Is counselling helpful?
It’s natural to wonder what counselling might be like, or whether it might help to talk to someone. Counselling provides a welcoming, confidential place to talk openly about what’s happening in your life, with someone who can listen without judgement.
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 everyday life can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and understand yourself a little more clearly. We can explore what’s been difficult, including feelings, relationships and patterns that you may find yourself caught up in. For some people, this can also mean making sense of experiences such as feeling overwhelmed, masking, or struggling with expectations.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Counselling can be a place to start making sense of things, and explore what might help.
You can read more here: Thinking About Counselling? Here’s What Many People Don’t Expect, Making Sense of Ourselves – What Counselling Can Offer
Who do you work with?
I work with young people aged 16 and over, and with adults, offering warm, collaborative counselling for times when life feels difficult, uncertain or stuck. You might be feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or caught up in self-doubt, struggling with relationships, or going through a life transition and finding it difficult to know what you want next.
I work with both neurodivergent and neurotypical people. For some, counselling is a chance to explore autism, ADHD or AuDHD and make sense of how this fits with their experience. For others, it may be about relationships, identity, family life, work, loss or a period of uncertainty and change.
Whatever brings you to counselling, we can take time to understand what is going on for you, explore what matters to you now, and think about where you might want to go from here.
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 for you. We can start wherever you are and take things from there.
Our conversations are guided by what you’re hoping to gain from counselling. We’ll explore what feels most important to you.
Sessions are collaborative, and there’s room for talking, thinking, and for silence, whatever feels most helpful in the moment.
We can use the conversation and our relationship to explore what’s going on for you, what you need and whether there are patterns that keep showing up. Together, we can think about what might help you make sense of things and how that understanding might fit into your life.
When we work together, I listen carefully and offer gentle questions, reflections and new perspectives where they feel helpful. We can check in as we go, and I always value your feedback.
Over time, counselling can help you make sense of your experiences and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. It can offer space to reconnect with what matters to you, develop greater self-compassion and make choices that feel true to who you are.
You can read more here: A Space to Be Heard: How Person-Centred Therapy Helps, Interpersonal Therapy: Understanding Ourselves Through Life experiences and Relationships, Existential Therapy: Exploring Meaning and What Matters, Finding a Way Forward with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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, anything that feels important to you, and what you hope counselling might offer. I’ll ask questions along the way to get to know you better, and you can share whatever feels comfortable for you.
How often are sessions, and how many can I have?
Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly. Everyone is different, so we’ll think together about what feels right for you, including how many sessions you’d like to begin with. Counselling can be short or longer term, depending on what feels most helpful, and 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 reduced-fee appointments for people on a low income. You’re very welcome to 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 are autistic, have ADHD or are AuDHD, as well as people who are exploring whether they may be neurodivergent. I offer a 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?, Are You Tired of Trying to Fit In?, Why Do I Always Feel Like I’m Behind?, Understanding Autism: A Different Way of Experiencing the World, and Living With AuDHD: When Autism and ADHD Come Together
If you’d like to know more, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Let’s talk!
Your first phone consultation is free.