Is counselling for me?

Historically mental health has had stigmas associated with it in the UK. Thankfully this is changing, as the acceptance of the importance of good mental health is becoming more popular in society.

To ask a stranger for help can still be a difficult though, especially when its something very personal to you.

When you have tried figuring it out on your own, spoken to close friends and family, and still cant manage to sort it out, this is where counselling may be helpful.

If in doubt just give me a call or a text and lets have a friendly chat, what's the worst than can happen? you may even feel a bit of relief after the call!

What type of therapy is right for me?

I remember when I first started my journey as a counsellor I was overwhelmed with the amount of different styles of counselling CBT, Humanistic, Integrative, how are you supposed to choose? and how do you know which is right for you?

I believe in creating a tailored approach for my clients, this means I am already trained in core therapeutic styles such as person centred and CBT and I also continually developing my skills in other areas.

Each of us is unique and I will endeavour to adapt my style dynamically, within session, if I feel you may benefit from something else.

Your first session

For me the first session is about helping you feel comfortable, for us starting to build a relationship and for you to feel like you can see the point of coming.

I will try and understand your goals for therapy and the best way of approaching this is for you.

There will be no pressure from me for you to tell me everything in one go. I believe as we get to know and trust each other better over future sessions you will feel more comfortable to explore what you want to.

and after the first session?

Traditionally counselling is carried out on a weekly basis however not everyone needs or wants that kind of intensity, some of my clients do come weekly and take breaks when suits them. Some of my clients call it their MOT and come when they have something that they want to explore in depth.

There is no right or wrong, its entirely up to you and what you need at that time in your life.

I will carry out periodic reviews with you, about how you feel its going, any problems you feel there are, and to check on things like dependency or attachment.

When you end is also up to you, personally I would like you to tell me and leave me some feedback, but I understand endings can be hard for some people so if you just disappear I wont mind either and I'm always here for you if you feel you need to pop back in the future.

My Approach

I believe we are all unique and I aim to make counselling as friendly and easy as possible for you. I will not sugar coat it though, sometimes we come to counselling because we want to explore things that are difficult, this is why I am here to support and care for you through this exploration, in your own time.

I will also challenge your way of thinking, this is because we often get stuck in our own mind, feeling powerless to escape a certain way of thinking and we need someone that is not judgmental or incriminating to help us become aware of new paths.

For me this is what counselling is for, to help people make those small movements that can seem scary, even impossible, but ultimately can become life changing.

I have worked with a wide variety of clients from a range of different backgrounds from opera singers, surgeons, professional footballers and doctors dealing with high pressure environments to people in the media where confidentiality is of utmost importance. Everything you talk about is between us and I will never judge you.

Confidence in accreditation

I have a MSc in counselling and psychotherapy and have specialist training in domestic abuse. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and am fully insured.
This means I am regulated by ethical guidelines that ensure I provide the best standard of care possible and that I must continually develop my skill set.

Fully qualified

DBS checked

Fully insured

Registered member of BACP

Specialist training

Cost & details

It is important to me that you feel you have found a counsellor you can connect with. I therefore offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation to make sure you feel comfortable to work with me.

In my private practice I work with people aged 16 and above.

Rates for a counselling hour (50 minutes) are as follows:

• £40 online via Google meet

• £50 face to face either in Northwich or Lymm

I also offer discounted rates to counselling students and other concessions are possible, please ask.

I understand that it can be a daunting coming to counselling for the first time and you may decide not to come at the last moment and that is fine. However, in face-to-face counselling I have to pay for the room up front and this leaves me out of pocket. I therefore ask that you please pay the day before your session to ensure the room is booked.

Cancellation Policy

If you feel you the need to cancel, I ask that you please provide me with at least 48hrs notice or you may be liable for the cost of your appointment.

I have always found it hard to open up, even to friends, you made it so easy.

A, Wales

You're so easy to talk to, even when talking about the tough stuff.

S, Leeds

Locations

I am proud to be associated with and based in the following locations.

Libertas Therapy Ltd
Lymm

Online

Rosebank Wellbeing
Northwich

My working hours

I am available either on the phone, email, text or even WhatsApp during the following hours. If you don't reach me immediately don't worry, leave me your details and I'll give you a call back.

Monday to Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm