Is counselling helpful?
Many people are curious about what counselling might offer, or wonder if they should talk to someone.
Counselling offers a welcoming space to talk openly and in confidence about what’s happening in your life with someone who is on your side and there to listen and understand.
You might be unsure where to start, or you may already have a sense of what’s going on. We can begin wherever feels right for you.
Sometimes, talking to someone outside your life can make things feel clearer. Together, we can explore your thoughts, identify patterns that might be difficult to see alone, and explore what feels meaningful and important to you.
Over time, counselling can help us develop a clearer sense of ourselves, discover new perspectives, and make choices that feel more aligned with who we are and what matters to us.
You can read more here: Thinking About Counselling? Here’s What Many People Don’t Expect, Making Sense of Ourselves – What therapy can offer
Who do you work with?
I work with young people aged 16 and over, and with adults.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, self-critical, or finding that something in your life or relationships isn’t working as you’d like. Some people are also navigating neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, or AuDHD, or starting to explore this.
I also support people through life transitions, such as changes in identity, family life, career uncertainty, retirement, grief and loss, shifts in relationships, or other periods of uncertainty.
Whatever brings you, I aim to offer a warm and welcoming space where you can be yourself and explore things at your own pace.
What happens in a counselling session, and how do you work?
We talk together. Sometimes you might come with something specific you’d like to explore. At other times, we might begin more generally and see what feels present in the moment. We can begin wherever you are and take things from there.
Our conversations are guided by what you’re hoping to gain from counselling. We’ll explore whatever feels most important.
Sessions are collaborative and there’s room for talking, thinking, and for silence, whatever feels most helpful in the moment.
I work practically and reflectively. We can use the conversation and relationship itself to explore what’s going on for you, and whether there are patterns that keep showing up in your life.
When we work together, I listen carefully and offer gentle questions, reflections, and new perspectives when they feel helpful.
Over time, counselling can help you make sense of your experiences, notice patterns, and bring insight into everyday life. It can also help you develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself, making choices that feel more authentic and supportive of who you are.
You can read more here: How Person-Centred Therapy Helps, Transactional Analysis: I’m Ok, You’re Ok, Interpersonal Therapy: Understanding Ourselves Through Relationships and Life Experiences, Discover Existential Therapy: Finding Meaning in the Human Condition
Would it be helpful to have a brief chat before booking?
You’re welcome to start with a free 10-minute phone conversation if that feels helpful. It gives us an opportunity to talk about what’s bringing you here and whether working together might feel like the right next step for you. If you prefer, you can also begin with a full session.
Do I need to fill in any forms before we start?
Before our first session, you’ll receive a few forms, including a counselling agreement, a personal details form, and a privacy policy. They explain how we’ll work together and invite you to share anything you’d like me to know before we begin.
What happens in the first session?
We’ll begin with what’s brought you here and take the conversation from there. We can talk about what’s happening in your life, any experiences that feel important to understand, and what you’re hoping counselling might offer. I’ll ask questions along the way to understand you better, but there’s no expectation to tell your story all at once.
How often are sessions, and how many can I have?
Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly. Each person is different, and we’ll think together about what feels right for you, including how many sessions might be helpful to begin with, or whether you prefer to keep things open-ended. Therapy can be short or longer term, depending on what feels most helpful. You’re free to decide how long you’d like to continue.
How much do the sessions cost?
Therapy sessions are £50 and can be paid by bank transfer before each session. Fees are reviewed annually.
Do you charge for cancelled sessions?
There’s no charge if you cancel with more than 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations within 24 hours are charged at £25, and missed sessions without notice are charged at the full fee.
Do you offer low-cost sessions?
I offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for people on a low income. Please get in touch to discuss this.
Do you also offer in-person sessions?
Yes. I offer Walk-and-Talk sessions in Leazes Park. These take place outdoors, walking side by side. We can begin with an online or phone session first to talk through any practicalities. I also offer a blended approach if that feels most suitable for you.
You can read more here: Walking Side by Side – Discovering the Benefits of Walk-and-Talk Therapy
Do you offer online or phone counselling?
Yes. I offer both online and phone counselling, and you’re welcome to choose whichever feels most comfortable for you. Online sessions are usually held via Microsoft Teams, and a different format can be agreed if needed. Once your appointment is confirmed, I’ll send you a link to join at the time of your session.
You can read more here: Discover Online Counselling – Get Support Wherever You Are
Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
Yes. I support people who identify as neurodivergent, including people who are autistic, have ADHD, or are AuDHD, as well as those who are exploring this. I offer warm, collaborative space where you can feel understood, accepted, and able to be yourself. We can explore what’s important to you, at a pace that feels comfortable.
You can read more here: What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?, The changing needs of AuDHD, Living With AuDHD, Masking and Grief, Understanding Autism, How Can Autistic People Benefit from Therapy?, ADHD and Boredom, Emotional first aid for Autistic, AuDHD and ADHD Burnout
IIf you’d like to know more, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Let’s talk!
Your first phone consultation is free.