Counselling
Finding a way
How we would work
You might feel stuck, lost or overwhelmed. This might have been building for a while, or been pushed on you suddenly by challenging events in your life. You might feel like there should be more to life... or maybe you seek peace and a sense of balance.
It can be difficult to open up to the people around you. There might not be anyone close enough to open up to, or it might feel impossible to talk with those close to you... you don't want to burden them.
Talking with an independent, qualified counsellor can help; being allowed to openly share what is going on, in confidence is an opportunity explore what is happening and find clarity.
Rather than giving advice and instructions I will be there to support you in making sense of what is going on for you right now.
First Session
For our first session together we meet either in-person or via Zoom. We spend time agreeing on how to work together, a proforma of which I would email you in advance, together with my Privacy Notice. We would also begin to look at a focus for our sessions together (not set in stone - this may change throughout), and we would agree on how many sessions you would like, or leave it open-ended. It is an opportunity for you to bring any questions about how I work, that haven't been answered. There is normally also some time left to begin exploring what is happening in your life.
Cost
A 50-minute in-person or Zoom session is £45.00, and a 60-minute Walk and Talk session is £55.00.
I offer discounted rates to students and to Trainee Counsellors; £40.00 for in-person and Zoom sessions and £50.00 for Walk and Talk.
Please contact me to arrange a free 20-minute phone call or Zoom session, to find out more about how I work to help you decide if you want to work with me.
Options for the sessions
In-person
(face-to-face)
For these 50-minute sessions we would meet in a confidential therapy room in my home. This space has a comfortable seating arrangement and provides a neutral and peaceful environment, giving us the opportunity to concentrate on the issues you want to look at.
We will talk about what is happening... and often this is enough.
However, there are prompts and materials available if you want to work in a more creative way. Our imagination can be an ally when we feel stuck and often offers up new perspectives.
Recognising that experiences, thoughts and feelings sometimes get stuck in our bodies, we can also use this to support you in recognising and releasing what is no longer useful.
There will be no advice, instructions or homework, although sometimes it might be useful for me to let you to know where to look for relevant and reliable information to support your process, but it is up to you whether you access this.
Unfortunately, neither the access to the therapy room or the toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible. However, I offer both online sessions and wheelchair accessible Walk and Talk routes.
Online
It might suit you better to work online, rather than in-person. Travel distance is no longer an issue, you might feel safer or more comfortable in your own environment, or you might be unable to leave your home for some reason. whatever the reason I will work in the way I always aim to; providing you with a supportive environment to enable you to process whatever is on your mind.
These sessions are also 50 minutes long and I use Zoom as this platform has a high standard of security to ensure your confidentiality.
You need to be in a private space, where you can speak confidentially and where you won't be disturbed.
You will need a reliable internet connection and a minimum of 2 Mbps speed is recommended. Access from a mobile device requires 3G/4G connection. For us to be able to work together your device also needs a webcam, microphone and speaker.
Once we have agreed our first session I will provide you with a Zoom link - we will use this link throughout our time together.
If you are unsure of how to join a Zoom meeting, please let me know, and I will provide you with more instructions.
Walk and Talk
Outdoor therapy, where sessions are 60-minutes long, can help with all the issues in-person or online therapy does. I have several routes to choose from and some suitable for wheelchair users.
Sometimes if you feel stuck with something, being outdoors may help you to find a different perspective. If you find therapy 'indoors' awkward or uninspiring, walking and talking may also be the way forward: The outdoor environment often acts as a second therapist, especially if you feel anxious or easily get sensory overload.
You need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and if the weather is bad (think weather warnings), we will use the alternative we have decided beforehand.
I have to point out that it is therapy I provide, and these sessions are in no way exercise routines - once you meet me you will see that I am definitely a tortoise and not a hare.
Please contact me to find out more about this way of working!