What is counselling?
Counselling is a process where me, the counsellor, provides you, the client, with a safe and confidential space in which you are free to discuss and disclose any of the personal or psychological feelings or problems that are causing you concern. You can speak freely and without judgement about anything you wish, and we use talking therapy to enable you to find ways to process, understand, and move forward from your concerns, ensuring you are given the time and space needed to do this at your own pace. There is no set approach, and your journey is unique. For some, simply talking is enough to enable the changes needed to move forwards. For others, more active and directive therapy may be needed involving the formation of strategies to bring about and maintain change. The hope is that in whichever way you engage with therapy, you will achieve the desired outcomes in your life to improve your mental wellbeing.
Are you fully qualified?
Yes, I am fully qualified having completed my CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Dip.Couns), and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP). I am also a fully qualified clinical supervisor, supporting other counsellors in their work.
I have completed additional training in;
Is AI such as Chat GPT as helpful as counselling?
Whilst AI has lots of useful and practical uses, when considering counselling or self help it is important to understand the limitations and risks of such technology. Counselling and psychotherapy are successful largely due to the relationships formed between practitioner and client. Whilst counsellors/therapists do offer knowledge and strategies to clients, we also get to know you on an emotionally deep level. We take the time to immerse ourselves in your world, listening to everything that you do say, but equally as important, things that you don't say during sessions, supporting you to piece together next steps that will enable the most appropriate outcomes available. Counsellors and therapists also observe non-verbal responses as these can inform on emotional responses you may not verbally disclose. Whilst AI can sound confident (even when it is inaccurate), it ultimately feeds information to you based only on what you give of it, with recent studies showing validation of negative situations, causing danger for clients. It also poses a risk for privacy, as you are disclosing private aspects of your life that can be circulated or hacked. Whilst AI is useful for helping clients understanding theories around mental health, an AI platform will not get to know you on an emotional level, its output is not monitored or sense checked, and will not be able to offer you sincere empathy or hold any duty of care to you as an individual.
In addition, I do not use AI personally to inform any aspects of my work.
Do you offer CBT as I have read that it is good and used in the NHS?
Yes, I am a CBT practitioner, though the use of CBT fully depends on both the client and their presenting issues. Whilst CBT can be effective, it also needs to be relevant to a clients needs. CBT has gathered a lot of attention due to its measurable approach and wide use in the NHS, though it is best not to approach counselling with a desire to 'do' a certain type of therapy as it may not be right for you.
Is there a standard approach to therapy/counselling?
You and your needs are unique so there is no ready-made or quick fix plan that suits everyone. Therapy and counselling is an organic process and can branch off in many different directions and above all else moves in a direction and at a pace you are comfortable with.
As an integrative counsellor I draw from a number of different modalities, purely to provide clients with more options in ways of working together. My work is always client led, whether that be in individual or couples sessions, though for relationship work, I often utilise the emotionally focussed approach to help rebuild lost bonds and connections through exploration of deeper emotional needs.
For any further information regarding approaches and how I work, please call or email me and I will happily discuss further.
Will you be able to cure or fix me?
I note this as many clients ask this very question in these exact terms, and the short answer is no, because that is not what a counsellor does.
Counsellors exist to help you find suitable solutions to your problems, and whilst we may explore and suggest possibilities or present strategies, we do not tell you what to do with your life or offer advice, fixes, or cures. Counselling is a collaborative process in which the client is always at the centre of the work, and the changes you require will occur through the process, not through a counsellor giving you orders.
How long will I see you for?
There is no simple answer for this. In some cases a few sessions is enough, in some cases you may be engaged in counselling for many months, even years. Duration depends entirely on your presenting issues and your receptiveness to counselling. Some people like to have counselling as an ongoing thing, and providing there is therapeutic work taking place, this is OK.
I am worried about people finding out I am getting help, is it confidential?
All client sessions are bound by strict confidentiality, and any personal details and data are kept on an encrypted drive in line with GDPR requirements.
My full privacy policy can be viewed here.
