Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. But talking to someone outside your situation, someone who won't judge, can make a real difference.
I offer a free 25-minute initial consultation. It's a chance to talk about what's bringing you to counselling, ask any questions you have, and see if we're a good fit. No pressure. No commitment.
My work is grounded in the person-centred approach. That means I focus on you as a whole person, not just your problems. I trust that you will have the capacity to find your own way forward; I have faith in your capacity to make changes and draw on your own inner resources. My role is to create the right conditions for that to happen.
Not everyone who comes for counselling needs a longer term approach. Single Session Therapy is a focused, practical approach for when you need support with a specific issue quickly. It's structured, results-oriented, and can be really effective. We discuss your specific goals during your initial consultation and build a therapeutic plan tailored to you.
I work online, which means you can access support from wherever feels comfortable. Alternatively, some people prefer to have face to face sessions in their own home. The flexibility matters.
Sessions are 50 minutes. We'll start with an assessment to understand what you need, then build an agreement about how we'll work together. I encourage you to ask questions at any point.
Times have changed. These days, there's no set definition of a person who needs or wants counselling. Some come with specific issues they need help with whereas others may come for clarity or support for changes or transitions they're moving through. Others may be moving through periods of uncertainty.
I have a particular interest in bereavement counselling. For some, grief can be messy or complex; for others, they just need time to make space for their loss, however it shows up. There's no timeline for it. Whether it's recent or years ago, whether it's a person, a relationship, or a version of yourself you've lost, we can explore it together.
I also have extensive experience supporting people from LGBTQ+ communities, cultural subgroups and marginalised communities. My background includes 15 years in drug and alcohol services, so if you're dealing with addiction or substance misuse, that's familiar territory for me.
Whatever brings you here, you'll find a non-judgemental space where you can talk openly.
Answers to some of the questions people ask before, during and at the end of their time in counselling.
Only you can answer that, but you don't need to be in crisis to access support. People come for all sorts of reasons: bereavement, anxiety, identity questions, life transitions, or just a sense that something isn't quite right. If you're wondering whether it might help, that's often worth exploring.
Get in touch via email, the contact form or by phone. We'll arrange a free 25 minute initial consultation to talk about what's bringing you to counselling and see if we're a good fit. If it feels right, we'll arrange your first session. Most people start within a week or two after agreeing on a way to move forward.
Your initial consultation is the ideal opportunity for you to share what brings you to counselling and for you to ask any questions about counselling or how I work, including dates, times and payment. You're not committing to anything at this stage. By the end of the call, you will know if it feels right, and then we can arrange your first session.
There's no fixed timeframe. Some people need just a single session. Most look for longer term support. 6 sessions is often considered a sensible initial option. Single Session Therapy is also available for a single, focused, quick session of support. You're free to finish whenever you feel ready, and we'll review how things are going as we work together.
Anything that's on your mind. Our focus will often be agreed during consultation but there's no boundaries around what you bring in. Rules of confidentiality will keep us both safe. It's also okay if there are things you're not ready to share yet. You set the pace. You may be surprised at what comes up.
Yes. details of our sessions stays confidential. Where I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm or I'm instructed to hand over details to a Court of Law. I am required by BACP to have monthly supervision. Some details of our work may need to be shared here so that I can understand or help you further. My supervisor adheres to the same rules of confidentiality that I am. These rules will be outlined clearly to you in our working agreement and before we start therapy.
Counselling can bring up uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and that's actually part of the process. You might feel vulnerable or upset at times. What matters is that you're creating space to be honest with yourself. There's no "right" way to do this, and I'll work at your pace.
That's entirely your choice. Some people find it helpful to share, others prefer to keep it private, and both are valid. You don't owe anyone an explanation about your own wellbeing. What you share, when you share it, and with whom is something only you can decide. Your counselling is your space.
If something isn't working between us, that's important information and worth exploring together. Maybe it's something we can address directly. If it's not or you need to, there'll be other methods of reporting issues without speaking to me. I can let you know about these in our agreement. Either way, your comfort and trust matter.
You'll probably notice a personal shift in your feelings or that you find yourself repeating material. You may notice that things feel more manageable, you have more clarity, or you feel more confident. Often, people reach a point where they've got what they originally came for. We can talk about our ending in a session, giving us space to reflect on our work together.
Absolutely. Life keeps throwing things at us. Some people return months or years later when facing something new or when old issues resurface. You're welcome to get in touch whenever you feel you'd benefit from more support. Many clients come back to the same counsellor because of the strong therapeutic relationships they built with them.
You're free to stop whenever you want. That said, talking about it in a session first can be helpful, especially if the urge to leave comes from therapy feeling difficult or scary etc. These times can often be most therapeutic if we're able to move through them, but ultimately, the decision is yours.
Get in touch to arrange your free initial consultation, or if you have questions, drop me a message.