Counselling
What I Offer
Initial Consultation
Beginning your counselling journey can feel daunting, which is why I offer a free 10-15 minute consultation to help you take that first step with confidence. Whether you prefer to chat via phone, email, or text, this is a chance for us to connect briefly and discuss what's prompting you to seek counselling. You can ask any questions you might have about my approach and practice, and together, we can determine if it feels like a good fit. If you're comfortable moving forward, we can then schedule an initial session to delve deeper into your unique situation and needs.
Initial Session
The initial session is an opportunity for us to lay the groundwork for our therapeutic relationship. We'll spend this time getting to know each other better, exploring your background, and discussing the challenges that have brought you to counselling. Part of this session takes the form of an assessment, allowing us to gain clarity on your current situation and the goals you hope to achieve through our work together.
As we talk, you'll have the chance to share your story and express your concerns in a safe, non-judgmental space. I'll listen attentively and ask questions to better understand your perspective and experiences. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about my approach and to voice any questions or hesitations you may have about the counselling process. By the end of this session, we'll have a clearer sense of the path ahead and how we can collaborate to support your growth and well-being.
Individual Counselling
I provide a warm, empathetic environment where you can navigate life's challenges and create lasting, positive change. My integrative approach draws from person-centred therapy, CBT, and solution-focused techniques to address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, bereavement, and stress. I offer both short-term and long-term counselling, tailoring my approach to your unique needs and goals. I am dedicated to providing a safe, confidential space for personal exploration and growth. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey towards a more empowered, authentic life.
My Approach
Person Centered
This approach emphasises the importance of creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel free to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism. As a person-centred therapist, my role is to be a supportive, empathetic presence, helping you to access your own inner wisdom and resources. Through this process, you can gain greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the confidence to make positive changes in your life.
Solution-focussed Approach
Some traditional therapies explore what the problem is, and what is going wrong for you and will help you explore past experiences. A solution focused approach shifts the conversation to helping you identify the best way forward in a real and practical way. We will identify and explore previous experiences where you may have successfully coped with difficulties or managed challenges effectively. We can use this information to establish the resources you already have and to help construct new ways of thinking or behaving to better tackle the problem or change in a manageable and sustainable way. This approach is usually shorter and with a very specific goal broken down into small chunks to tackle on an ongoing basis.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By examining and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs, CBT can help you to develop more balanced, adaptive ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. Through CBT techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and skill-building exercises, you can learn to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficulties more effectively, leading to lasting positive change. I also enjoy bringing in compassionate and mindful approaches to my counselling using breathing and visualisation techniques if we agree that this way of working aligns with what you are looking for. If this doesn’t feel comfortable we can use more practical, active ways to achieve a calmer, more peaceful state of mind.
“Our anxiety doesn’t come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it” (Kahlil Gibran)
Relationship Counselling
Relationship counselling can bring hope when relationships seem stuck and find ways through blocks to clear communication. It’s a chance to gain new perspectives about each other and regain positive ways of being together.
Relationship counselling can be for individual clients seeking clarity and support about some issue in a current or previous relationship or can be a powerful tool for couples looking to strengthen their bond, improve communication and navigate challenges together. People seek relationship therapy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Communication breakdowns
- Managing anger & conflict
- Intimacy issues
- Trust issues and infidelity
- Commitment
- Managing major life transitions (e.g., new parenthood, retirement)
- Separation & break-ups
- Dating
In today’s busy world, we can lose focus on ourselves and our relationships. We yearn for a feeling of being loved and a sense of belonging to the people that matter most to us. In the complexity of juggling so many responsibilities and having so much to do, we may find it difficult to recover this closeness and so continue to hide our vulnerabilities in fear of not being accepted.
It's important to recognise that each person brings their own unique history, personality, and perspective to the relationship. By exploring these individual experiences and how we connect to each other but also look at differences, we can gain valuable insights into the patterns and challenges that arise within our relationships.
Sometimes, people wonder how counselling can help with their relationship issues and are surprised that it can bring many benefits, such as:
- Enhancing communication skills
- Developing empathy and understanding
- Strengthening emotional bonds
- Learning to navigate conflicts constructively
- Exploring different perspectives
- Rebuilding trust and intimacy
- Clarifying shared values and goals
In a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I can support you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your partner, working towards creating a more positive, fulfilling and respectful relationship
“Trust is built in very small moments - in any interaction, there is the possibility of connecting with your partner or turning away from your partner” (John Gottman)