Counselling is a process where me, the counsellor, provides you, the client, with a safe and confidential space in which you are free to discuss and disclose any of the personal or psychological feelings or problems that are causing you concern. You can speak freely and without judgement about anything you wish, and we use talking therapy to enable you to find ways to process, understand, and move forward from your concerns, ensuring you are given the time and space needed to do this at your own pace. There is no set approach, and your journey is unique. For some, simply talking is enough to enable the changes needed to move forwards. For others, more active and directive therapy may be needed involving the formation of strategies to bring about and maintain change. The hope is that in whichever way you engage with therapy, you will achieve the desired outcomes in your life to improve your mental wellbeing.
Are you fully qualified?
Yes, I am fully qualified having completed my CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Dip.Couns), and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP). I am also a fully qualified clinical supervisor, supporting other counsellors in their work.
I have completed additional training in;
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
- Couples / Relationship Counselling
- EFT (Emotionally Focussed Therapy for Couples)
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- SFT (Solution Focussed Therapy)
- Advanced Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills
- NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)
- Narrative Therapy
- Remote Counselling (Telephone & Online)
Is AI such as Chat GPT as helpful as counselling?
Whilst AI has lots of useful and practical uses, when considering counselling or self help it is important to understand the limitations and risks of such technology. Counselling and psychotherapy are successful largely due to the relationships formed between practitioner and client. Whilst counsellors/therapists do offer knowledge and strategies to clients, we also get to know you on an emotionally deep level. We take the time to immerse ourselves in your world, listening to everything that you do say, but equally as important, things that you don't say during sessions, supporting you to piece together next steps that will enable the most appropriate outcomes available. Counsellors and therapists also observe non-verbal responses as these can inform on emotional responses you may not verbally disclose. Whilst AI can sound confident (even when it is inaccurate), it ultimately feeds information to you based only on what you give of it, with recent studies showing validation of negative situations, causing danger for clients. It also poses a risk for privacy, as you are disclosing private aspects of your life that can be circulated or hacked. Whilst AI is useful for helping clients understanding theories around mental health, an AI platform will not get to know you on an emotional level, its output is not monitored or sense checked, and will not be able to offer you sincere empathy or hold any duty of care to you as an individual.
In addition, I do not use AI personally to inform any aspects of my work.
Do you offer CBT as I have read that it is good and used in the NHS?
Yes, I am a CBT practitioner, though the use of CBT fully depends on both the client and their presenting issues. Whilst CBT can be effective, it also needs to be relevant to a clients needs. CBT has gathered a lot of attention due to its measurable approach and wide use in the NHS, though it is best not to approach counselling with a desire to 'do' a certain type of therapy as it may not be right for you.
Is there a standard approach to therapy/counselling?
You and your needs are unique so there is no ready-made or quick fix plan that suits everyone. Therapy and counselling is an organic process and can branch off in many different directions and above all else moves in a direction and at a pace you are comfortable with.
As an integrative counsellor I draw from a number of different modalities, purely to provide clients with more options in ways of working together. My work is always client led, whether that be in individual or couples sessions, though for relationship work, I often utilise the emotionally focussed approach to help rebuild lost bonds and connections through exploration of deeper emotional needs.
For any further information regarding approaches and how I work, please call or email me and I will happily discuss further.
Will you be able to cure or fix me?
I note this as many clients ask this very question in these exact terms, and the short answer is no, because that is not what a counsellor does.
Counsellors exist to help you find suitable solutions to your problems, and whilst we may explore and suggest possibilities or present strategies, we do not tell you what to do with your life or offer advice, fixes, or cures. Counselling is a collaborative process in which the client is always at the centre of the work, and the changes you require will occur through the process, not through a counsellor giving you orders.
How long will I see you for?
There is no simple answer for this. In some cases a few sessions is enough, in some cases you may be engaged in counselling for many months, even years. Duration depends entirely on your presenting issues and your receptiveness to counselling. Some people like to have counselling as an ongoing thing, and providing there is therapeutic work taking place, this is OK.
I am worried about people finding out I am getting help, is it confidential?
All client sessions are bound by strict confidentiality, and any personal details and data are kept on an encrypted drive in line with GDPR requirements.
My full privacy policy can be viewed here.