COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY IN the WEST MIDLANDS INCLUDING BIRMINGHAM, SURROUNDING AREAS & ONLINE
Welcome to
Ukuba Therapy
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Ukuba Therapy. Ukuba is IsiXhosa, which, in noun form, means “being” or “existence”. Nothing is more profound than the something that it feels like to be you. In my practice we will create a collaborative and confidential process to approach the difficulties you may be experiencing. I am a counsellor providing both solution-focussed brief therapy and long-term therapy to adults.
About me
My name is Johann Venter (BA PgDip MBACP) I offer a chance to reflect on the difficulties and problems you are experiencing in a safe and confidential manner, with someone that is truly outside your day-to-day life. Together we can explore your situation in a way that leads to fresh perspectives - and perhaps a new understanding of yourself and the challenges you face. Counselling isn’t about giving you solutions or advice, but empowering you to make your own changes.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems.As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics.
My approach
My approach to therapy is to work from a person-centred foundation. This is a non-judgmental way of working, where the counsellor creates the right conditions to help someone move towards their fullest potential. I might also work integratively by using elements from different approaches to suit your individual and unique therapeutic needs.
I have a particular interest in existential psychology and helping individuals find a way towards addressing their difficulties in ways that ultimately includes personal discoveries of meaning and purpose, whatever their situation.
My continuous professional development is currently focussing on approaches to trauma.
Speak in Confidence
Therapy takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A problem shared...
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Therapy gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
Make better, healthier new choices
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
What issues can therapy help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through therapy:
Stress
Trauma
Depression
Relationship problems
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger
Anxiety
Problems with addiction
Sexuality
Post-traumatic stress
Grief, loss or bereavement
Work or retirement
Abuse
Family or school life
“I was nervous about starting counselling as I had some pretty difficult things I needed to talk about. Johann gave me a place where I felt confident and comfortable to share . His understanding and guidance through therapy, opened new doors for me by grasping things in a different way . I would recommend him highly as a counsellor.”
R. from Wolverhampton
“Johann’s helped me explore different aspects of my life and relationships at a pace that always felt comfortable to me. He helped me to see things in a way that benefited how I think and feel about myself. I am grateful for our work together, and for having him as a guide.”
L. from Cardiff
“I always knew it would be difficult to address some of the bad experiences that had a lasting impact on me , but after a few sessions I realised that this was where I needed to be. For me it helped to understand the place I was at emotionally, and to follow that up with an approach to myself that was actually beneficial”
M. from Brighton
Online therapy at Ukuba offer a host of benefits
Accessibility
Accessibility and Convenience allowing you to connect from anywhere and eliminating the need to travel. It makes it easier to fit sessions around busy work schedules, childcare commitments, mobility issues, anxieties or even if you happen to live in more secluded areas.
Privacy and Stigma
Many clients provide feedback that online therapy simply feel less intimidating than walking into a clinic. Ideally we should strive towards a world where having therapy is viewed in the same way as visiting your GP for a physical ailment, but it is understandable that some clients may still feel that therapy is something they would like to keep private. Online therapy is ideal in these circumstances.
Comfort and Security
Attending sessions from your home or a familiar environment may help you to feel more relaxed and open.
Flexibility
Therapy is a commitment and works best with a regular slot. Online therapy provides more options than would be available during office hours, including weekends.
Effectiveness
The above mentioned benefits in combination with continued research, have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person treatment for a range of issues.
Fees & availability
Therapy sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £50 per session. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students; contact me to enquire about availability. Initial assessment appointments last around 30 minutes.
Note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 079 9997 5183 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.