My approach...
I believe that people are driven by a desire to grow and have the capacity to change. In our lives, however, sometimes we experience things that can create blocks to this growth and we can become stuck. These experiences could be unexpected or unpleasant life events, others placing conditions on love and acceptance or heavy expectations, mental health issues and many other things. These blocks, whilst they can be difficult or painful to overcome, don't need to be permanent. Person-centred counselling is built on the idea that, in the right conditions, a person can find the necessary confidence, strength and resilience to overcome their blocks to growth and move forward in their life.
My commitment to you...
Above all else, your well being and comfort are my highest priorities and I will do everything I can to help you feel safe and at ease from the moment we first meet. No matter how you show up in the room, you will be met with acceptance and openness - I'm here to meet you where you're at without any expectations because I believe that we are equals within the space. I will always take you seriously and do my very best to understand you, and whatever you bring to our sessions, with my goal being to help you feel seen, heard and understood. We will work entirely at your pace and I will never put pressure on you to share more than you feel comfortable with, ensuring your autonomy is always respected.
Working together...
Our first session is all about settling in and finding our rhythm, focusing on establishing a safe foundation for our work together. To help take some of the pressure off, I'll take a bit more of the lead initially, guiding you through those first few steps. From there, as we move forward, our sessions become a space for strengthening that connection and exploring whatever you feel ready to bring into the room.
A common misconception about counselling is that you need to be formally diagnosed with something or need to be in crisis to reach out for support. Allow me to assure you that this is not the case; support is not something that needs to be earned. Daily life can be difficult for a whole host of reasons and we can all become overwhelmed, stressed or burned out. Counselling is for everybody, regardless of your circumstances.
So, whilst I could help with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, I can also help with relationship issues, stress and other day-to-day issues. Counselling can also be a great place to help build your confidence, improve your self-awareness and identify your values or goals in life.
I am not here to tell you how to live your life. Instead, I am here to help you live the life you want you live. If you're interested in working together but aren't sure if I can help you with your specific needs or situation, please feel free to reach out for an introductory call. Even if I end up not being the right fit for you, I might be able to help point you in the direction of someone who is.
Areas I can support you...
Don't worry, I am actually trained professionally...
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CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (ongoing)
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CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
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CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
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CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
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BACP Certificate of Proficiency
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Online and telephone counselling training
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Ongoing Continued Professional Development to expand my knowledge and experience
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I adhere to their professional standards and ethical framework in my practice.
I am also fully insured and have an enhanced DBS certificate.
I should mention that, at least for now, I only work with adults (18+)
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Individual counselling: £50
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Students and trainee counsellors: £45
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Sundays: £60
Sessions are 50 minutes (the counsellor's hour)
I offer a free 20-minute introductory phone call. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if I'm the right fit for you. I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have and to give you an idea of what to expect in our first session together, if you decide to book in with me.