What is counselling?

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If you’re new to counselling, it’s not like it’s often portrayed on TV - there will be no laying on a therapists couch and I won’t be taking notes during our session and analysing or diagnosing you! I’m here to provide a space for you to explore your story, thoughts and feelings at depth whilst providing empathy and gentle challenge. Each person likes to explore things differently so as well as good old talking and listening, I’m also open to you exploring your thoughts and feelings through art, writing or acting things out if that’s how you prefer - wherever possible, I’m all about celebrating difference and making the space for you to be most authentically yourself. If it feels appropriate for our sessions, I may also offer some psycho-education to help with self awareness and understanding or suggest various coping and self care tools to help build long term resilience and self support - these sessions are uniquely yours and each therapeutic journey is different.

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Is counselling right for me?
 

Everyone comes to counselling for different reasons - some to process past trauma, some struggling with a current situation, some with constant struggle of mental discomfort, some with grief, some trying to figure out how to move forwards. Each reason is different but each reason is equally valid and deserving.

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Counselling provides something we often don’t get elsewhere in our busy lives - a space to pause and reflect, a space to deep dive into self-exploration, a space to be freely emotional, a space to reconnect with lost parts of ourselves, a space to figure out what our needs are and what’s important to us. A space to learn and grow and celebrate ourselves. And ultimately, a space to find some inner peace, contentment or empowerment. Whatever you want from this space, this space is all yours.

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Will you give me advice?
 

Counselling isn't about giving you advice - what might be right for me might not be right for you so it would be wrong for me to assume what's best for you. Often by exploring things in a deep, holistic way through counselling you are able to come to realisations which in turn help you to find your own solutions to your problems.

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How many sessions will I need?

Every client is different and so unfortunately this is impossible to answer. Upon meeting we will discuss your needs and budget and see how best to work with them. We will also regularly review our work together; this may include discussion around the number of sessions going forward.

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What does being a registered BACP member mean?

BACP is a regulatory body; in order to be a member a counsellor must have completed training to a sufficient standard and undertake ongoing training and development. They provide registered counsellors with an ethical framework to follow in order to ensure an optimum standard of counselling is delivered as well as providing a complaints procedure to offer further protection to clients.

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What issues do you specialise in?

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I have worked with a wide variety of clients over the last 10 years including issues related (but not limited to); bereavement, cancer, dementia, chronic and life limiting illness, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, addiction, abuse, low self-esteem, isolation, family and relationship issues, trauma and sexuality and gender.

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I continue to expand on my knowledge and understanding with additional regular training, courses and research - including trauma and PTSD, addiction, panic attacks, mindfulness for anxiety, art therapy and additional complimentary tools and techniques.

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Do you provide support between sessions?

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Contact between sessions is limited to scheduling and rearranging appointments. If you need additional support there are services available who you can contact free of charge. Find out more here.

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Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?
 

As I offer individual, one-to-one sessions I ask that the majority of your session is just the two of us. If however you are particularly nervous or require a carer to come in with you for the initial 5-10 minutes whilst you ease in to your surroundings then this can be arranged - please just let me know before you arrive so I can have an additional seat available for your companion. 

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Do you work with children?
 

No, I only work with clients aged 18+.

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Is your property wheelchair accessible?
 

Unfortunately whilst the therapy room is located on the ground floor and also has a toilet available on the same floor it is not wheelchair accessible as there is a step up to the property. 

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Where can I park?
 

Ample parking is available on the driveway.

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