hands gently and passively on different parts of the body and head is immensely soothing.
Both counselling and Reiki - a Japanese word meaning 'universal energy' - are growing rapidly in the UK. The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has reported a 710% increase in practitioners over the last decade, while more than half the country's primary care practices now offer some form of counselling to patients. Likewise, the Reiki Association has seen a significant demand for accredited training.
Once a stressed out advertising professional herself, Maria Arpa believes the two approaches dovetail perfectly into an easy-to-follow programme: "Over three months, we can examine different aspects of an individual's psyche and response processes: attitudes to work, money, parents, partners, how they process and externalise their feelings and how they distract themselves from the things that matter. We then explore the options for personal growth and record the results. The beauty of the system is that it is non-invasive, fits easily into a person's daily life, provides a supportive environment and gives the tools needed for lasting change."
The results are impressive, with Arpa's clients reporting a real boost to their self-esteem and well-being as well as relief from stress, poor sleep and physical ailments such as back pain. "This has given me the strength to handle the challenges in my life," says one 45 year old man after completing the programme. "I have succeeded in changing my belief system and now understand why certain things have happened. I know how to achieve my dreams."
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How does it work?
Counselling creates a personal space where you can talk and be listened to in a safe, confidential and caring environment. I will help you to discover your true feelings and see how those feelings affect the choices you make. You will learn how to make decisions from insight. I will be there to support you.
Reiki relieves stress and fatigue and stimulates the body's own natural healing potential. It helps you to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being.
Reiki is not a belief system nor is it linked to any religion.
These sessions allow you to you invest in yourself. After all, whether you know it or not, you are your greatest asset.
How do I start this programme?
Contact me to make an appointment for a consultation. At this consultation you get the opportunity to ask me questions and find out how this course will help you.
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Counselling
My approach to counselling
It is not unusual to find yourself questioning your life and wondering if you have the strength to change it.
Inside every person is the potential and capacity to resolve issues and choose a better life. My intention is to unlock that potential and help you see the possibilities. We are more creative than we realise, and in the pressure and tension of daily life it is easy to lose sight of our greatest asset and resource - ourselves.
You might also want to find deeper meaning and insight
Counselling will help you to build a life which is spiritually, intellectually and emotionally more fulfilling. We can explore the attitudes, behaviours and feelings that shape your every day experience.
Looking at the past is one of the ways you can help to define the future. I will guide and support you as you come to terms with any difficulties you face and learn to accept yourself.
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Time to talk; time to be understood
The counselling session is your personal space where you can talk openly about yourself, your hopes, your fears, your expectations and your disappointments. You can express your feelings in a non-judgmental and confidential setting. It's amazing what we store up inside us whether we know it on a conscious level or not. Making links between this and how we react to situations can help to alleviate personal pressure.
To discuss your requirements or find out more call me on 07831 30 20 10
or email
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