What is Counselling?

Counselling is a process of talking about and working through your personal problems with an independent person – a counsellor. Who is qualified to assist you. The counsellor helps you to address your problems in a positive way by helping you to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies, and increase self-awareness. It is a supportive and healing process with sustainable outcomes.

How can I help?

I believe the importance of providing an environment which offers openness, authenticity, acceptance, empathy, and congruence. These are the ingredients for personal growth and healing whether this be through face-to-face, Zoom or by telephone sessions. It is essential that therapy sessions are tailored to the individual need of the client and l work in collaboration with my clients to achieve their goals.

I work from a client centred integrative approach incorporating various modalities to support the therapeutic process this includes but not limited to:

Art based
therapy

Expressive
therapy

Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy (CBT)

Solution Focused
Therapy

Trauma Focused
Approach

Visualisation

Mindfulness

Relaxation
techniques

Positive
Psychology

What can I help with?

My training and experience allows me to help with:

Stress
Anxiety
Low mood/depression
Loss & bereavement
Low confidence
Low self-esteem
Emotional and psychological problem solving
Relationships

Work related issues
Sexuality and gender
Addiction
Understanding and managing anger
Trauma
Childhood related experiences
Sexual abuse

Stress
Anxiety
Low mood/depression
Loss & bereavement
Low confidence
Low self-esteem
Emotional and psychological problem solving
Relationships
Work related issues
Sexuality and gender
Addiction
Understanding and managing anger
Trauma
Childhood related experiences
Sexual abuse

The following are all subject to assessment of need as it is important you are in the right place of support:

PTSD
Self-harming behaviour
Suicidal ideation

A question you may be asking yourself is -

Where do I start?

You have already started just by the fact you are here right now reading this.

The starting point is an initial 30-minute FREE consultation. During the consultation we will discuss your worries/concerns in more detail.

If you decide to proceed with therapy sessions, we will agree an initial contract for our work together. The minimum number of sessions will vary from person to person. However, the usual agreement is minimum of three/six sessions, as this gives us good opportunity to establish a therapeutic relationship which is vital to any meaningful work. Clients may need more sessions and this will be discussed when we do a counselling review. The sessions are weekly unless we agree an alternative arrangement. This is important as it gives momentum and focus to the work. I am flexible and will try to accommodate days and times to accommodate your needs.

Benefits of Counselling

improved communication and interpersonal skills
greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
ability to change self-defeating behaviours/habits
better expression and management of emotions, including anger
relief from depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

increased confidence and decision-making skills
ability to manage stress effectively
improved problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
greater sense of self and purpose
recognition of distorted thinking

improved communication and interpersonal skills
greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
ability to change self-defeating behaviours/habits
better expression and management of emotions, including anger
relief from depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
increased confidence and decision-making skills
ability to manage stress effectively
improved problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
greater sense of self and purpose
recognition of distorted thinking

Who do I work with?

Adults
Children and young people
Couples
Counsellors in training
Organisations
Employee assistance programmes (EAP)

How much do sessions cost?

Counselling sessions £45 per hour (Sliding scale available subject to status and for Counsellors in training)
All sessions payable in advance at least 12 hours prior to session by BAC payment unless alternative payment method/plan agreed.

Cancellations

Cancelled sessions with 24 hrs notice no charge
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hrs notice will be charged at £15.00.

Other fees

Reports and letter writing charged per 15 mins @ £11.25.

Bespoke packages of support are available subject to need.

“There is no greater agony than bearing and untold story inside you”
- Maya Angelou
I know why the caged bird sings.