Counselling & psychotherapy
Understanding your experience
People come to counselling for many different reasons.
Some are struggling with anxiety, low mood, anger, relationship difficulties or low self-esteem. Others feel stuck in repeating patterns, find themselves reacting in ways they do not fully understand, or are carrying the effects of difficult life experiences. Some are seeking support through a specific challenge, while others are interested in personal growth, finding meaning, and developing a deeper understanding of themselves.
Whatever brings someone to counselling, I believe that our thoughts, emotions and behaviour patterns often make more sense when explored in the context of our experiences, relationships and life history.
The ways we learn to cope, relate and regulate our emotions are often shaped by the environments in which we grow up, and may even have been passed down through many generations. While these adaptations may once have been necessary, they do not have to determine our responses for the rest of our lives.
Many people arrive feeling stuck, frustrated, ashamed or convinced that they cannot change. Curiosity is not something people need to bring with them. In my experience, it often develops naturally as understanding grows. Sometimes the first step is simply becoming willing to wonder whether there might be another way of understanding ourselves and our experiences.
My approach is grounded in curiosity rather than judgement. Together, we can explore the experiences, emotions and relationship patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties, helping you develop greater understanding, choice and confidence. Understanding does not mean excusing or condoning harmful behaviour. Rather, it can help us understand how patterns developed, what purpose they may once have served, and how they might be changed.
Areas I can support you with
I work with adults aged 18 and over and support people with a wide range of difficulties and life experiences, including:
Anger
Anxiety
Childhood trauma and adverse experiences
Emotional regulation difficulties
Sense of belonging and self-understanding
Cultural, gender and sexual identity
Life transitions (including menopause)
Loss and bereavement
Low self-esteem
Personal growth and self-development
Relationship difficulties and attachment patterns
Shame and self-criticism
Stress and burnout
There are some areas where specialist support may be more appropriate. These include active addiction, psychosis, OCD and eating disorders. If I am not the right person to help, I will do my best to suggest alternative sources of support where possible.
Whether you are seeking support for a specific difficulty or simply feel that something in your life is not working in the way you would like, counselling can provide an opportunity to develop greater understanding of yourself, your relationships and the choices available to you.
Frequently asked questions
What if I find it difficult to talk?
Many people worry about this before coming to counselling. Some have never spoken about their feelings before, while others have spent years avoiding certain topics because they feel too painful, confusing or overwhelming.
There is no expectation that you will arrive knowing exactly what to say. We can start wherever feels most comfortable. In my experience, most people find that talking becomes easier than they expected once a trusting relationship begins to develop.
People also process thoughts, emotions and experiences in different ways and at different speeds. There is no right way to do therapy, and we can work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
What if my problems aren't serious enough?
Many people compare their difficulties to those of others and conclude that they should simply cope on their own. However, counselling is not reserved for people in crisis.
People seek counselling for many different reasons. You do not need to have experienced a major trauma or significant life event to benefit from talking things through. If something is affecting your wellbeing, relationships or quality of life, it is worthy of attention.
What if I'm worried about being judged?
This is one of the most common concerns people bring to counselling.
Many people feel ashamed of aspects of themselves, their thoughts, emotions, behaviours or past experiences. Others worry that what they are struggling with is unusual, irrational or somehow reflects badly on them.
I aim to offer a thoughtful, warm and non-judgemental space where people can explore their experiences with curiosity rather than shame. More often than not, the things people fear will be judged are the very things that benefit most from being understood.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
That's absolutely fine.
Some people arrive with a very clear idea of what they would like to explore. Others simply know that something does not feel right, but struggle to put it into words.
Counselling can provide space to make sense of thoughts, emotions and experiences that may initially feel unclear or difficult to articulate. We do not need to have all the answers before we begin.
What if talking about my problems means I'll have to change?
Many people feel ambivalent about change. Even when something is causing distress, familiar patterns can feel safer than the unknown.
Counselling is not about forcing change. It is about developing greater understanding of yourself and your experiences. Sometimes that understanding leads to change. Sometimes it leads to greater acceptance. Often it creates new choices. Any decisions about what you do with those choices remain yours.
What if I don't think I can change?
Many people begin counselling feeling stuck, hopeless or convinced that they will always be the way they are. Some have struggled with the same difficulties for years and may have tried other approaches without finding them helpful.
You do not need to believe that change is possible before starting counselling. In my experience, understanding often comes before change. As people begin to make sense of their thoughts, emotions, behaviour patterns and relationships, new possibilities can emerge naturally.
Change is rarely about becoming a completely different person. More often, it involves developing greater awareness, choice and flexibility in how we respond to ourselves, other people and the challenges we face.
What if I live too far away?
In addition to in-person sessions, I also offer online counselling.
Many people find online therapy just as effective as meeting face-to-face, while benefiting from greater flexibility and convenience. This can be particularly helpful if you live outside the local area, travel for work, have mobility difficulties or simply prefer to work from home, provided you are able to access a private space where you feel comfortable talking.
How often would we meet?
Most clients attend weekly sessions, particularly at the start of therapy, as this helps maintain continuity and supports the development of the therapeutic relationship.
However, everyone's circumstances are different. Session frequency can be discussed and agreed upon according to your needs, availability and goals.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to counselling.
You may wish to talk about the difficulties you are experiencing, your hopes for therapy, or any questions or concerns you have about the process. There is no expectation that you will share everything immediately. The aim is simply to begin developing an understanding of what feels important and whether working together feels like a good fit.
How long will I need counselling for?
There is no single answer to this question. Some people come for a small number of sessions focused on a specific issue, while others choose to work longer term.
The length of therapy depends on many factors, including the nature of the difficulties being explored, your goals, and how deeply you would like to work. We can review this together as therapy progresses.
Will my sessions be confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and can help people feel more able to speak openly about their experiences.
There are some limits to confidentiality. If I become concerned about your safety, or the safety of someone else, I may need to share information with appropriate services. Wherever possible, I would aim to discuss this with you first.
Like all practising counsellors, I also discuss my client work with a clinical supervisor. This is a professional requirement designed to support safe and ethical practice. Any discussions in supervision are conducted confidentially, and identifying information about you would not be shared.
I am a registered member of the BACP and UKCP and work in accordance with their ethical frameworks and professional standards.
If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, I will be happy to discuss them with you.
Do you accept private health insurance?
I am currently recognised by AXA, Aviva and Vitality.
If you are planning to use private health insurance, please feel free to get in touch. While some policies allow sessions to be covered directly, other arrangements may require you to pay for sessions and reclaim the costs from your insurer. I am happy to discuss the options available.
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Feel free to get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
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