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There are times when life can feel difficult to manage alone. You may know exactly what is troubling you, or you may simply have a sense that something is not quite right.  Whatever has brought you to counselling, I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, feel heard and explore what is happening for you at your own pace.

I work in an integrative and person-centred way, which means that you are at the heart of our work together. I believe that a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship is an important part of counselling and I will work collaboratively with you, adapting my approach to your individual needs rather than assuming that one way of working suits everyone.

Before qualifying as a counsellor, I spent many years working professionally with people, often supporting individuals through difficult situations, uncertainty and significant periods of change. This experience, together with my counselling and psychology training, has shaped the way I work today: with empathy, curiosity and respect for each person's individual experiences and circumstances.

Alongside my counselling qualification, I hold a BSc in Psychology and Counselling and an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. This broader understanding of psychology and mental wellbeing complements my therapeutic work, while recognising that you are the expert on your own experiences.

Whether you are looking for short-term support with a particular difficulty or would like to explore something more deeply over a longer period, we can work together at a pace that feels right for you.

I have experience of supporting people with a wide range of emotional and personal difficulties, including anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, trauma, domestic abuse, relationship difficulties and low self-esteem. I also have experience of working therapeutically with neurodivergent clients, including people with ADHD and autism. My previous professional career has given me considerable experience of supporting people through workplace difficulties, uncertainty and periods of significant change.

Counselling gives you an opportunity to explore what is happening in your life without feeling that you need to protect, reassure or please the person you are talking to. Together, we can begin to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and experiences, explore patterns that may no longer be helpful and develop a greater understanding of yourself and what you may want to change.

I recognise that everyone comes to counselling with different experiences, circumstances and expectations. Our work can therefore be short-term and focused on a particular issue, or longer-term if you would like the opportunity to explore experiences, relationships or patterns in greater depth. We can review our work together as we go, ensuring that the counselling continues to meet your needs and remains focused on what is important to you.

I offer 50-minute sessions both online and face-to-face, with a range of daytime, evening and Saturday appointments available. Face-to-face sessions are charged at a slightly higher rate to reflect the cost of room hire.

I also offer a free 15-minute telephone or online introductory call, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions, tell me briefly what you are looking for support with and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me. There is no obligation to book a counselling session afterwards.

Starting counselling can sometimes feel daunting, particularly if you have not had counselling before. My aim is to make our first session feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Before your first session, you are welcome to arrange a free 15-minute telephone or online introductory call. This gives us an opportunity to briefly meet and for you to decide whether you would like to book a full counselling session.

Your first counselling session will be 50 minutes and charged at my usual session rate. You do not need to prepare anything or arrive knowing exactly what you want to say. We will take time to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what is happening for you at the moment and what you would like to gain from our work together.

There will also be some brief introductory paperwork to complete, either during our initial call or at the beginning of your first session. This should only take a short amount of time. I will explain how I work, including confidentiality and the practical arrangements for our sessions, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

For me, an important part of the first session is beginning to understand you as an individual rather than simply focusing on a particular problem or diagnosis. We can explore what feels important to you and consider together how counselling might best support you.

Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is important. There is no pressure to make a long-term commitment at your first session. If you decide you would like to continue, we can agree how we will work together and review this as the counselling progresses.