What is Counselling?
Counselling is sometimes called talking therapy. It offers you a safe and confidential space to talk with a trained practitioner about your issues and concerns. A counsellor won't give advice or opinions, they will help you to understand yourself and your way forward.
Choosing a Counsellor
There are many different counsellors and types of counselling. You may already have an idea of what might be a good fit, or perhaps you don't know where to start. It can be helpful to think about your own goals, how long you might want to have therapy for, and what type of support would best meet your needs.
Beginning the Process
Beginning the counselling process is a significant step, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have via email or a short phone call. Once you feel ready, you can book an initial session, which can be conducted either in person or online, based on your preference. I offer client sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Counselling Sessions
Initial Session
During our first session (often called an 'assessment'), I will ask you some questions about what brings you to counselling, your background, and your goals. I also explain more of how I work. The initial session is a chance for us to see if I'm a good fit for you, and to discuss how we might work together.
In-person Sessions
In-person sessions are one-to-one meetings between myself and a client, usually at the same time and day. Sessions last 50 minutes and usually happen weekly or fortnightly.
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Online Sessions
Online sessions use video calls to facilitate the one-to-one meeting in an online 'therapy room'.
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It's important you have a space which is safe and confidential for you to have the online session.
Counselling Process
What is the room like?
For in-person work, I am in a comfortable space called 'The Therapy Room' in Quadrant, Beeston.
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The room is on the first floor, with a lift available for access.
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How much does it cost?
The initial session is £25.
​Session fees are £50 per session, payable by BACS in advance.
How many sessions?
I provide both shorter-term and longer-term counselling work. Often a good starting point is to begin with 6 sessions, and then review together moving forward.
What happens in a session?
Sessions can vary based on the issues we are working on and your own preferences. We might start to talk about one of your goals for therapy, perhaps a thread of a conversation from the previous session, or maybe something you noticed during your week. We might work on something specific, or talk in a more open way. I will listen, ask some questions and hold space for us to explore whatever you are bringing together.
'Thin places'
In ancient Ireland the mystics spoke of 'thin places' where the boundary between this tangible world and whatever they believed was beyond became porous. This term has come to represent the threshold places, places of duality and connection to ourselves and the world around us.
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At times the counselling room can become almost like a 'thin place'. These threshold moments can be times when perhaps a client experiences a deep compassion and connection to themselves, perhaps when they release some of the pain from the past, or perhaps when they find the beginnings of hope for the future.
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