Initial Consultation
Taking that first step towards counselling can feel daunting. That's why I offer a free 30-minute online consultation. It's a chance for us to meet, for you to ask any questions you might have, and to get a sense of how I work. You can tell me a bit about what's brought you to counselling, and we can discuss how we might work together. There's no pressure – after our chat, you can take your time to decide if you'd like to book a full session. It's all about finding the right fit for you.
My Approach
I practice humanistic, person-centred counselling. But what does that mean for you? It means that in our sessions, you're in the driver's seat.
I believe that you have the inner resources to grow and heal – my job is to help you tap into that potential.
In our sessions, you'll find a space where you're truly heard and accepted without judgment. I won't tell you what to do or give you advice. Instead, I'll listen deeply, reflect back what I'm hearing, and sometimes gently challenge your thoughts or perceptions. This can help you gain new insights and perspectives on your experiences.
We'll work at your pace, focusing on what feels most important to you. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck, we'll explore these together. The goal is to help you understand yourself better, make choices that align with your values, and develop your own coping strategies.
This approach can lead to lasting change because the insights and growth come from within you. It's not about quick fixes, but about deepening your understanding of yourself and building your capacity to handle life's challenges.
Creative Therapy
Sometimes, words alone aren't enough to express what we're feeling. That's where creative therapy comes in. In my counselling room, I have a variety of tools that we can use to explore your inner world in different ways.
These might include:
- Sand trays for creating scenes or stories
- Puppets and dolls for role-playing or expressing different parts of yourself
- Art materials for drawing or sculpting
- Craft supplies for hands-on creating
- Calming tools like stress balls or fidget toys
If you're open to it, I might gently suggest trying one of these creative methods. But it's always your choice – there's no pressure to use them if you prefer just to talk.
The beautiful thing about creative therapy is that it's not about the end result. It's all about the process, the experience of creating and what it reveals. There's no judgment here – you don't need to be "good" at art or creativity. It's simply another way to communicate and explore your feelings.
Many people find that creative activities help them relax and open up. It can be especially helpful if you find direct eye contact challenging, or if you're more visual or tactile in your thinking. It offers a calmer space and a way of expressing things that might be hard to put into words.
Remember, whether we're talking, creating, or just sitting together, our sessions are all about you and your journey. I'm here to support you every step of the way.