How It Works…

Recognising Support is needed
One of the biggest obstacles is recognising there is something that needs attention. It may be that something recently has happened, or something in the past continues to shadow your life every day. It could be that you see therapy as a way of keeping yourself in a good place. Recognising you need support is fundamental before moving forward.

Connecting with a therapist
Choosing the right counsellor and the right format can be quite daunting. There are directories available to help make this as easy as possible such as www.counselling-directory.org.uk

Introductory Call
I offer a free introductory call prior to arranging any sessions of therapy. This is your space to ask any questions you may have and prepare you for what to expect over the coming weeks. This is free and allows you the time to decide whether you feel we could work together.

Initial Assessment / Technical Preparedness
Acknowledging this alternative method of working and being prepared is important to ensure therapy can start and continue uninterrupted. This is where I would ask questions to understand more about you, and to make an assessment as to whether I am suitable and able to work with you in therapy which takes into consideration your objectives and goals you wish to meet in therapy. If at this point we do agree we can work together, there would be an agreement as to which method we will utilise (which can change depending on your circumstances and wishes) and a schedule of dates and times to agree upon.

Contracting
Official recognition of the agreement we both have which takes all of the above into consideration and is captured and signed by both parties. Contracting can be reviewed where necessary in therapy to ensure we are both working towards the same objective with aligned understanding.

The work begins…
There is no pressure to disclose everything on the first session, or first few sessions. We will go at your pace. Should there be any obstacles that cannot be overcome and therapy needs to pause, this is OK too. It’s my goal to fulfil the elements within our contract and if, at any point, counselling is not appropriate at that particular time, an honest and open conversation about the way forward can take place. You can expect me to be present throughout the entirety of our sessions together, listening to the thoughts, feelings and challenges you’re facing, and your counsellor to help you reach those goals via the appropriate therapeutic approach, whether this is directive or non-directive.

Our unique working agreement will underpin all of our work together. Honesty, Respect, Patience and a safe space to share what you are ready to. Working together to explore, understand and find your way forward through the difficult times.

Training, qualifications & experience

Level 1-4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory
Certificate of HE in Psychology (Open)
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

*In progress*
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
14 years experience at a charity as a listening volunteer providing emotional support

Areas of counselling I deal with

Abuse
Addiction
ADHD
Alcoholism
Anger management
Anxiety
Behaviour problems
Bereavement
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Bullying
Burnout
Childhood bullying
Childless not by choice
Climate and eco-anxiety
Dementia
Depression
Disabilities
Discrimination
Dissociation
Domestic abuse
Drug addiction
Emotional abuse
Family issues
Feeling sad
Gambling
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Health anxiety
Hearing voices
Internet addiction
Jealousy
Loneliness
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem
Mental health
Narcissistic abuse
Narcissistic personality disorder
Neurodiversity
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Older people’s counselling
Panic attacks
Paranoia
Passive-aggressive behaviour
Personality disorders
Phobias
Physical abuse
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis
Racism
Redundancy
Relationship problems
Schizophrenia
Schizotypal personality disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Separation and divorce
Separation anxiety
Sex addiction
Sex problems
Sexual abuse
Social anxiety
Stress
Suicidal thoughts
Tourette’s syndrome
Trauma
Work-related stress
Therapies Offered

Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic
Humanistic therapies
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalytic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Person-centred therapy
Gestalt therapy
Transactional analysis
Availability