My Approach
Sometimes we can feel as though we are never fully seen or heard. We have a chance to change that so you can feel better and experience beneficial changes as a result. Whatever your goal we can help make that happen in partnership together.
Giving all my clients a high standard of professional and therapeutic care is my first working priority. My status in the profession as an accredited registered member of BACP means I have been able to demonstrate a high level of experience over time as a therapist and that I work in a competent way, following their code of ethics, so you can be certain you are benefitting from a professional and skilled service from me.
Stepping into therapy Together
Step 1 - Get in Touch. Contact me here if you're interested in exploring therapy together, I will be happy to support you through an initial confidential conversation, by video/phone for us to get to know each other. You can tell me more about what you're looking for, ask me questions and then make the decision on whether you'd like to work together.
Step 2 – Getting ready. If we agree to go ahead you may decide you want to commit to a limited number of sessions, or you may prefer a more open-ended approach; either is possible. I will send you a contract covering issues such as confidentiality, terms and fees etc.
Step 3 - Making a start We would use the time and space in our first session to explore your history, what brings you to therapy, and the professional boundaries around the therapy. I will be led by your needs.
Step 4 - Settling down and exploring together We will work on the issues you identify each week, over the short or longer term and be free to explore and make sense of things. We will regularly review our work to check how you are finding the experience and the progress we are making together.
Step 5 - Ending therapy This is an important part of the process, when it comes. Feeling confident to move forward beyond therapy can be an important step and another way for you to experience the integration of our work and you feeling confident in managing yourself. The goal here is to support a smooth and beneficial transition.
Areas of Support
I support individuals navigating a wide range of issues where there is uncertainty, internal conflict, and personal challenge. Common themes across the work can lie in exploring and challenging unhelpful and self-limiting self-beliefs, reducing fear, strengthening our resilience in the face of challenges and increasing our sense of self-worth, balance and wholeness.
Some of the common areas I work with are outlined below.
Stress, Anxiety and Phobias
Stress and anxiety can take many forms and have many different causes. The demands of modern-day living and juggling busy lives can lead to pressure and stress. Sometimes pushing away or avoiding painful feelings and difficult issues can cause anxiety that can build up over time. Perhaps you have suffered a traumatic event recently or in the past (this can take many forms), and this has left you feeling anxious or worried. Obsessive thoughts and behaviours and phobias are also areas I can provide support with, offering practical tools and strategies to help alleviate symptoms.
Self Worth/Self Esteem
When we experience positive self-worth and high self-esteem, it can be much easier to navigate life’s ups and downs, and it helps us to live the life we choose for ourselves. Sometimes when we experience our sense of self as feeling lost or depleted, we lose sight of our value and lack confidence in ourselves. Our views and beliefs of ourselves are made up of all our experiences. Sometimes they are echoes of the expectations of others or past experiences from childhood. We might set up habitual or destructive patterns of behaviour that contribute to our poor image of ourselves. Within the counselling relationship, we can explore these issues to create a more open, compassionate, patient, and effective self.
Grief and Loss
As we go through life, we inevitably face loss as part of life itself. Though feelings of grief are a natural part of loss, they can prove very difficult and painful to deal with. We may be experiencing loss for the first time and struggling with profound feelings that are alien to us. In turn, we may have previous experiences of loss that can compound current difficult feelings. Having someone neutral and supportive to talk with and explore often wide-ranging emotions can help this process along and, importantly allow us to feel we are not shouldering the burden of grief alone.
Relationships
The relationships we have, whether they be with friends, colleagues, family or as a couple, are dynamic in nature. These relationships help us feel connected, adding to our sense of belonging and emotional well-being. In turn, they can also be tested on different levels as we deal with our emotional selves in relation to others. Sometimes relationships can come under particular strain and can feel threatened for different reasons. Perhaps a relationship you have has reached a crossroads, or you have experienced a separation. This can be an exceptionally challenging time, perhaps forcing us to re-evaluate ourselves as well as others. I can offer support to help you explore conflicting emotions and help restore a sense of equilibrium and balance at a time of uncertainty.
Prices
CONSULTATION
I offer an optional 20-minute, no-obligation conversation via phone or Zoom if needed.
SESSION PRICE
Fees are £55 per 50-minute session
CANCELLATION
I understand that sometimes you might need to postpone your session, however please note that under 24 hours the full session fee will be charged.