There are many different experiences of coming to counselling whether that be the type of counselling or where you are in your life and what you need to bring. It also depends on the relationship you have with the counsellor.

Normally we would meet every week for 50 minutes and it’s a safe space for you to bring anything that you wish to discuss. You may have a “goal” but this may change as we start to unpack stuff together.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken to a counsellor before. You might be wondering what to say, whether you’ll be judged, or whether counselling can really help.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to talk about.

Counselling is a space where you can take things at your own pace, in a safe and confidential environment, without judgement. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to listen, understand, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session. We can take some time to get to know each other, talk about what has brought you to counselling, and discuss what you would like from our sessions.

You can simply come as you are. There is no pressure to have the right words or to know where to begin.

If you’re considering counselling but feeling unsure, you’re welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation. Sometimes, taking that first small step is all you need to do.

Honestly, I am unable to answer that. And it’s totally up to you how long you wish to attend counselling for. Every individual is different, has different needs and different life circumstances.

When you feel that you don’t need therapy as much we can look at frequency. When you feel that you don’t need therapy anymore then we can use a few sessions to reflect on the work we’ve done and how you will take this into your future as we work towards our ending.

You are unique and an individual. I will be led by what is important to you and the goals you would like to achieve by coming to counselling. It's a collaborative process but the counselling session is yours. It is a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space where we will find a greater understanding of yourself, which can assist you in making clearer decisions for your future.

I am an integrative counsellor which means I will use different theories and models depending on what your needs are.

Each session is £70 and lasts 50 minutes. I do have concession rates for trainees and senior citizens. Please contact me for details.

I am also insurance approved to work with clients who have Bupa and Aviva private insurance. Please ensure you have an authorisation code before contacting me.

I offer a free 10/15 minute initial chat which we will have over the phone - further details are under this FAQ section.

I only work online via Teams. I have many years experience doing this. I totally appreciate this may not work for you but for most it offers flexibility and we are still able to build a relationship and do the work.

I work with both national and international clients.

Rest assured that therapy online does work.

• The therapeutic relationship still matters most. Feeling heard, understood and supported by your therapist is a key part of effective therapy, and this can develop through video sessions just as it can face-to-face.

• It can feel more comfortable. Being in your own familiar environment may make it easier to open up, particularly if travelling to a clinic feels stressful or intimidating.

• It removes practical barriers. There is no travelling, parking or waiting-room time, which can make it easier to attend sessions consistently.

• You are still getting professional support. Online therapy isn't simply a casual conversation over the internet; sessions are still structured, confidential and professionally delivered in the same way as in-person therapy.

It’s an opportunity for us to see if we can work together. If I am going to be the right counsellor for you - it’s about you getting a feel for me and how I work. There is no obligation to then book in sessions with me.

When you initially contact me it is useful if you can also supply your availability over the next few weeks so we can get this initial chat scheduled in.

The initial chat will be over the phone.

Yes I do. If you would like a single session we will not have the initial chat. Please contact me with your availability and we will get something scheduled in.

I work across the broad areas below but there are many areas that I work with not listed so please do contact me. I have a lot of experience working with clients in any sort of relationship that may not be going well or perhaps there is a past relationship that is leaving a shadow on you.

• ADHD

• Anger management

• Anxiety

• Behavioural issues

• Bereavement - including grief around pet loss

• Burnout

• Career counselling

• Depression

• Emotional abuse

• Family issues

• Gender identification

• Low self-esteem

• Menopause

• Obsessive-compulsions (OCD)

• Relationship issues

• Sexuality

• Stress

Absolutely. Categorically yes.

• I have been a counsellor for many years and I am an accredited member of the BACP which is a professional body.

• I work to their ethical framework which I am happy to send to you should you wish to see a copy.

• Before we start working together I will send you a contract which highlights confidentiality.

• All data is stored in compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection ACT (2018) as well as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

• I have the necessary insurance cover.

• If you have a concern regarding how your personal data has been handled, please raise this with me directly in the first instance.  I will acknowledge your concerns within 30 days and if you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to raise a complaint with the ICO at ico.org.ukor on 0303 1231113