What can we explore?

People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be struggling with something specific, or simply feel that things aren’t quite right. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what you need before getting in touch.

I have experience supporting people with:

• Anxiety, low mood and feeling overwhelmed
• Stress, confidence and self-esteem
• Relationships, boundaries and people-pleasing
• Addiction and the impact it can have on individuals and relationships
• Trauma and experiences of abuse or emotional neglect
• Grief, loss and significant life changes
• Identity, self-understanding and personal development
• Perimenopause and menopause, including the emotional and personal challenges that can accompany this stage of life
• Starting or returning to study
• Experiences that can arise through counselling training

Sometimes it can be difficult to put into words what is happening or why you’re seeking counselling. That’s okay. We can start wherever you are and explore things together, at a pace that feels manageable for you.

What happens when I first get in touch?

Getting in touch with a counsellor can feel like a big step. I’ll respond to your enquiry and we can arrange an initial conversation to discuss what you’re looking for and whether counselling with me feels like the right fit for you. There is no pressure to commit.

What happens in the first counselling session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for you to begin talking about what has brought you to counselling. We can discuss what you hope to get from counselling and agree how we might work together. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what you want to talk about.

What does person-centred counselling mean?

Person-centred counselling is based on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I offer a safe, accepting and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I won’t tell you what you should do or give you advice, but will support you to develop your own understanding and find your way forward.

What can I come to counselling about?

You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis or a particular problem to come to counselling. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, life changes, low confidence, feeling overwhelmed or simply feel that something isn’t quite right. We can explore whatever feels important to you.

I’m studying counselling. Can I come to you?

Absolutely. Training as a counsellor can be rewarding, but it can also bring up unexpected thoughts, feelings and personal experiences. I offer a welcoming space for students to explore what their training may be bringing up for them, as well as other areas of life.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I offer counselling online using a secure video platform, doxy.me. Online counselling allows you to access sessions from a private space that feels comfortable for you.

How long is a counselling session?

Sessions are 50 minutes and take place at the same agreed time each week where possible.

How much does counselling cost?

Sessions are £45 per 50-minute session. Payment is made by bank transfer.

How often would I need counselling?

There is no fixed number of sessions. We can discuss what feels appropriate for you and review this together as our work progresses. Some people come for a relatively short period, while others find longer-term counselling helpful.

Is counselling confidential?

What you share in counselling is treated as confidential, within the usual professional and ethical limits of confidentiality. These limits will be discussed with you at the beginning of our work so you know what to expect.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

I understand that sometimes things happen and you may need to cancel. My cancellation policy will be discussed with you before we begin counselling, including arrangements for late cancellations and missed appointments.

What if I’m not sure whether counselling is right for me?

That’s completely okay. You don’t need to be certain before getting in touch. You can contact me to ask questions or discuss what you’re looking for, and we can consider together whether counselling may be helpful for you.

Can counselling help if I don’t know what is wrong?

Yes. You don’t have to arrive with everything worked out or even know exactly what you want to talk about. Sometimes having a safe space to slow down and talk openly can help you begin to understand what you’re experiencing.

What can’t counselling provide?

Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to explore what you’re experiencing, but it isn’t an emergency or crisis service. I’m not available 24 hours a day and cannot provide immediate support in an emergency.

If you feel you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact 999 or attend your nearest A&E.

If you need urgent mental health support but it is not an emergency, you can contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

If you are in emotional distress and need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can still get in touch with me to discuss whether counselling may be appropriate for you, but please use the services above ifyou need immediate or urgent support.