What is Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy which aims to help us understand our thoughts and feelings and tackle our difficulties in life.
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Significant life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, a redundancy or a panic attack can feel overwhelming. Other issues such as low self-confidence, depression or anxiety, which can affect life on many different levels, can also lead people to seek help from counselling. Some clients may just have an underlying sense of unhappiness and feel that life could be better or different.
What I Offer
My role as a counsellor isn’t about giving advice or telling you what to do. I offer a warm approach to counselling where we work on what you bring together and in partnership. My aim is to create a safe reflective space where you can express your feelings and thoughts freely, and be heard, understood and valued for who you are without being judged and at your own pace.
People have come to me with all sorts of problems – social anxiety & panic attacks, difficulties at home or at work, the loss of a loved one, a recent trauma or past abuse, issues like ADHD or bipolar. Some of the clients I have worked with told me that for the first time they were able to talk and express their feelings and thoughts about themselves and life as they felt safe & comfortable. This helped them to go through difficult times when they were at a very low point in their life. My focus is on the client and the relationship we’re creating together. I may use practical activities & breathing techniques in particular to help my clients through anxiety, PTSD and trauma.
After our sessions clients feel more confident and in control, and are able to explore their insights between sessions. I have worked with clients who felt better after two sessions, with clients who felt ready to move forward after six to eight sessions and with clients who find they want to continue self-exploration for a longer period.
The insight and awareness you gain from counselling will help you let go of some negative feelings and thoughts that are getting in your way, perhaps release old pain and see the issues troubling you from a new perspective. As you make more sense of your life, you will be empowered to make your own choices and develop your potential, no matter how young or old you are. Life’s journey with its ups and downs can be lonely. I am here to accompany and support you.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to my practice. I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, all genders (female, male, trans, non-binary, agender, third gender, gender fluid, queer or questioning), and sexual and relationship diversities. I’m a LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist.
