The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.

Counselling is a talking therapy, it involves a trained therapist, like myself, listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. It will allow you to discuss any issues or concerns, and any difficult feelings you may be encountering, in a safe, confidential environment.
 

You may want to change something specific in your life, or to explore your thoughts and feelings in more depth; I will be objective but understanding and will listen to you without judgment. You might have discussions and reflections with me about how you're feeling, or we may work through specific exercises. What you talk about will vary depending on what you want support with, but it might include; your feelings, emotions or thoughts, your behaviour, past and present life events, situations you find difficult, your relationships or your childhood. My role is to get to know you, and for you to develop a greater understanding of yourself, this may include explorations of how you feel, think and act, and beliefs about yourself and the world. I will encourage you to express what's bothering you in order to uncover any root causes, and identify your specific ways of thinking, so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others. 

I will not give you my opinions, advice, or tell you what to do, but I will allow you the opportunity to explore situations and experiences which might be causing you difficulties, which will help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes and help you find your own solutions to your problems. I will help you become aware of any conditioning, and internalised views that may be the cause of any feelings of not belonging, or feelings of being undeserving of love and acceptance. This may be by making effective changes in your life, or by exploring ways of coping with your problems. Part of the process is to develop empathy towards yourself, self-acceptance, self-trust and re-connecting with your self-worth.

I have a special interest in raising awareness of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and I support clients in coping with the challenges, while also noticing the positive aspects. Sensitivity is a basic human trait; everyone is sensitive to an extent, falling somewhere along a spectrum of sensitivity: low, medium and high. Research suggests around 20% of the population are highly sensitive; being defined as those who are more strongly affected by what they experience and more aware of what is going on within, and around them. 

It is less common to be a highly sensitive person, and society tends to be built around people who notice a little less and are affected a little less deeply - this can lead to struggle under stressful circumstances. If you identify with having high sensitivity, you process things deeply and can therefore frequently feel worried, anxious or emotionally exhausted, can be prone to self-criticism and low self-esteem, and may struggle with perfectionism and people-pleasing. The lack of understanding around high sensitivity can lead those who are highly sensitive to feel like there is something wrong with them. While highly sensitive people have deeper experiences, relationships, and high creativity, they can also experience judgement quite painfully. 

I am also committed to support introvert clients to explore, accept and embrace this part of themselves. Introversion is also a personality trait; an introverted person is often more interested in the inner world of thoughts and emotions than the external world of people, places, and things. Introverts are typically more reserved and introspective than extroverts, who tend to be more outgoing and expressive. Introversion can often be mistaken for being shy or socially anxious - but these are different things. An introvert is likely to have had someone (maybe throughout their life) say to them that they've got to “put themselves out there more”, be more assertive, or more outgoing… and when unable to do so, it can lead to feeling like a failure. 

As these traits often come with emotional or interpersonal challenges, counselling can provide a way to better understand and make sense of them, embrace their strengths, manage any negative emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and deepen levels of self-awareness. It provides a safe space to explore any struggles, and your needs as a highly sensitive person, and / or an introvert, to help with understanding and recognising the difference between fears that can be overcome, and a personality trait that requires acceptance. It provides a safe space for an introspective journey to self-confidence, self-love, meaning, and purpose. And for once – you will be the centre of attention! 

My aim is to highlight that being highly sensitive, or an introvert, is not a problem that needs fixing, but a personality trait to understand. 

Whilst face to face counselling is the most conventional form of counselling, it isn’t the only option available. Online counselling has grown in popularity, largely due to convenience, and can be more comfortable and accessible. 

Online counselling offers the same level of support and confidentiality as face to face sessions, and since online therapy can take place anywhere that offers privacy and an internet connection, it can often be at a more convenient time to suit work and other commitments you may have.

I hold an additional certification in online and telephone counselling. Online sessions will be offered as a video connection via Zoom, but can also be over telephone if preferred.