What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy and works through understanding your point of view by actively listening and empathising with your experiences. I work in a person-centred way and the objective is always to establish your goals and expectations in the first few sessions.
I integrate a number of techniques in my work, focusing mainly on the impact of human attachment in our lives – past and present. Where appropriate I also use techniques that focus on any repetitive obstacles that may be working against your goals: this includes thoughts (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and deep-rooted beliefs (Schema Therapy / Memory Reconsolidation).
The work is a process of discovery and the connections made during the sessions might also bring to light aspects to the self that are obscured and unconscious. A large part of the work is therefore an increase in self-awareness. As therapy progresses, strategies for coping with life are updated – improving ways of relating to the self and others.
How long will the counselling last?
Counselling can work in the short-term and the long-term but longstanding behaviours and ways of thinking or feeling may take longer to change. You can read here for more information about the common issues.
Where is it based and how much will it cost?
I can support clients in all parts of the UK. The rates for video and telephone counselling sessions are:
£40 per hour (9am to 5pm)
£45 – 55 for earlier or later times
£55 – 75 for couples (depending on times)
For face-to-face work I am currently based in the centre of Carlisle. The rates for face-to-face counselling are the above plus a fee of £15.
The first session is a telephone assessment to make sure that I am able to provide the support that you require. The cancellation, privacy and other terms will be agreed during the assessment. The service is confidential and any limitations will be explained from the outset.
Qualifications and Experience
I am a fully-qualified counsellor. My early counselling training focused on individual and group psychodynamics at WPF Therapy in London. I then obtained my Diploma in Attachment-based Counselling at the Wimbledon Guild in London. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I conduct my work in compliance with their Ethical Framework. This includes working in an insured, supervised and confidential capacity.
Outside of my private practice I also work in the educational sector, occupational health and for charities.