Counselling
Who I Work With
I work with adults, young people and children, offering a safe and supportive space to explore whatever may be happening in your life.
For adults, this might include anxiety, stress, burnout, low mood, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, life changes, work pressures or simply feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You may be experiencing something specific, or you may have reached a point where you know that something needs to change but aren't quite sure where to begin.
My professional background in education and leadership means I have a particular understanding of the pressures that can arise within education and caring professions. I also understand the challenges that can come with parenting, family life and balancing the needs of others alongside your own. However, you don't need to work in education, be a parent or have a particular presenting issue to come to counselling. I work with each person as an individual and welcome a broad range of experiences and concerns.
I also work with children and young people, supporting them with the emotional and developmental challenges they may be experiencing. This could include anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, friendships and relationships, school pressures, emotional regulation, family changes or difficulties adjusting to significant life events.
Whatever your age or circumstances, you don't need to have a diagnosis or be able to clearly explain what is wrong before seeking counselling. Sometimes simply knowing that things don't feel right is enough of a reason to reach out.
approach
Person-Centred Integrative Counselling
I am an Integrative Counsellor, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches rather than believing that one approach will work for everyone.
At the heart of my practice is a person-centred and relational approach. I believe that feeling safe, heard and genuinely understood is an important part of the therapeutic process. The relationship we develop provides a foundation from which we can explore what is happening for you.
I will not tell you what you should do or offer quick fixes. Instead, I work collaboratively with you, using curiosity, empathy and gentle challenge where appropriate. We can explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences and relationships, and consider patterns that may have developed over time.
I adapt my approach according to your individual needs, experiences and goals. Some people may want to focus on something happening in their life right now, while others may want to explore experiences from the past and understand how these may continue to influence the present.
There is no expectation that you will have everything worked out before you begin. Counselling is a process, and we can work together to understand what you need and what feels most helpful for you.
Counselling
Working with Young People
Working with children and young people is an important part of my counselling practice. Alongside my Level 4 counselling qualification, I have completed a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People, developing specialist knowledge and skills in working therapeutically with younger clients.
My previous career in education has also given me many years of experience working alongside children, young people, parents, families and other professionals. I understand that growing up can bring its own unique pressures, including friendships and relationships, school expectations, identity, social media, family changes, emotional regulation and the transition towards adulthood.
Young people often need a space where they can speak openly without feeling judged or immediately given advice. I aim to provide this through a warm, respectful and age-appropriate therapeutic relationship.
Where appropriate, I will work collaboratively with parents or carers and other professionals involved in a young person's care, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and ensuring the young person's voice remains central to the therapeutic process.
My aim is to help young people develop a greater understanding of themselves and their emotions, feel more able to cope with challenges, and develop confidence in navigating their relationships and the world around them.
What to Expect
first Counselling Session
Starting counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you have never spoken to a counsellor before. You don't need to know exactly what to say or have a clear understanding of what you need before you begin.
Our first session provides an opportunity for us to talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you would like support with. We can discuss what you hope to gain from counselling, your current circumstances and anything that may be important for me to understand.
Finding the Right Fit
It is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and how I work. The therapeutic relationship is important, and it is completely understandable that you may want to take some time to decide whether counselling with me feels right for you.
We will talk about confidentiality, how sessions will work and any practical arrangements. From there, we can agree how we would like to work together.
Counselling at Your Own Pace
Some people find it helpful to have a specific focus for their counselling, while others need space to explore and understand what they are experiencing before knowing where they want the work to go. Both are completely okay.
Sessions are collaborative and take place at a pace that feels manageable for you. There is no expectation to talk about anything before you feel ready.