“Because we all have times when life can be a struggle.”
Are you considering counselling?
As you consider approaching counselling it may be that you have something specific that you would like to think through. Perhaps it may be that you would like time where you can truly be yourself with your feelings and be listened to without fear of being judged.
Sometimes it is difficult to identify what we want to talk about or the issues that trouble us, but life is just a challenge. At these times talking with someone outside of your family or friendship group can provide you with a place to have time for yourself and be heard.
How I can help you
There are many different reasons why people come to counselling. We all have times when life is a struggle, but this may now be more so than usual. You may be feeling sad, angry, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed as you think about what you are coping with at the present time or have gone through in the past. At these times some people come to counselling as a way of helping them to find a way through these difficult times, to find coping strategies and to think about how to get the most out of life.
I can offer you the time and a safe space for you to be able to think and talk. I will hear you and not judge you and will be able to offer you empathy and support.
Some specific issues I can help you with
In the time and space that we have together you may want to think about specific issues which could include:
- depression
- anxiety
- loss and bereavement
- life changes
- low self-esteem
- relationships
- trauma
- personal growth
- health
As a counsellor I use a number of different therapeutic approaches to inform my practice which enables me to be flexible in my work with you to ensure that your needs are best met. I will help you to think issues through and find for yourself a way to move on in your life.
A little about me
Choosing a counsellor for yourself is a daunting task and it is important that you find someone who you think you will be able to work with. If there are questions that you have and you would like more information about how we can work together then please do contact me either by phone or email and I will be only too pleased to try and answer them.
I also have over 25 years experience of working in the health care setting with families who are living with complex health problems. This has involved both hospital and community work in a variety of settings and working with many different professionals.
I am very experienced in working with families from diverse backgrounds and cultures and it has been a privilege to have worked with a number of families for many years.
To help my development and continually improve how I work with clients I am committed to undertaking continuous professional development.
My professional qualifications
1982 Registered Nurse- Adult and Registered Nurse-Child
1990 Introductory Course in Family Therapy
1994 City and Guilds Further and Adult Education Teaching Certificate
1995 Advanced Certificate in Counselling, University of Surrey
1996 Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Surrey
1998 Master of Science in Counselling and Psychotherapy as a Means to Health, University of Surrey
1998 Diploma of Higher Education in Community Health Care
My service
My private practice is in a comfortable room in Wallington which is on bus routes and is a 10-minute walk from Wallington train station. Parking is also available on the road outside without restrictions.
I am able to work with you on either a short-term or long-term basis, this can be discussed when we meet, but whichever way we decide to work together you are not committed to any particular length of time. Some people find that only a few sessions are helpful to them, others come for longer.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and in my work I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, this is available for you to view on the BACP web site www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework.
I am also fully insured and I have an enhanced DBS.
Confidentiality assurances
You can be assured that the discussions we have together are confidential with the exception of two instances:
- my supervision which I regularly have with a qualified supervisor which ensures that the work we do together is most suited to you
- any time that I think there may be a significant risk of you harming yourself or someone else I will need to talk to your GP, wherever possible I will discuss this with you first.
How your first counselling session will work
In the first session we have together we can talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you expect counselling to offer you. You may have questions that you want to ask about counselling, this first session gives you the opportunity to ask them. This is also a time for me to find out about you and to take some personal details.
It is very important for you to feel that we can work together as the counselling relationship is based on mutual respect and trust. This initial time together will help us both to decide if we feel comfortable with each other and able to work together. If, at the end of the first session, you feel that we will be able to work together we can then think about the most suitable way of taking this forward for you whether it be for a short or long period of time, of course this can always change and we will regularly review it, you will not be committed to counselling for any set period of time.
As we start working together, I will ask you to sign a contract and I will give you an information sheet explaining how I work. I will also explain to you how I meet the requirements of GDPR in holding the information which you give me.
My fees
My fee is £50 for a 50 minute session.
I require 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment.
I am able to see some trainee counsellors for a reduced fee, please contact me to discuss this.
Get in touch
Telephone: 07579 049988
Please be aware that I am not always able to answer your call so please do leave me a message and I will phone you back or alternately you can contact me by completing the form below.