Life can leave us feeling 'bruised'.
You don't need me to tell you that. Things can sometimes feel confusing, difficult, painful, impossible, sad and so much more. I see individual people and also couples, some have no idea how to move forwards and how to improve their daily lives.
I follow a strict code of ethics. Your dignity, privacy and well-being are my priority and I entirely respect your autonomy. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone, without judgement, who is not a family member or friend. Impossible as it may feel to find the words; together we can try.
I work during the week and also on Saturdays, since I'm aware that some people find it difficult to find time for themselves during the week.
I am warm and friendly and work easily with young adults, elderly people and everyone in-between.
I offer a down-to-earth, unshockable and most importantly - empathic approach to our sessions.
" The research evidence keeps piling up, and it points strongly to the conclusion that a high degree of empathy in a relationship is possibly the most potent and certainly one of the most potent factors in bringing about change and learning "
Carl Rogers
For four years, I attended the renowned Metanoia Institute For Training in Counselling And Psychotherapy on an accredited degree course. This was tutor-led.
Part of my rigourous training consisted of 480 hours of client-facing work which was supervised. This means an experienced counsellor that follows the same code of ethics as I do oversaw my counselling work.
It is my professional as well as personal duty to do what is called CPD, Continued Personal Development. This means I keep up to date with the latest research for my counselling modality and psychotherapy as a whole.
I have weekly online video sessions with clients for counselling and life support, as far away as Pakistan, Greece, Scotland, and various parts of the UK.
Wherever you are and whatever difficulties you may be going through, please never undermine them by just ' trying to get on with it'. Life can be difficult; certain decisions can feel impossible to make. - especially without support.
Some times we may benefit from talking to someone who cares, but is not a family member or friend.
The majority of my clients I see are face to face. Online sessions work very well, but unfortunately I do not see the whole of you and that means at times nonverbal cues can be missed from the shoulders down.
As Therapist, it's usual that you will divulge to me some of your most private thoughts and feelings - and if there is anything you want to know about me - I am happy to answer your questions, otherwise somehow it does not feel a fair relationship.
I'm aware some therapists believe that disclosing anything about themselves is not the done thing - however, I believe if you want to know something about me - this does not take away any level of professionalism, if anything it enables you to trust me more and makes me more relatable and ' human'.
This may help you (and your partner, where relevant) to get a sense of me, and whether you feel I would be a good fit for you.
Please email, text or call me to arrange.
I work face to face and online (Zoom, Whattsapp video, FaceTime),
I also offer telephone counselling (to individual clients) and talking while walking.
When working as a Life Coach - it's usual that at some point I may visit you at home - because some people need some very hands-on practical help about how to organise their home/time/ routines.
How Do I Work?
From the moment we meet and begin our first session - I would suggest you consider everything that has come before as history.
If you agree, it may be helpful to look at your past - but not stare at it.
By trying to express our deepest thoughts, feelings and concerns without being judged often helps ease the emotional weight that may be holding us back.
I will not push you to talk about anything you are not ready for. I follow your wishes and desires for your life. However, I will tentatively encourage you to go deeper and perhaps consider the origins of the feelings you are experiencing.
My wish for you is that our first session together is the beginning of something new; some positive hope for your future.
Anything you share with me stays confidential.
Confidentiality; your privacy, is one of the main pillars of the therapeutic relationship.
I will remind you (constantly, if needs be), when I notice there is some awkwardness or embarrassment regarding whatever you are trying to express, that you are safe to tell me anything.
In the years I've been in this profession - I have yet to be shocked by anything anyone has told me or shown me.
Sadly, shame/embarassment/self-blame/ resentment towards others can be such powerful debilitating experiences they can hold us back from moving forwards with our own life.
When sharing our most intimate experiences, concerns and thoughts with a non -judgmental professional can really help us gain further understanding of why we are as we are, and react as we do.
I do not judge. I cannot emphasise that enough.
I believe therapy and helping another person get to where they want to be in their life, whether that's about organisation, future plans, concerns about certain behaviours - the list goes on...
Talking to a trained professional is about empowering ourselves with understanding so we can better comprehend our own feelings, reactions, and behaviours.
This enables us to change or adapt those attitudes or behaviours that may have been causing us difficulties.
I do not sit with you only from an academic viewpoint.
I, too, have lived through many of life's challenges and entirely understand these can be varied and vast from my professional and personal experiences.
If you have any queries about Counselling or Life Coaching, please do get in touch.
I will be happy to answer any questions or doubts you may have.
You Matter
If you would like a one-off session, short-term (4, 6, 8, sessions) or ongoing therapy, everything is possible.
The decision is entirely yours. Once we begin I'm certain you will discover what feels right for you.
What Do I Specialise In?
I get asked that many times and the answer is emotional pain has many faces.
I see people living with the repercussions of,
However Difficult Things May Feel At This Time, Positive Change Is Possible.
Often clients tell me that they do not want the pressure of thinking they might be ‘burdening' their loved ones with their situation.
Some couples also feel they have no one to turn to about their intimate, personal issues, which leaves them isolated and unsure.
I am here for that.
If you would like to read other testimonials please click the link below. My clients wavered their anonymity of their own volition to write these.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Please contact me and we can work out a time and day that works for us both.
I cannot guarantee how long it will take until you start feeling an internal shift as a result of having therapy, whether that is Counselling or Life Coaching. There is no magical formula, sadly.
You also need to put in some effort between sessions.
However, if you are not feeling some benefits after a number of sessions together - I feel we would need to talk about that. I do not want to waste your time and money.
The point of all this is growth, right ?
From my experience, people who are committed to change often start feeling the impact of our sessions more quickly than they expected.
I Need To Mention...
" When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified - or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for.
The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance... provides illumination and healing.
In such situations, deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another. "
Carl Rogers