About Counselling

Many clients have told me that before seeing me they believed they needed to be in a really bad place before reaching out to a counsellor. Or that their issues aren’t a priority compared to what other people are going through. My response? It simply isn’t true. Counselling can support change and growth no matter where you are in life or how you’re feeling. The work done in the therapy room depends on what you are currently experiencing. I provide a secure environment to help my clients embrace the changes they want to make, through listening, compassion and connection; “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued” (Brenè Brown).

Counselling provides a space to unload and unpack the feelings, thoughts and behaviours that you carry around with you every day. It tends to be more short term compared to psychotherapy. Both counselling and psychotherapy can be explained something like this: imagine a wardrobe full of clothes and you need to pack for a holiday. You start by thinking where you’re going and what you might need to include. Some clothes will be ideal for the holiday and some won’t. Some items you find you might never wear again. Counselling and psychotherapy are a little like that; consider what your life looks like currently and how you want it to change. What ideas, thoughts, beliefs and behaviours are serving you well and which ones need updating or getting rid of. Often times we do things that work for a while then we grow out of them or they start to cause problems. Counselling can help to identify some goals and help work on the tools needed to reach those goals.

Psychotherapy goes further in depth and can support more substantial changes, usually over a longer time frame than counselling. Psychotherapy goes deeper into the root of concerns and issues, allowing healing to take place over time. If a person has experienced trauma, psychotherapy allows time and space to safely venture into specific factors as well as look at the current impact. This is done in an empathetic way, supporting the client and preventing further harm from possibly taking place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in counselling?

Each session is 50 minutes long. If you’ve never had counselling before it can seem strange to have the whole time focused on yourself. Being really heard, possibly for the first time, can be very impactful. The goal is to create a space where the client feels heard not judged, and able to fully express themselves in whatever way they feel comfortable. I want people to express themselves as they truly are so don’t mind swearing!

The first session is more structured than others as we make a start on ensuring I’m the right therapist for you. It is important to journey with someone you feel you can be comfortable with. Once we have established if you want to continue 6 sessions are generally recommended to start. This is so we can have a chance to establish a relationship and a build rapport. It is always up to the client how many sessions they want to attend. I check in over the course of the sessions to see how the client feels and what may have changed for them. I encourage communication surrounding all things, including when you want to end so we can both prepare for it.

How do I pay for my appointment?

Payment can be made via BACS 48 hours prior to the appointment.

What is your cancellation policy?

I understand that sometimes life can get in the way. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of the appointment, I will work with you to see if an alternative time is an option. If it is not, the full amount will still be charged.

What is counselling like with you?

As rigorous as my training has been, my approach in the therapy room is more relaxed but still meaningful. I want my clients to feel comfortable in order to do the work. I do not take notes in sessions so the client has my full attention. My background has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life so my attitude towards clients is to take them as they come. As an Integrative therapist, the sessions are client led. I ask questions and explore what is shared to venture into a deeper understanding of what is going on for the client.

Do you ever work fortnightly or monthly?

Both fortnightly and monthly are possible however to begin with weekly is ideal, or fortnightly at a minimum. The reason for this is that in order to build a rapport with someone you need to spend time with them. To create a foundation, on which to build, meeting weekly is ideal to start with. Supporting the client is my top priority so please speak to me about this and any concerns you may have.

If you feel like you are ready to start your journey and I am a good fit for you, please contact me to either book in for an appointment or have a 15-20-minute chat.