Counselling
It is all about you
I am interested in what has brought you here at this point in your life.
Has something in your life changed? Is it now more difficult to manage than it used to be?
Did you used to feel more positive and able to handle life better? Perhaps you now judge and criticise yourself harshly?
Do you sometimes feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed? Are these feelings difficult to understand because they are so intense?
Is it possible that you are trying to avoid your feelings by distracting yourself? Do you disconnect, zone out, and try to escape, hoping your emotions will go away?
Perhaps you notice that your mind is working like a washing machine, stuck in a cycle of overthinking? Do you feel anxious and have difficulty sleeping?
Do you feel worn out because everything seems to need too much effort? Is it hard to find motivation? Do you feel that you dislike yourself?
Are there things you will admit to yourself but would not share with those around you? Maybe you feel out of control, that people do not understand you, or you say or do things that you later wonder why you did?
How much I can help you find answers depends on what you are looking for, what you want, what you need, how you feel. It is okay if you do not know what this is or cannot put it into words; there is no hurry because we will work together at your own pace.
It will become clearer as our relationship develops and your emotions and any difficulties are gently explored. This will help bring to the surface what might need to change for you to feel better.
“Only when compassion is present will people allow themselves to see the truth.” A.H. Almaas
You have already taken the first step by asking for help. By acknowledging an issue and owning your vulnerability.
I help and support people for a variety of reasons, including:
I recognise that asking for help takes enormous courage and inner strength at any stage of life. But you can do it, and I will be with you along the way.
By recognising (and not rejecting) emotions or sensations telling you something is wrong, you demonstrate self-awareness and self-care. You can use this to protect your mental health and well-being.
stress
loss
trauma
major life changes & personal growth
anxiety
bereavement
work
past issues
anger
depression
relationships
self-esteem
self-confidence
loneliness
health
managing change
Session days
My private practice is open to adults aged 18 and over from Tuesday to Friday.
50-minute online sessions with me typically occur once a week, on the same day, and at the same time. However, online therapy offers flexibility to accommodate clients with busy or unpredictable schedules. Weekly sessions are beneficial, at least initially, as consistency helps in the development of the relationship and the maintenance of momentum.
Your first step
Your first step is a free 30-minute introductory telephone call (we can schedule a time that works for both of us). Our call is an opportunity to discuss your needs and expectations, and to see if I can be of help. I will first email you a Contact Details form, please fill it out and send it back to me before our call.
Your second step will be an initial 50-minute online session. This is to decide whether working online with me is a good fit for you and where you are in your life right now. I will first email you an Assessment form and a Consent form, please fill them out and return them to me before our session. (We will review the Consent form together during this first session).
Your third step would be to agree to meet online each week on a regular day and time that is convenient for both of us. You are under no obligation, but if you decide to continue counselling, regularity will make it easier for you to fit into your life.
Your third step could, of course, be you deciding that you do not want to continue.
We will discuss how many sessions you may need towards the end of our first session. It is important that you feel comfortable working with me and that you consider it carefully. When you are ready, you can decide whether or not to begin counselling; there is no obligation.
If you decide to proceed, your Consent form becomes our working agreement and commitment to work together. It serves to safeguard both you and me. It includes our boundaries and responsibilities so that we are both aware of what is expected of us. This helps to create a safe and confidential relationship between us.
How long do you think I will need counselling?
To answer this, I would need to learn more about your background and experiences, as well as what brought you to me and your expectations.
However, while you are under no obligation, my suggestion would be to start with at least six weekly sessions and give yourself the flexibility to continue for longer if needed. This enables the benefit of our work to be fully felt and gives us the chance to really make a difference.
When we meet, it is important that we discuss and explore a plan that works for you. Everyone's counselling journey is unique and unfolds at its own pace; however, I understand that financial and time limits will also be a consideration. With that in mind, I offer either time-limited or open-ended therapy, depending on your personal circumstances and therapeutic goals. You can continue for as long as the sessions feel beneficial to you.
When it comes to change, there is no magic wand or quick fix, and it is rarely straightforward or pain-free. However, taking small steps over time can bring about increased awareness and insight, which offers the possibility of a different perspective.
Introducing new thinking into your life can feel unsettling at first, since it is unfamiliar, but have courage and belief that you can change. Dealing with hidden fears and doubts can help you reconnect with yourself to find solutions that will enable you to move forward in your own way. It can feel liberating and empowering to gain a stronger sense of who you are.
