Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.

A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have.

Sometimes, the term 'counselling' is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right.

Counselling may be enough for one issue you might be struggling with whereas psychotherapy is a more long-term therapeutic intervention used to understand emotional problems and mental health conditions.

It allows you to look deeper into your problems and worries and deal with troublesome habits and a wide range of problems including depression.

Although psychotherapy is usually a talking therapy, sometimes other methods may be used.

Psychotherapy can help you to discuss feelings that you have about yourself and other people, particularly family and those close to you.

All sessions are confidential. This means you can explore issues that may be embarrassing or secret in the knowledge that what you say stays with us in the room.

Everything discussed during our sessions together remains confidential. The only time confidentiality would be broken is if I felt your own safety or life, or the safety and life of others, is in danger. I will always try to discuss this with you first.

I am a Registred Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I undergo regular clinical supervision with a qualified and experienced supervisor with whom I discuss aspects of my work with. This allows me to get another professional perspective of my work and this is in full adherence with the BACP Ethical Framework. I do not discuss the identity of my clients with my Supervisor.

We will talk about confidentially during our first session.

I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling as well as a SDCC Certificate in Counselling Skills. I regularly undertake training and workshops to inform and broaden my practice. Specialist areas of study I have undertaken have included Identity Transition, Identity Development, Gender and Sexual Diversity (LGBT) as well as Psychosexual issues.

Our first session together is different from further work we may undertake together. In the first session, I will ask you questions to gain an understanding of the issues you are bringing to therapy, as well as asking information about your life, friends and or family support. It is also an opportunity for you to ask me questions about my experience and practice.

I will also explain how I work and discuss confidentiality. We decide together whether or not we are able to work together and the frequency which we will work (usually on a weekly basis). Therapy can be either short term or long term, but we decide together what is best for you.

Although I recommend we work face to face, if this is not possible for whatever reason I am able to offer sessions online through VSee (similar to Skype but more secure). Please see here for more details or contact me for more details.

Individuals:

I offer a full (50 minute) introductory session of £20 (to cover room hire costs) for us to meet to discuss the issues or concerns you have, your aims of counselling and to decide whether or not we would be able to work well together. You are under no obligation to continue if you decide it is not for you.

If we do decide to work together, my fees are on a sliding scale of £45 - £65 for a 50-minute session depending on your view of your means to pay.

I can also offer a limited number of concessions to students or unwaged at £35 per session.

Couples:

I offer £65 - £85 per 50 minute session, again depending on your view of your means to pay.

My fees are negotiable as I believe in offering you, when possible, an affordable rate that allows you to access counselling for as long as you feel you need to.

Payments:

I am partnered with Barclays Bank and Barclaycard so payment can also be by made now through bank transfer or by credit and debit card. I can accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or JCB.