Counselling
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy, where you can work through whatever is challenging you with a trained mental health professional. People often come to counselling because they are feeling stuck or struggling with something in life, or perhaps because they have been referred by a GP or encouraged by a friend.
Whatever the reason, talking your problems through with someone who is a qualified and skilled practitioner can help support you to find a way forward.
Finding the right counsellor for you is the first step of the process. I recognise that choosing someone from a photo and blurb isn't easy, so I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation, so you have a chance to get to know me before you commit to paying for a session.
Adults
There are certain times in life when we face adversity and need support to find a way through. Counselling can give you insight into the way you think and feel, helping you to gain understanding, discover new perspectives and work towards acceptance or change.
I work with adults experiencing difficulties with, but not limited to, anxiety, depression and low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, marriage breakups, negative thought patterns, low self esteem, trauma, anger management, sexuality and phobias.
Young people
Young people and parents/carers can often feel overwhelmed when they are struggling and trying to find the right help, especially when all the services we depend on are currently so overstretched. It is essential for the young person to feel comfortable and safe with whoever they choose to work with, so I approach the sessions with warmth, understanding and a non-judgemental attitude. My first goal is to make the young person feel secure in the developing relationship; once they do, the work can really begin.
When working with young people I will initially meet with them and the parent/carer to support my understanding of the current difficulties.Here we will explore how I can support the client and agree an initial plan so there is a shared sense of direction. When we meet, we will talk about what confidentiality means and the things I will and won't share with parents. This is an extremely important part of safeguarding young people and is vital to them feeling like they can trust the therapeutic relationship.
How will we work together?
When we first talk, I will take the time to ask you some important information, and you can tell me what has brought you to counselling. This will take about 20 mins and is free of charge.
If we feel we are able to work together we will arrange to meet weekly, all counselling sessions last for 50 minutes, and take place in my practice room in Tenterden. I also offer counselling via Zoom.
We can discuss together whether you would like to agree to a set number of sessions upfront; this could be on a short term basis which we can review as we go. I am equally happy to work with clients on a long term basis, which again we can review during our work together.