Mental health
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and difficult past experiences
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Just needing someone confidential to talk to
What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential one-to-one space where you can talk to a trained counsellor about any difficulties you may be experiencing.
Counselling helps you understand your emotions, find the feelings behind your difficulties and develop healthier ways of coping.
Unlike friends or family, a counsellor is trained to listen objectively. I follow a professional code of ethics and keep what you share confidential, except where there is a serious risk of harm.
Who is counselling for?
I work with adults aged 18 and over. Counselling can help if you:
- Feel overwhelmed, stuck or anxious
- Are going through a difficult time or a big change
- Want to understand yourself better
- Simply feel that something isn't quite right
You don't need to wait until things feel unmanageable before reaching out.
What I can help with
Life events and changes
- Bereavement and grief
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Major life transitions
Addiction and substance use
- Alcohol and drugs
- Support with recovery and a harm reduction approach
How counselling works
As an integrative counsellor, I shape our work around you. I draw on person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic and solution-focused approaches, depending on what feels helpful.
Some sessions may focus on understanding the past. Others may focus on your thoughts and feelings now, or on practical steps forward.
Counselling is not about telling you what to do. It's about helping you find your own way.
What happens in your first session?
It's completely natural to feel nervous before your first appointment. Our first 50-minute session is a gentle chance to get to know each other. There's no pressure to have everything figured out.
Practical details and privacy
We'll go through paperwork, appointments and how sessions work. I'll explain confidentiality and its limits, so you know how your information is protected.
Your story, at your pace
We'll gently explore what has brought you to counselling. You're always in control of how much you share.
Your hopes and goals
We'll talk about what you'd like from counselling, whether that's something specific or simply a space to make sense of things.
Making sure it feels right
You're welcome to ask questions about how I work. It matters that you feel comfortable, listened to and respected.
How you might feel afterwards
You might feel relieved, hopeful or lighter. You might also feel emotional or tired. All of these feelings are completely understandable.
If you can, give yourself a little breathing space afterwards. A quiet moment, a gentle walk or something comforting can help.
What to expect from ongoing sessions
Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly or fortnightly. Some people find a few sessions are enough, while others prefer longer-term support. We'll review how things are going together and decide what feels right for you.
You can choose to end counselling at any time. Where possible, it helps to talk this through together so we can reflect on your progress.
You don't need all the answers to begin
Just coming as you are is enough. Book a free 15-minute telephone consultation to ask any questions you may have and see if counselling feels right for you.