How Counselling Can Help
Life can be complicated and many of us have times when we feel we aren't coping and we can lose a sense of our selves and our strengths. I believe that giving yourself some space and time to explore your difficulties, anxieties or losses can help you come to a deeper understanding of yourself, your feelings and your relationships and enable you to make more informed choices and find more balance, agency or acceptance in your life.
About Me
I offer a safe, calm and welcoming space in a peaceful, semi-rural setting which is easily accessible from the A40/M40 or Seer Green train station and offers ample parking.
I am trained as an integrative counsellor which means I can adapt my way of working to what suits you. I won't judge you or tell you what you should or shouldn't do. I will listen to you. I practice mindfulness when appropriate and I believe that listening to what our bodies communicate can help us remember or understand what our minds sometimes cannot. I also like to work with dreams, metaphor and other imagery you bring.
Timing of Sessions
Each session will last 50 mins and is normally weekly at the same time every week so that this time is always yours. It is entirely up to you how long you come to counselling. Some people find the support they need in a few sessions. Other people like to come for longer. Short term work (6-20 sessions) can help you address a specific issue or simply offer some support in a time of crisis. Longer term work can lead to more profound changes and may be more appropriate for complex problems such as entrenched relationship issues, chronic depression, bereavement or compulsive behaviour.
Questions
You can email or call me with any questions. If you choose to make an appointment we can then discuss your needs in greater depth and decide whether I am the right counsellor for you.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
I trained at the Minster Centre in London and have a postgraduate diploma in integrative counselling as well as an M.A. in Psychology from Oxford University. I believe in the importance of continuing my own personal development and am currently studying for a second Masters Degree in Psychotherapy.
I am a member of the BACP and abide by its code of ethics.
In addition to private practice I also work at a GP's surgery.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Abortion Abuse Addiction(s) Affairs and Betrayals Alcoholism Anger Management Anxiety Bereavement Bullying Career Counselling Child Related Issues Depression Domestic Violence Eating Disorders Emotional Abuse Family Issues Gambling Gender Identity Generalised Anxiety Infertility Internet Addiction Low Self-Confidence Low Self-Esteem Miscarriage Passive Aggressive Behaviour Physical Abuse Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Postnatal Depression Pre-nuptial Counselling Pregnancy and Childbirth Relationship Issues Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self Harm Separation and Divorce Sexual Abuse Sexual Issues Sexuality Smoking Stress Suicidal Thoughts Trauma Work Related Issues
Fees
My fee is £45 ( £40 concessions) and £50 for 'early bird' sessions at 7 or 8 in the morning.
My cancellation policy is normally 24 hours notice - less than that and the full fee is payable. However, I do understand that life can be unpredictable (for example, if you have young children) and I can offer some flexibility with rescheduling.
Further Information
I lived in the USA for 12 years where I worked with "at risk" mothers which has led to a particular interest in parenting issues, relationship issues, transgenerational trauma and the challenges of living in a foreign country but I am interested and open to everyone's uniqueness and individual story.
My previous careers included Account Planning for advertising agencies in London and San Francisco and Campaign Co-ordination for an animal charity.