Face-to-face, online and telephone counselling available
Counselling is an opportunity to talk in complete confidence about whatever is on your mind with someone who is experienced in how our thoughts about our experiences affect our feelings and behaviours. Together we can form a clear understanding of your situation and help you process your thoughts and move forward with your life in a positive way.
About Me
I have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and I’m an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I adhere to the BACP ethical framework to ensure I work safely and in the interests of my clients at all times.
As a fully qualified counsellor with experience in a wide variety of issues I have helped people experiencing anxiety, bereavement and loss, confidence issues, depression, difficulties coping with everyday life, panic attacks, personal development, relationship issues, unresolved childhood difficulties, self-esteem issues, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and trauma and PTSD issues.
My Approach
I treat all my clients with respect, care and compassion. I appreciate it can be very nerve wracking coming to counselling and I will do my best to put you at ease. I integrate Person Centred and Psychodynamic counselling approaches. This means I will listen and try to understand things from your point of view. I will not tell you what to do but help you to find your own solutions to whatever challenges you are dealing with. Together we can gain insight into the reasons behind any problems you are facing and build strong inner resources to move forwards. For more information please see the answers to my frequently asked questions.
Rates & Practice
I work in a comfortable and private cabin at my home. I currently work with adults only on a one to one basis. I am accessible by bus and train and have plenty of free parking. I can also offer online or phone counselling sessions. My fee is £50 per 50 minute session.
If you’re happy to go forward after speaking to me on the phone we can arrange a first session. In counselling it is really important that you feel as comfortable as possible so if for any reason you don’t think it will work out after that first session there’ll be no charge. Otherwise we’ll continue on a weekly basis at a time that works for both of us.
If you are interested in finding out more click here to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a counsellor?
The most important thing to look for in a counsellor is someone you feel comfortable and safe talking to. This can be a very personal decision and it’s fine to trust your gut instinct. Your counsellor should also have a recognised academic qualification such as a Level 4 Diploma or equivalent. It is also helpful if they are a member of a professional body. In the UK there is the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Being a member of either of these organisations means that the counsellor must follow a professional code of conduct and work to a certain standard.
How long do I need to have counselling?
Counselling can be tailored to you and your needs. I would recommend a minimum of 6-8 weeks and I think it’s preferable to have 10-12 weeks. I can work in a fixed short term or an open-ended way and we can discuss your needs when we meet and throughout our sessions. However, it is ultimately up to you and you can finish at any time.
What happens in a counselling session?
Typically, in a session you would talk about whatever is bothering you. You don’t need to have a plan – anything that’s on your mind is fine to share. I will listen and sometimes ask a question to clarify my understanding of your situation or reflect something back to you so you can correct me if I haven’t got it quite right. Together we will build up a picture of what the issues are and how to move forwards.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
I don’t have a waiting list so if I have availability we can arrange to meet in the next week or so.
Can I have counselling if I’m not really ill?
Absolutely. Sometimes we feel that we are not struggling enough or that other people might have far worse problems than we do, but counselling can be beneficial for anyone that is experiencing some distress or wanting to overcome something in their lives.
What happens if I have to miss an appointment?
For counselling to be beneficial it is important to try to attend every week. However, sickness, holidays and daily life happens for all of us and sometimes it is simply not possible to come. If you know you can’t make a session you should let me know as soon as possible so we can see if we can reschedule. For cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice there would still be a charge.