Chris Ward

I work with individuals, couples and families, focusing on the relationships that influence their lives both positively and negatively. Rather than assuming that one person is the problem, I think of individuals , family members, friends and professionals contributing both to problems and solutions. It is often helpful to remember that 'You are not the problem - the problem is the problem'. Human beings live together in 'systems', in families, communities, workplaces etc. Hence this kind of therapy is called 'systemic'. For more info go to the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice - http://www.aft.org.uk/view/index.html.

The troubles of individuals, couples and families can become less overwhelming when relationships are taken into account. Clients become more ready to adopt new perspectives and to recognise new strengths in themselves. Most individuals and families are already working hard to address a problem when they come to see me. Therapy often involves distinguishing what is working from what is not working, and looking for new strategies that improve communication, reduce conflict, and bring out the strengths of those involved.

Qualifications: MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy University of Birmingham

UK Council for Psychotherapy Membership Number 2011162521

I qualified as a doctor in 1973, trained as a neurologist, and then practised as a hospital-based consultant in rehabilitation medicine. Through my medical work I was constantly involved in the lives of people contending with long-term and progressive neurological conditions, often meeting them in their own homes. This work taught me that relationships are vitally important in any long-term situation. In 2010 I completed my training as an accredited systemic psychotherapist and I continue to practise as such, having retired as a doctor in 2012. I also work in a bereavement support service where I work mainly with children and adolescents.

I work with a wide range of difficulties such as interpersonal conflicts, bereavement and loss, and in situations such as long-term medical conditions where people and their families are struggling to meet new challenges.

I will meet an individual client, a couple, or a family, although always with relationships in mind. As the work progresses there may be a desire for different combinations of people to come to specific sessions. At all times I will be encouraging those who are present to bear in mind those who cannot come to a particular meeting (and vice versa) because in the end solutions to problems are usually achieved jointly, not by any one individual on his or her own. Each session lasts one hour, and the meetings can be weekly or less frequently.

The aim of first session, for which there is no charge, is to find out whether or not my approach is likely to be helpful. After three or four sessions there is a review with the same question in mind.