Counselling is a form of talking therapy in which we explore your thoughts and feelings related to something that you feel is affecting you & your everyday life.

Counselling can mean something different to all of us, but people often find counselling helpful when they feel they have nobody else to share their private thoughts with, or when they want a non-judgmental space to explore their feelings. My role as a counsellor is to listen with a kind and empathetic manner to support you in your journey of self-discovery.

As a counsellor my role is not to provide you with advice or to tell you what to do as I am a great believer in being in charge of your own life, however what I can do is offer you a listening ear and a caring approach so that we may explore your feelings together.

You may feel all kinds of different emotions in counselling, some of which may feel uncomfortable or challenging to you at times, but that is totally normal. Counselling is here to give you that private and confidential space to look at what is troubling you and to offer encouragement in exploring the root cause of those issues.

There are various ways and methods used within counselling, known as ‘approaches’, with the following being an example of the ones that I use in my work with clients:

Humanistic/Person-Centred

A warm, supportive approach that focuses on you as a whole person, not just your problems. Humanistic counselling helps you explore your feelings, build self-awareness, and move towards personal growth in a safe, accepting space.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

A practical, goal-focused approach that looks at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. CBT can help you identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping strategies, and create positive changes in day-to-day life.

Psychodynamic

An approach that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns may be affecting your present relationships, emotions, and behaviours. Psychodynamic therapy can help bring deeper understanding and lasting change.

Existential

A reflective approach that explores questions around meaning, identity, freedom, responsibility, and life choices. Existential therapy can help you gain clarity, face uncertainty, and live in a way that feels more authentic to you.

Confidentiality means that the information you share and the emotions you express remains a part of our therapeutic relationship and does not leave the confines of the counselling room.

There are, however, exceptions to this confidentiality due to UK law and ethical principles:

-If there is serious concern regarding your safety or the safety of someone else, especially if a child is at risk of significant harm;
-If there exists a legal duty concerning your participation in or awareness of a grave criminal offence;
-Upon receipt of a court order seeking information pertaining to you;
-If it is essential to prevent a serious and imminent threat to either public health or national security.

When we begin our work together I will provide you with a confidentiality statement which provides more information. Alternatively you can view my Privacy Policy here on the website which provides in-depth information.

As part of my ethical working I adhere to the policies and guidelines of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society which can be found here.

In general the length of counselling depends on the individual and what they require for what they have brought to the counselling sessions.

Personally I can work on a short-term or long-term basis depending on what you feel you need. This is something to be discussed when we first meet and also throughout our time together.