Counselling

Counselling

I offer sessions face-to-face or online, via video. Sessions are approximately 50 minutes long.

Cost - £50 per 50 min session (I do offer concessions)

If you would like to enquire about this service, please fill in the contact form.

What will happen in my counselling session?

We will spend the first session getting to know each other, and you can decide at this point whether you would like to proceed with counselling. I will tell you more about the kinds of counselling I offer. During the first session I will also undertake a brief assessment of your needs to ensure that I will be able to support you. This session is free of charge. 

After the first session we will start the therapeutic work. I offer open-ended sessions - but will review progress with you roughly every four weeks. I usually work with clients weekly initially, and we will arrange a suitable day/time for sessions in our first appointment. 

Remote (online) counselling:

I currently offer more sessions remotely than face-to-face. Many people are skeptical about having sessions online. This is a fairly new way of delivering therapy and a degree of apprehension is understandable. However, here are some advantages of working online, which you may want to consider: 

  • There is no travelling to and from sessions, which can be more cost-effective in terms of fuel, parking etc. 
  • There is no time spent on travelling, particularly for those in remoter areas. 
  • There is more flexibility in terms of session days/times, to fit in with your schedule. 
  • You can access your sessions in your preferred location. 
  • Accessing counselling in a familiar environment can feel safer and more comfortable.
  • Immediate access to things around your home, such as old photographs, favourite music and cherished objects, can enrich and deepen therapy. 
  • While the 'disinhibition' effect of working online can have negatives (your therapist will discuss these with you), it can also have advantages in terms of clients feeling more able to discuss sensitive topics. This can mean that therapy progresses more effectively. 
  • You can bring sessions to you - therapy can be arranged in locations that fit around your day-to-day life - as long as you are safe and have a confidential place to talk (you will need to provide an address/emergency contact for each location).
  • Online sessions are more accessible to individuals who find it difficult to leave their homes, due to disability or other factors. 
  • There is mounting evidence indicating that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face e.g., Andrews G, Basu A, Cuijpers P, et al. Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord. 2018;55:70-78. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.01.001

For working online you will need:

  • A phone/tablet/laptop/computer
  • A good wi-fi connection
  • Download Zoom which is a free, secure and easy to use online platform.
  • A private, safe place to sit and get comfortable. You will need to provide an address and emergency contact for each location you access counselling from. 
  • Please note: Some issues/needs can not be supported safely via online sessions. Your therapist will assess your suitability for this form of counselling during your initial session.