FAQs

What issues do you help with?

I work with most issues that clients bring. I may refer clients on, if I believe that it is the most ethical decision for them (as in, I believe it to be above my competence level). On the rare occasion that I felt I needed to refer a client on, I would endeavour to find them another more appropriately matched counsellor. My special areas of interest are bereavement, maternal mental health, narcissistic abuse recovery and childhood trauma / attachment injury.

Who do you work with

I work with all adults over 18, and I also offer relationship counselling for couples and families.

How will I know if counselling is right for me

I would suggest that you just give it a try and see how it goes. You are welcome to come along for a session to try it out, with no obligation to rebook if you decide against continuing.

What is your therapeutic approach?”

I am a humanistic counsellor, with my foundations being firmly in person-centred theory. This means that my sessions are client focussed and client led. I work in collaboration with my clients to find the best way forward, by offering a safe environment, and essentially holding a mirror up to them. This enables compassionate enquiry, to look at what their strengths are, but also to look at what is potentially not working so well for them. I believe in helping clients to reinforce their strengths and to help them uncover the abilities they already possess, to enable them to move forward confidently in life. I sometimes use creative materials in my work (with the client’s agreement), to facilitate and spark further discussion

How long are the sessions?

Sessions last for one hour.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person. Clients attending with one main issue often attend for around 10–12 sessions, although this can change if further issues arise. Clients with more complex needs may attend for several months or longer. Sessions are open-ended, and progress is regularly reviewed together

How often should I attend sessions?

Weekly sessions are usually recommended at the start, particularly for the first six weeks, to establish continuity and a strong therapeutic relationship. Some clients later choose to move to fortnightly sessions, depending on their needs.

Is parking available?

Yes, there is free off-road parking available in the yard behind the building.

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions cost £55 per hour

Do you offer reduced rates?

Reduced rates are available for trainee counsellors and occasionally, at my discretion, for clients on very low incomes.

How do I pay?

Payment can be made by BACS transfer, cash, or cheque.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Are sessions always confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality would only be broken if there were concerns about your safety or the safety of others, or if serious criminal activity were disclosed. I would always aim to discuss this with you first.

Do you offer telephone or online counselling?

Yes. I offer counselling by telephone or online via Google Meet and have undertaken training in delivering counselling in this way.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I hold a Level 2 Counselling Skills Certificate, an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, and a DipHE Level 5 in Humanistic Counselling from Portsmouth University. Prior to private practice, I worked for a year as a bereavement counsellor at Butterflies Bereavement Charity in Eastleigh. I undertake ongoing CPD and hold additional training in areas including childhood sexual abuse, sibling grief, self-harm, suicide awareness, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems, narcissism, personality disorders, grief and bereavement, depression, anxiety, and maternal mental health.

Are you affiliated with a regulatory body?

Yes. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I also hold public liability insurance and records management and security insurance.