What is Counselling?

Counselling is a flexible, collaborative, and non-diagnostic form of talk therapy. You are the expert in your own life; my role is to help you clarify insights, leverage your unique strengths, and move toward meaningful change.

We begin by exploring what has been happening for you, trying to understand why patterns may have developed, before focusing on how you can move forward in practical ways.

As no two counselling relationships are the same, some clients attend a few focused sessions to manage more pressing concerns, whilst others choose longer-term work to address deeper needs. There is no fixed schedule. The pace is guided by your goals and the changes you want to make.

Sessions are conducted via telehealth; all notes and other records are kept confidentially and securely in dedicated cloud-based storage.

The Counselling Journey

Beginning counselling can feel uncertain, especially if you have not worked with a therapist before. Here is what the process may typically look like:

Initial Contact

• You make a booking and complete the online enquiry form.

• We arrange a brief 15-minute phone consultation to clarify your goals, ensure we are a good fit, and answer any practical questions you have.

First Session: Understanding

• We discuss what has been happening, where you feel stuck, and what feels most pressing.

Second Session: Exploration

• We look at the patterns and influences that may have shaped your current behaviours and circumstances.

Third Session: Planning

• We identify practical steps and shifts in thinking that can help you move forward.

Depending on your situation, elements of each session may appear in a different order, and you may decide to focus on various issues at once. There is no “correct” process for attending to your challenges; the important thing is that you feel heard, safe, and are making the changes in the direction you want.

Areas of Focus

I commonly support clients experiencing:

• Anxiety and persistent worry

• Grief and complicated loss

• Relationship conflict or breakdown

• Career dissatisfaction and transition

• Family tension

• Identity questions and life direction

• Alcohol or substance-related concerns

• Periods of low mood or emotional exhaustion

Not every concern fits neatly into a category. If you are unsure whether counselling may help, book below to arrange a brief consultation.