Counselling is considered a therapeutic process, and provides a confidential space for you to discuss your thoughts, emotions, relationships and/or life experiences with a trained professional to support you.  Counsellors don't 'analyse' you nor diagnose mental health conditions, rather we ask questions such as "when did you notice feeling like this?" or "how are you making sense of this right now?" so we can understand your circumstances and help you to look at things from a non-medical perspective, for example if you have felt low in mood.

How does it work?

I will help you explore what you want to achieve from therapy.   There are many different styles of counselling and psychotherapy,  and different tools and techniques available.   We can discuss options with you, so you can decide on your preferred approach.   I will work with you to provide the space and time you need to explore your concerns and ultimately help you to move forwards in a way that feels right for you.

Exploring the past, present and future

Counselling can involve talking about past experiences, current situations or concerns or look at any fears about the future.  You'll be supported to safely discuss the issues that are troubling you and be provided with tools to help with managing your emotions and feeling safe in the therapy space. 

It's not all plain sailing.

The process of undergoing therapy isn't always plain sailing.  It can often bring up unexpected emotions.  For many people it can be difficult to express themselves or acknowledge their true feelings. Counsellors are great at listening and hold a safe and confidential space for you to express how you really feel and can help you develop alternative responses. 

How often should I attend? 

Therapy sessions are typically arranged on a weekly basis for up to an hour each session (depending on the format agreed) and aim to fully understand and address your issues or circumstances over a number of weeks/sessions agreed between us. 

Is therapy worth it?

Yes! You are worth it.  We don't tend to think twice about keeping physically fit, but ignoring your mental health or the warning signs can have longer lasting effects if not addressed. Often difficult emotions arise as a symptom of something else, for example feeling angry could mean we feel some kind of injustice has taken place and we may need to learn to express our feelings in other ways.

Will I get along with my therapist?

Good therapy is based on the relationship you have with your therapist.   It can take time to build up trust, both in the process of therapy and with each other (client and therapist).  But with mutual trust, respect, understanding and a little perseverance this is often a winning combination.

Will my therapist understand me & my issues?

With training & experience in bereavement, involuntary childlessness, anxiety, work-place stress, burnout, divorce, my journey into counselling has taken place over many years of studying and providing counselling alongside my former career path within the private & charity sectors and working in the NHS.  

What is trauma-informed counselling?

We all understand and often use the word 'trauma' in very different ways, and according to Mind (2026), there is no ‘rule’ about what experiences are considered traumatic. Rather; this could be how you may have reacted to situations or events in your life and whether you were supported to process the situation at the time is often key.   What's considered traumatic is personal. Other people can't always know how you feel about your own experiences or decide if they are traumatic for you. 

You might have similar experiences to someone else but be affected differently or for longer.  A personal trauma can include events where you have felt: frightened or under threat, humiliated, rejected or abandoned.  It can also include a sense of being invalidated, for example your feelings or views have been dismissed or denied,  or where you have felt unsupported,  powerless or ashamed.   As adults we might look back on a parent's divorce as a child-hood trauma because of the ongoing effects experienced as a child.