What is counselling?

Counselling is a type of talking therapy in which a client and a trained counsellor set aside time together regularly to explore the client’s problems, including any difficult feelings they may have, in a safe and confidential environment. This can help you to make better sense of your thoughts and feelings, see patterns and recognise how these impact on your life. If you choose to have counselling with me, I will invite you to sit down with me and tell me what is troubling you at the moment. I will listen carefully, and without judgement. We can explore together the meaning you make of your experiences and relationships with others, help you clarify what you want and make changes in your life.

It is a relationship built on trust and it is important that you feel comfortable talking to the counsellor you choose. 

It is not ‘one size fits all’: each session with me will be unique to you because I understand that everyone’s needs are different and those needs will evolve over time. Some people might undertake a short course of five to six sessions for a particular issue, others may find that counselling over a period of months or years is what they find most helpful.

It is not advice-giving: I will not tell you what I think you need to do. I won’t offer to “fix” you or your problems. I will offer you the space and freedom to talk and I will listen to you without criticism or judgment.

Counselling is a collaborative process in which I will be alongside you to support you to better understand yourself and find your own solutions to your problems. For many people, simply having the time set aside regularly to talk in a safe and confidential space is what it takes to begin to clarify and develop your sense of self and what you want from your life going forward. There are no guarantees that it will work for you every time, with every counsellor. The time may not be right for you or I may not be the right person for you. That is why I suggest an initial conversation of 15 minutes to see whether we are a good fit.

I currently offer in person, online and telephone counselling. Ecotherapy sessions where we sit or walk and talk outside in nature are also available. If you would like to explore what would be right for you at this time, please contact me for a confidential discussion.

What can counselling help with?

Some of the sorts of issues people bring to counselling include:

• bereavement, grief, loss
• stress, anxiety and depression
• relationship issues
• living with a physical health condition
• work related issues
• difficult emotions like anger, shame and guilt
• low self-confidence
• traumatic past experiences
• family issues
• living with uncertainty about the future