Is counselling helpful?
Many people wonder whether counselling will really help, or find themselves thinking about whether they should talk to someone.
Counselling offers a space to talk freely and openly, in confidence, and to express difficult thoughts and feelings.
You might be unsure where to start, or you may already have a sense of what’s wrong. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you right now.
Sometimes, speaking with someone outside your everyday life can help things feel clearer. Together, we can explore what’s going on, notice patterns that might be hard to see on your own, and begin to understand yourself and your relationships in a different way.
Our emotions shape how we experience life. As we begin to understand them, things can feel lighter and more manageable. It’s not about overthinking everything, but about quieting some of the ‘internal noise’ so you can begin to notice what matters to you.
Over time, this can help things feel clearer and make it easier to find a way forward that feels right for you, opening up the possibility that things can be different and that you may have more choices than you realised.
You can read more here: What Therapy Can Teach Us About Ourselves, A Space to Be Heard: How Person-Centred Therapy Helps,
Who do you work with?
I work with adults, young people (16+), and couples.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. Often people are coping to some extent, but simply living and not enjoying life.
You might be feeling anxious, worrying more than usual, or noticing a sense of things feeling heavy or less hopeful.
You might be struggling with self-doubt, a harsh inner critic, challenging life experiences, or finding that something in your life or relationships isn’t working.
I also support people going through life transitions, such as changes in identity, becoming a parent, career uncertainty, shifts in relationships, loss, retirement, or other periods of uncertainty.
I also welcome people who identify as neurodivergent, or who are exploring this as part of their experience.
You may also come with a wish of wanting to understand yourself more clearly, or to find a path forward that feels more like your own.
When we work together, I aim to offer a space where you can be yourself, and explore what’s going on at your own pace.
What is your approach?
My approach is integrative and relational. I draw on different ways of working and I also focus on what’s happening in the here and now. Research suggests that one of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship itself, sometimes described as the experience of “feeling felt.”
I work in a flexible, collaborative way, with you at the centre. That means taking time to understand your experiences, your relationships, and how you make sense of yourself.
We might talk about what’s going on in your life, but also about how you’re experiencing things, and sometimes what’s happening between us in the moment.
I’ll listen carefully and may gently offer thoughts or reflections that help you notice things more fully or from a different perspective.
Your feedback is always welcome. We can shape therapy together at a pace that feels right for you.
You can read more here: What is Interpersonal Therapy and how can it help you, Discover Existential Therapy: Finding Meaning in the Human Condition, The here and now, How Person-Centred Therapy Helps
What happens in a counselling session?
Sessions offer time and space for you to talk about what’s on your mind, at your own pace. You might come with something clear, or just a sense that something doesn’t sit right. We can begin wherever you are.
You don’t need to have the right words, or even know where to start. There’s space for talking, thinking, and sometimes quiet moments too.
Counselling offers a safe space to talk, but also an opportunity to explore change.
Over time, this can help things feel a little clearer, and make it easier to find a way forward that feels right for you.
You can read more here: 12 Useful Things to Know About Counselling
What happens in the first session?
In the first session, we’ll start with what’s brought you, and you can share as much or as little as feels right. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to see how it feels to talk and be together.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s completely fine. Many people feel unsure where to begin. We can start with whatever feels most present for you, and take it from there.
Sometimes that might be a thought, a feeling, or a sense that something feels off. Occasionally, people find it helpful to use stories, images, or metaphors to describe their experience, and we can include that if it feels useful to you.
Do I need a consultation before booking?
Some people prefer to have an initial conversation before booking, while others choose to begin with a full session. I offer an optional free 15-minute phone consultation where we can talk about what brings you and whether working together feels like a good fit.
Do I need to complete any documents before we start?
Before our first session, I’ll send you a few short documents, including a counselling agreement, personal details form, and privacy policy. These help explain how we’ll work together and give you the option to share anything you’d like me to know beforehand. I ask that these are completed and signed before our first session.
How often are sessions, and how many can I have?
Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly. Some people come to talk through a particular difficulty, while others find themselves wanting more space to reflect, explore, and understand what’s going on beneath the surface. Therapy can be short or longer term, depending on what feels helpful for you. We can review things together as we go.
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 take place via Microsoft Teams or Psychology Today Sessions. Once your appointment is confirmed, I’ll send you a link to join at the scheduled time.
You can read more here: Discover Online Counselling – Get Support Wherever You Are
Do you also offer in-person sessions?
Yes. I offer Walk-and-Talk sessions in Leazes Park. These sessions take place outdoors, walking side by side in the park. We can begin with an online or phone session first to get to know each other and talk through any practicalities before meeting outdoors. 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
How much do the sessions cost?
Individual sessions are £50, and couples sessions are £80. Sessions are payable in advance to secure your appointment. I review my fees annually.
Do you offer low-cost sessions?
I offer a limited number of concession appointments for people on a low income. You’re welcome to get in touch if you’d like to discuss this.
Do you charge for cancelled sessions?
If you need to cancel, please give as much notice as possible. Cancellations with at least 24 hours’ notice are free. A £25 fee applies for cancellations within 24 hours, and the full fee is charged for missed sessions without notice.
Do you offer counselling for young people?
Yes. I work with young people aged 16 and over. Sessions are a confidential space to talk about what’s on your mind. If helpful, a parent or caregiver can join the first session. After that, sessions are usually one-to-one, with your independence in mind.
You can read more here: Development Through the Lifespan – Understanding Growth & Young Adulthood
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. I offer couples counselling in a collaborative and relational way, including where neurodiversity is part of the relationship.
Couples often come when they feel stuck or caught in repeating patterns. We take time to understand what’s happening between you, what feels difficult, and what you’re both hoping for within the relationship.
Over time, this can bring a different kind of understanding and open up new ways of relating.
You can read more here: Ways of Being CloseA Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Couples Counselling, Understanding Relationships, Why Relationships Can Feel Harder When One or Both Partners Are Neurodivergent
Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
Yes. I work with both neurodivergent and neurotypical clients, including people who identify as autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD, as well as those who are still exploring or questioning this.
I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach and offer a collaborative, supportive space where you can feel understood and met as you are.
Your way of thinking, feeling, and relating is valued, and sessions move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We can take time to understand what’s going on in a way that works for you.
You can read more here: What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?, Neurodiversity in Women, Late-life neurodivergent diagnosis, Exploring Autism, Neurodiversity, Masking, and Burnout, Emotional first aid for Autistic and ADHD burnout, Living With AuDHD
If you’d like to get in touch
If your question isn’t answered here, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
If you’d like to explore whether this might be right for you, we can have a brief free conversation and see how it feels.
Let’s talk!
Your first phone consultation is free.