IN Hersham, Walton on Thames AND online
Hello, you’ve probably made your way here because you've started your search to find a counsellor. At this stage you may not know who you are looking for, what type of help you would like, or even if you are ready to talk to someone.
You might be considering counselling because:
- You have a specific problem you would like to explore or gain clarity on
- You feel fed up of over thinking and want to break free of the negative cycle
- You are struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression or low mood
- You have problems within relationships or with communication
- You would like to work through the loss of a loved one
- You have issues from the past, maybe trauma, that you would like to address in a safe space
- You just wish life didn't feel so overwhelming & difficult
Whatever it is that you are hoping to get help with, you have already taken the first step.
"We are what we are, because we have been what we have been"
Sigmund Freud
What is counselling?
The best way to describe a counselling session is to be with someone who is trained to listen, to listen really carefully and not judge or make assumptions about you and the way that you think. You may have friends or family that you are able to talk to, they are often well meaning but usually full of advice and probably also take their own needs into account. When you are in a session with me, I am able to put my own views aside, I can empathise and see the world from your viewpoint for the time we are together.
I help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, perhaps in a way you have never done before. You can be completely honest, without fear of hurting someone else's feelings or being rejected by them. I can help you get to the bottom of what's really going on, your fears and insecurities, your worries and challenges and maybe the changes that you would like to make or the things you can begin to accept. I will gently challenge you, but you will always lead where we go and how fast we go there.
Counselling can help with many different problems including anxiety, stress, low self esteem, grief, relationships, abuse, trauma or depression. You may feel sad, angry, frustrated, misunderstood or just lost, and you want to get back to feeling like 'you' again or maybe even discovering who 'you' are for the very first time. You may have a particular issue to explore or you might not be able to pinpoint exactly what's bothering you. Either way, talking about it, either online or face to face, is a great way to start to understand things better.
"Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter"
Dr Seuss
About Me
A few years ago, I joined the Samaritan's as a listening volunteer, an incredible organisation that is a lifeline for so many people. During my time there I started my training to become a counsellor, with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). Before starting my own practice I spent 3 years working with clients at Phoenix Counselling, a low cost counselling agency in Feltham, whose aim is to make counselling accessible to all, something that I believe in too.
As a qualified and experienced integrative counsellor, I draw on theories from person centred, CBT and psychodynamic modalities. Every client is a unique individual and I adapt how I work accordingly, tailoring my approach to one that best suits the client. I'm really easy to talk to, down to earth, most definitely non judgemental, and I welcome clients from all walks of life.
I have experience of working with clients with many different issues. In my personal life I continue to support my autistic daughter, and understand the specific mental health challenges that autistic girls face. Late diagnosis, masking, school attendance, anxiety and friendship difficulties can affect the whole family. My daughter also has Tourette Syndrome and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), so I have a lot of first hand experience when it comes to parenting a child with these conditions.
"We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy"
Carl Rogers
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I abide by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professionals. Being a member of the BACP demonstrates my commitment to clients and outlines the ethical values, guidelines and principles that underpin my work. The ethical framework acts as protection for both counsellor and client.
SESSIONS
I offer long and short term therapy for adults, there is no limit to the number of sessions you can have. Every client is different, so it's difficult to say how many sessions you may need, but we will review things regularly.
Please note: I am currently only seeing clients online. Face to face sessions will resume in April 2024.
Face to face sessions usually take place in Hersham, Surrey which is easily accessible from surrounding areas such as Walton on Thames, Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, East Molesey, West Molesey, Addlestone, Shepperton, Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood and West Byfleet. Sessions usually take place weekly, at the same time.
Online video sessions and telephone sessions are more flexible and can be booked to suit your needs. Usually weekly or fortnightly but could also be monthly or even just one off sessions to discuss a particular worry.
FEES
The session fee is £60. Sessions are 50 minutes long.
I believe that counselling should be accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. Therefore, I offer a number of lower cost online sessions each week.
Please contact me to discuss availability and payment options.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
People come to counselling for many different reasons, the one thing that they all tend have in common is that life feels a bit tricky right now, and they recognise that they may need some support from someone outside of their own network. Issues include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, family issues, work problems, anger issues, ADHD, Autism, chronic illness, FND, suicide ideation, transitions, abuse, addiction, health anxiety, communication, historical issues that you may now feel ready to talk about. This list is not exhaustive, do feel free to get in touch to discuss how I may be able to help you.
You can book an initial consultation/information call to find out more. The call, lasting around 15 minutes, will be a chance for me to ask you more about the issues that you are bringing, and what you hope to get from counselling. I will tell you a little more about me and the way that I work. Together we can decide if we’re a good match to start working together.
No! I will help you explore your thoughts and feelings to help you make sense of how you are feeling and what you would like to change or accept. I believe that you are the expert on you, you know yourself better than anyone, but may just need some help to find the answers. As a non-judgemental onlooker, with no personal agenda around influencing the decisions you make, I will help you understand why you feel the way you do, which in turn will help you become more self-aware and confident.
Talking about things from the past is tough, it can bring back difficult memories. We will take things at your pace; I will never rush you or push you into talking about something that you’re not ready to talk about. Exploring your early years enables us to make connections between then and now, we can look at how things back then may still be having an impact on your thoughts, feelings and behaviour and possibly the decisions you make today.
No, absolutely not! These are your sessions to talk about whatever you want. However, you may find that the past naturally comes up when we’re talking about the here and now.
My honest answer is...if you'd have asked me before I started working online I may have said that nothing can beat seeing someone face to face. But now I have a very different opinion. I truly believe that online counselling is just as effective as seeing someone in person. Covid prompted the big move for therapists to work online, but it has continued to be a hugely popular choice for many clients. It's more convenient, offers greater flexibility and hopefully will help you feel calmer and more relaxed as you are in a familiar environment. If you're feeling anxious about having a video call rather than meeting face to face let me know, we can have a short trial session so you get a real feel for it, then you can make an informed choice.
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange an initial information call. During this 10-15 minute call we can discuss your concerns and what you would like to get out of counselling. I will explain more about the way I work and together we can decide if we are a good 'fit' for each other. If you decide that you would like to go ahead we can look at suitable days & times.
You can also call me on 07438 482548 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
I aim to answer all messages within 24 hours, if you haven't received a reply please check your junk folder!