About me
Hello! So, a little about me. The majority of my working life has been spent supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing, creating positive relationships, to encourage them to achieve their own potential and be who they are, which is very much sprinkled throughout my practice today. I love helping people to grow and see their own power. My work with young people as a camp counsellor and mentor, and then working on mental and sexual health helplines with adults too, gave me a good grounding to becoming a counsellor in 2004. I have loved learning about mental health since studying a psychology honours degree.
I have provided counselling in a wide range of settings such as schools, addiction services, primary care, and the voluntary and public sector with adults and young people. I adored working in a sexual health clinic for young people under 25, exploring issues such as relationships, assertiveness, STI’s, pregnancy choices and miscarriage and loss, supporting individuals as well as couples.
My Story
I am particularly drawn to working with people who have experienced issues with confidence, relationships, loss, miscarriage and baby loss, trauma and domestic abuse. I have over a decade of counselling experience supporting women and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse.
Like many people, I have had my own difficult story which brought me to have personal therapy. I experienced three pregnancy losses which I really struggled with, and was so painful to go through. Therapy helped me to know it wasn’t my fault, and just make sense of what happened to me, finding a way to tolerate it in my life whilst moving forward. I now write a blog about pregnancy loss, with the intention to make a difference to someone and support them with my learnings and insights.
Normalising Mental Health
I am a relatable and compassionate counsellor who is genuine, understanding and empathic. I will ensure a non-judgemental space for you, where you don’t have to be positive and pretend that everything is ok. My hope is for counselling to be spoken about more openly and normalised as a positive self care practice for mental health.
As well as a counsellor, I am a mum to two young boys, and I am a keen singer, reader and adore the theatre and gigs. You will also find me out walking by the water where I really feel at peace.
I am always struck by the honesty and realness that many people have brought to counselling, and enjoy making connections in such a transparent way. It is a real privilege to be part of so many people’s journeys, which is so unique to them, and know the process can be life-changing. I look forward to making more connections.
So What is Counselling?
Counselling is a process where you can talk to a trained counsellor confidentially if you are struggling with difficult feelings, thoughts and experiences. These may cause you conflict within yourself or others, and affect how you are coping. Often the issues presented may be anxiety, stress, trauma, loss, confidence and relationships. Some people may not know what is bothering them, but have a feeling of disconnection and not feel themselves. Counselling can help you to accept and come to terms with what’s happening in your life, that may be stopping you from living fully. It can support you to find a way to make positive changes to move forward.
What is my approach?
I am qualified in the person-centred approach, which is a humanistic therapy that puts you at the centre of the work going at your own pace. I focus on trying to provide a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where we gel and connect in a way for you to be comfortable to be yourself and say the unspoken things, which can take time. I will get alongside you to explore and notice with curiosity what you share, gently challenging at times, asking questions and highlighting where there might be repetitive behaviours and thought patterns, that have been harmful or unproductive in the past. I will use our relationship in the room, to offer a different perspective. I always trust your process and where you need to go, helping you to connect and sit with the uncomfortable and stuck feelings, that will support you to heal and grow and resolve issues. I do at times integrate other ways of working that is tailored to your needs in order to aid relaxation or coping. The counselling journey can be hard work, and there are no quick fixes. Whilst I have extensive counselling experience, and regularly engage in continued professional development to increase my skills and knowledge, I am not the expert of you. I can’t give you all the answers or tell you what to do, this comes from you. It can be empowering to make choices to improve your situation and take your control back.
How Do I Work With Young People?
Although my approach is similar for everyone, there are some differences for young people, particularly if you are under 16. I ask parents to attend an online intro appointment so we can discuss confidentiality and how counselling works. It can help give everyone an understanding of the boundaries and expectations in place. There would be no expectation for me to share the content of any appointments unless the young person has requested this, or there are concerns for safety and wellbeing outlined in the initial contract agreed.
How Many Appointments Do I Need?
This will depend on what issue you are bringing to counselling. Everyone’s journey is so different, with some noticing very quick changes in their lives. I never ask to commit to a set amount of appointments. I have worked with some clients for approximately 6 appointments, but some between 6-9 months. We will have regular reviews to check in with you and your needs, and I will never keep you in therapy longer than you need to be. You have full control in the process, stopping when you need to. I usually recommend weekly or fortnightly appointments for you to get the most out of appointments.
How do you see people?
Face to face appointments take place in a very warm, relaxing and calm counselling room in Head of Muir, Denny. I also offer appointments via zoom, as well as by telephone. I am qualified with an online and telephone counselling certificate. This ensures that I work ethically and safely in your counselling appointment. We can discuss in your introductory appointment which way fits best with your needs. Online therapy can be just as effective as face to face. You can access this anywhere in the UK, from the convenience of your safe comfy space at home. No travelling to a location may give you an increased sense of safety and privacy.
What is your fee?
The fee is £50.00 for a 50-minute face-to-face, video call and telephone counselling appointment preferably by bank transfer, but a cash option is available.
What happens next?
I offer a free 20 minute appointment via video call or phone to discuss what you need from counselling, my approach, boundaries and if we can work together. I will take some basic personal information which is kept safe. Once you have decided if you want to proceed and how you would like to see me, we will arrange an appointment to meet face to face at the counselling room, or send you a secure link to access your therapy room. You will be emailed a counselling and covid agreement which outlines expectations, rights and responsibilities and covid safety measures.
Am I the right therapist for you?
Thanks for taking the time to read and consider whether I can help you. It can be an overwhelming decision to choose a therapist, but it is helpful to look at a few so you are sure they feel right for you. Useful questions to ask yourself is whether you like the look and sound of me? Has anything you read resonated with you? Do you like the sound of my approach and experience? If you are thinking you could connect with me, and trust me to hear your story and feelings, or maybe a little unsure, book a free intro appointment to help you decide.