To work safely during Coronavirus, I’m currently working online using Zoom, a video calling software which is easy to use from your phone, tablet or laptop. I offer a safe, confidential space for reflection and exploration of what you feel needs attention and of what I notice in our work together. We will work with what feels right for you and at a pace that is guided by you, with regular chances to check in and review how the work is going. I am there to support you and to encourage you to explore some of the places that may scare you – it’s in the process of being alongside these painful and distressing emotions and thoughts that understanding, and change can take place.
I always aim to listen without judging and to respond to you openly and honestly with warmth and humour. Together we will create an environment and a relationship where we can explore your feelings, beliefs, and the ways in which you interact with others and with yourself. Exploration and understanding can effectively lead to challenge and change, working to enable you to live more in the present and to feel more confident in yourself.
Sometimes it can be hard to translate feelings into words, so colours, shapes, gestures and bodily felt sensations may feel like a more useful way to access feelings and memories so that they can then be worked with safely.
During initial consultation I will take a detailed history of the difficulties you are experiencing. This will help to develop a joint understanding of how the problem has developed and what may be maintaining it. This can then be used to inform the work we do together, and I will discuss with you the therapeutic approaches which may be helpful.
How can Counselling and Narrative therapy help?
Whatever the reason that brings you to therapy, it is a chance to explore your feelings, thoughts, and beliefs and to work towards living your life in a way which feels more fulfilling and engaging. At its simplest, being accepted as you are and listened to with careful attention and respect may begin the process of connecting with feelings and understanding thoughts and behaviours which can then enable you to make different choices and to explore long held beliefs.
Narrative therapy works by empowering you to focus on and create different, more helpful stories about yourself. It creates in you an awareness of how you might be prioritizing certain narratives over others; and it gives you the knowledge and tools to re-author your own identity and future.
Taking this first step is a precious part of caring for yourself.
Is it hard?
It can be challenging, especially if you choose to look deeply at what is happening in your internal world and how it has been shaped over time by the events and people around you. I am committed to working with you in a warm, supportive and challenging way, going at your pace. Therapy is not about giving or receiving advice, instead it is a collaborative process which challenges you to meet yourself and to explore what needs attention for change to happen.
Making an appointment
You might not be sure yet whether you definitely want to work with me. You can email or ring me to arrange a half hour initial consultation. This gives us both a sense of each other and whether we feel we can work together. If you do then decide that counselling is the right step for you, we will make a clear agreement. You can, of course, decide that you would like to start with a full-length session of 50 minutes – up to you to decide what suits you best.
Sessions usually last 55-60 minutes and how many you have will be dependent on what you want and on what we agree together. I am comfortable working within a specific number of sessions or in a more open-ended way.
Fees
My fees are £50 per session. (Click here to download a copy of my therapy agreement.)
Phone: 07845242273