FAQs

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. I am trained as an integrative counsellor and this means I can use a range of techniques including CBT and creative therapies as is right for you or your child. If your child does not have the language skills to express themselves I will use a range of other means including play and art. 

As the therapist I can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, and find your own solutions to problems. However I will not usually give advice or tell you what to do. Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing emotional pain or making you feel uncomfortable. It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. 

This will depend on the age of the client and the needs they bring. For younger clients it may include games, art and sand tray to help them express their emotions. For those who are comfortable talking it will be a session where we sit in a safe space and you can explore with support what is causing pain or distress. 

At times a session will be difficult as we are exploring and opening up some difficult feelings that might have been shut away. This will be done at your own pace and with sensitivity. Not every counsellor is right for everyone seeking counselling, so if you feel we are not working well together I am happy to discuss this and signpost you elsewhere. 

Prices vary between counsellors depending on location, experience and qualifications. You are getting support from a professional who has been in training for 3 years + and due to the emotional nature of the work they cannot work a 10 hour day. I charge £40 an hour, see the pricing tab for further details.

Mental health charity Mind carried out extensive research a few years ago, which showed that walking in the countryside could help reduce depression and anxiety. In their survey, they reported that 71% of respondents felt decreased depression and less tense after a “green” walk, while 90% felt their self-esteem increase after a country walk. And it's not just Mind that believes in the benefits of being out in green spaces - other mental health organisations and the NHS recognise the benefits of the activity on good psychological health and mental well-being. 

By walking with the counsellor we do not need to sit in a counselling room but can walk side by side and sit or pause when needed, I am guided by the client for pace and distance but I choose a preferred known area where we can both feel safe. 

I offer this for older teenagers and adults only as I don't want to take on the role of parent by 'looking after' a child in a public space. 

I risk assess all walking sessions and do not walk once it is getting dark or in unsuitable weather. 

I can offer single session therapy if that is all you want, however most clients will find this is not enough as it opens up other feelings or thoughts that may have been below the surface. 

The aim is to help you get as much as possible in a single session with the understanding that more help is available if needed.

In the session I would help you focus on the issue that you are most bothered about and encourage you to address it effectively.

Your role is to come to the session being prepared to focus on that 1 issue and work with me to see if I can help you come up with a better understanding or meaningful solution that you can take forward into your own life. As a counsellor I do not advise you what to do or 'fix' a problem. 

The goal of the session is to help you to take the first steps towards doing this rather than solving the problem in its entirety.

We can follow up this session with a short phone review usually in about 4 weeks time.