about counselling

Our first session is normally quite structured, with me asking some specific questions to gain a better understanding of you, your background and what you hope to gain from therapy.  It's the only time I'll write anything down!  Subsequent sessions are more free-flowing and centred on what you would like to talk about.

I offer a safe, empathetic space to explore a range of presenting issues, including anxiety and anxiety disorders, depression, loss and bereavement, trauma and early childhood relationships and events.

First and foremost, I listen.  I give you a space where you can feel heard and understood without judgement.  The sessions will be very much driven by you and what you want to talk about.  I may link back to earlier relationships and experiences to understand any patterns and why they might not be working for you.  I often provide psychoeducation, which can help to normalise your feelings and shine a light on the whys. This can help to reduce the potency and intensity of difficult emotions.

This really depends on you and how you feel. I offer either long-term, open-ended therapy, where we can regularly review the work, or shorter-term counselling, focussing on one or two specific issues. I will always respect your autonomy and we will go at a pace to suit you.  

Each session will last for 50 minutes and will usually be held at the same time each week, although I do understand that some flexibility may sometimes be required. 

I offer a free telephone consultation, without obligation.  This normally takes around 20 minutes.  Here you will have the opportunity to share with me what you're looking to achieve from counselling and we can establish whether or not we will be able to work together.  

The cost is £60 per 50-minute session and is payable by cash or card at the session or by BACS in advance.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy - full payment will be required if you cancel within 24 hours of our session.

Fees are reviewed once a year, with any changes taking place on January 1st.  

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and hold its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions at the heart of my work.  In accordance with this, I work under regular supervision.  This is a requirement for all members of the BACP and helps to ensure that my work with you is ethical and safe. Your identity will always be kept confidential and my supervisor is bound by the BACP’s same ethical code. In exceptional circumstances – where I believe there may be a risk of harm to either yourself or others – I may need to seek help outside of our counselling relationship; however I would always try to discuss this with you in the first instance.  Full information regarding the limits of  confidentiality will be provided prior to our first session.