Counselling - How it works

Low self-esteem; relationship, family or employment difficulties; abuse; loss and bereavement; depression and anxiety are just some issues that people seek help with. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore whatever you wish to bring. It isn't about getting advice,but working together to enable you to find your own way forward.
Counselling sessions are 50 minutes and can be short-term which could be 4-6 weeks or longer term and open ended depending on what is appropriate to your situation.
This is discussed in your first session and reviewed regularly.
Is it confidential?
Counselling is confidential,but there are certain circumstances where I would need to share information with others; for example if you were at risk of harming yourself or others. Confidentiality is fully explained before we begin working together.

Counselling: Services

What I offer as a counsellor

I offer one to one face to face and online counselling (email) for people who are experiencing issues such as relationship difficulties; low self-esteem; anxiety; depression; abuse; life changes; loss and bereavement. These are just some examples why people seek counselling, I provide a safe, supportive place for you to explore whatever is concerning you at this time.

I offer short and long-term counselling with an initial assessment which enables me to plan the most appropriate therapeutic support for my clients.

I am an integrative counsellor which means my client work is informed by different approaches. My core training is the Transpersonal model which acknowledges the potential we all have in us to develop and grow. Our true, authentic self can be buried and distorted by painful early and subsequent experiences which can have a negative impact on how we relate to ourselves and others. My training also included person-centered and psychodynamic models which are important in my client work and enable me to offer a flexible approach to working with clients in a way that is most appropriate to their individual needs.

Counselling can feel a bit like stepping into the unknown and you may be wondering what the "theory" means to you as the client. I strongly believe that an open, honest, supportive non-judgmental relationship between therapist and client is equally important.We may look at what happened "back there" in the past ; at how things are "out there" in your world and "in here" the counselling relationship.

Online counselling

I offer Online counselling via email. Like face to face counselling, it is a confidential space for you to explore your feelings and thoughts.Working with a counsellor online can offer you flexibility to fit around other commitments for

example work or family. Clients experiencing difficulties with mobility or with a hearing impairment may also find online support easier to access. If you find it difficult to talk, working with a counsellor online can give you space to think about what you want to say. Some clients find the act of writing therapeutic. You may find it easier to use images, photos or drawings.

Before you decide to go ahead with online counselling it’ s worth checking a few things with

yourself, for example do you have a computer and internet access; are you comfortable with

writing/ typing and have the space for privacy if you need?

It is important to say that online counselling is not suitable for all situations – if you are

considering serious self-harm or are suicidal, or have a severe and enduring mental health

condition. If you find yourself in crisis it is strongly advisable that you contact your GP and / or

local Accident & Emergency service. *(see resource list below)

If you do decide to explore online counselling further, please get in contact and I will forward a short assessment form for you to complete. If I feel I am not the most appropriate therapist for your situation I will do my best to signpost you to the right help. I am a member of ACTO ( Association for Counselling and Therapy Online)http://www.acto-uk.org and follow their code of ethics

*Emergency Contacts

Samaritans ( UK & Ireland)

Telephone 116 123 email jo@samaritans.org

Breathing Space ( Scotland)

helpline for emotional support 0800 838587 Mon-Thurs 6pm-2am

Fri 6pm-Mon 6am

C.A.L.L ( Wales)

helpline for people in distress or families/ friends concerned about a friend or relative.

0800 132 737 text help 81066

Befrienders Worldwide

email: info@befrienders.org

( worldwide support in association with the Samaritans)