What to Expect
I offer a Humanistic approach to counselling (a blend of Person Centered, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis approaches), which emphasises the value of the therapeutic relationship. I endeavour to create a safe, supportive environment where you are able to explore whatever you need to explore - in your own time - facilitating change and the natural human tendency towards growth. I am an embodied practitioner, meaning I am curious about the way emotions are reflected in the physical body and I will honour this aspect of self as well as your thought processes and emotional expression. I am also a retired complementary therapist specialised in womb health, which informs my approach and understanding.
My style is highly supportive, with challenge where required but offered gently. I see counselling as a meeting of two equal individuals, where one (me) uses training and experience to support the other (you) in heightening your understanding of your Self, your patterns, your needs and wants. With this increased awareness comes the potential for choice, and with choice, the potential for change. I do not force you to talk about anything you are not ready to talk about, and I'm not trying to change you or give you advice on how to live your life. It might not always seem like it in times of trauma and anxiety, but you are the best expert on yourself - no one can truly know your inner world like you do - but I do my best to walk alongside you and understand your experience. The quality of our relationship is of utmost importance, and can offer a healing and reparative experience.
Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long, usually conducted weekly at least in the initial phases, and may progress to fortnightly, if appropriate. I offer flexible scheduling, meaning we can agree session-by-session on the next date and time that suits both our schedules. This can be helpful for shift workers or people with less predictable external pressures on their schedule. We would start with a phone call to see what brings you to look for a counsellor, then an initial session to explore your aims, talk about what therapy with me might be like, and see whether we might be a good fit to work together. This initial session isn't a standard counselling session, it's to make sure you and I are both clear on the expectations, for me to share with you my policies and contracts, to help both of us make an informed choice about proceeding with counselling. If this all feels right, then we can discuss further sessions.
Many people wonder 'how long' therapy lasts, and I don't have a definitive answer for this. Some people feel 'done' after a few months, some people choose to stay for years even after the initial 'issues' are resolved, using therapy as a tool for personal growth and development. I will not hold you to any fixed term contract - you are free to finish when you feel you have enough of what you need. I will say though, endings can be very therapeutically rich so I do ask for some notice so that we can plan together for a safe and thoughtful conclusion to the relationship, especially if we have been working together for a long time.
My fee is £65 per session, subject to annual review.
CLIENT PROTECTION
I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the BACP, a Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register, which means I am committed to upholding the principles, values and good practice standards of the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. You can access a copy of this document here.
Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long, usually conducted weekly at least in the initial phases, and may progress to fortnightly, if appropriate. I offer flexible scheduling, meaning we can agree session-by-session on the next date and time that suits both our schedules. This can be helpful for shift workers or people with less predictable external pressures on their schedule. We would start with a phone call to see what brings you to look for a counsellor, then an initial session to explore your aims, talk about what therapy with me might be like, and see whether we might be a good fit to work together. This initial session isn't a standard counselling session, it's to make sure you and I are both clear on the expectations, for me to share with you my policies and contracts, to help both of us make an informed choice about proceeding with counselling. If this all feels right, then we can discuss further sessions.
Many people wonder 'how long' therapy lasts, and I don't have a definitive answer for this. Some people feel 'done' after a few months, some people choose to stay for years even after the initial 'issues' are resolved, using therapy as a tool for personal growth and development. I will not hold you to any fixed term contract - you are free to finish when you feel you have enough of what you need. I will say though, endings can be very therapeutically rich so I do ask for some notice so that we can plan together for a safe and thoughtful conclusion to the relationship, especially if we have been working together for a long time.
My fee is £65 per session, subject to annual review.
CLIENT PROTECTION
I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the BACP, a Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register, which means I am committed to upholding the principles, values and good practice standards of the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. You can access a copy of this document here.
Therapy Options
WORKING ONLINE
Therapy via video-conferencing can be just as effective as working in a room together, and can be more convenient for scheduling (no need to travel to me) and accessibility if you have mobility considerations. As part of your initial phone call we can discuss your options and preferences, whether online might be a good fit for you, and talk about the technology requirements so you can make an informed choice about what will work best for you. Sessions by phone are also an option and can be helpful if you like to move around while you talk, or if Wifi or internet connections are an issue. I am additionally trained in Online and Telephone counselling.
WORKING OUTDOORS
Sessions based in nature can be wonderfully supportive for stress, anxiety and depression, with the option of moving together, or finding a place to sit. Combining the dual therapeutic benefits of nature itself plus the process of counselling can offer wonderful potential for growth and change. Sometimes we might work with nature, with what we find, with the environment it offers, as a source of metaphor and creative potential, or we might just enjoy the benefits of the fresh air while exploring whatever is coming up for you. Outdoor sessions are held in all weathers, except where I might cancel (or offer an alternative) in extreme weather conditions that might pose a risk to life. I have additional training to work in and with Nature (with Nature Therapy School) to support my competence to work with you in this way.
PETS IN THE PARK
Informed by years of experience working therapeutically with animals (mainly dogs and horses) I am also prepared to consider the inclusion of your dog, or horse (or other suitable companion animal), for your session when we are working in Richmond Park. As relational, emotional and largely unfiltered beings, animals can offer a wealth of information about your process as well as offer a grounding presence in times of emotional turmoil. Please contact me if this is of interest so we can discuss the possibilities, potential consequences and suitability of this option for your outdoor sessions.
Therapy via video-conferencing can be just as effective as working in a room together, and can be more convenient for scheduling (no need to travel to me) and accessibility if you have mobility considerations. As part of your initial phone call we can discuss your options and preferences, whether online might be a good fit for you, and talk about the technology requirements so you can make an informed choice about what will work best for you. Sessions by phone are also an option and can be helpful if you like to move around while you talk, or if Wifi or internet connections are an issue. I am additionally trained in Online and Telephone counselling.
WORKING OUTDOORS
Sessions based in nature can be wonderfully supportive for stress, anxiety and depression, with the option of moving together, or finding a place to sit. Combining the dual therapeutic benefits of nature itself plus the process of counselling can offer wonderful potential for growth and change. Sometimes we might work with nature, with what we find, with the environment it offers, as a source of metaphor and creative potential, or we might just enjoy the benefits of the fresh air while exploring whatever is coming up for you. Outdoor sessions are held in all weathers, except where I might cancel (or offer an alternative) in extreme weather conditions that might pose a risk to life. I have additional training to work in and with Nature (with Nature Therapy School) to support my competence to work with you in this way.
PETS IN THE PARK
Informed by years of experience working therapeutically with animals (mainly dogs and horses) I am also prepared to consider the inclusion of your dog, or horse (or other suitable companion animal), for your session when we are working in Richmond Park. As relational, emotional and largely unfiltered beings, animals can offer a wealth of information about your process as well as offer a grounding presence in times of emotional turmoil. Please contact me if this is of interest so we can discuss the possibilities, potential consequences and suitability of this option for your outdoor sessions.