There are a lot of different ways of working in the counselling world, and counsellors are trained in different approaches depending on their passions and interests. When looking for a counsellor this can become overwhelming when trying to find what approach might meet your needs. 

I am trained in several different approaches which I incorporate into the way I work with clients. I will break these down to help explain what each approach looks like although as I am trained as an integrative counsellor, I will incorporate all approaches in the way I work.

Person-Centred Therapy

This is at the core of how I work. I believe  the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client is extremely important and can create a space for positive change when there is trust and safety within the relationship. I also believe that you are the expert of your life and that I am there to support your own understanding and growth.

Transactional Analysis (TA)

This is a way of understanding relationships and dynamics that appear between people and within ourselves. It can help increase understanding of our feelings when interacting with others and patterns of behaviour that often stem from childhood. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This focuses on our thoughts, feelings and behaviours offering more practical approaches to challenge negative thoughts and reframe ways of thinking. 

Sand Story Therapy®

Based in Jungian psychology, Sand Story Therapy offers a way of working at a deeper level of the unconscious. It is a gentle and contained way to explore feelings that might be otherwise difficult to access. It is good if words are hard to find and is also a creative way of working supporting those who tend to stay in their heads, to access and feel what is in their hearts. 

Whether you need a safe space to be heard, practical tools to manage symptoms, insight into patterns, or a creative way to process what’s been held inside, we can work together to find a way forward that is helpful to you. 

There are no set amount of sessions recommended as everyone is different. The number of sessions depends on what you are hoping to achieve in therapy, what you want to explore/process and how you like to work. Sometimes, a few sessions can be enough to explore a specific issue or come to a decision. Other times, longer-term therapy is helpful to have the time and space to explore deeper patterns of behaviour, past experiences or numerous issues presenting at the same time. 

I offer both short-term therapy and open-ended therapy, where we work together for as long as it feels helpful. In our first session, we’ll talk about what you are hoping to get from counselling, and we can decide together what kind of pace and timeframe feels right for you as well as reviewing this regularly.

Confidentiality is a core part of counselling and is very important in developing a trusting relationship and safe environment to be able to do meaningful work in therapy. Everything you share in our sessions is treated with respect and kept private. I may discuss our work together with my clinical supervisor who is bound under the same confidentiality agreement as me and any information from our sessions would be anonymised so they would not know who it was relating to. This is so I can ensure I am doing the best by you as my client and continuing to work ethically and safely.

There are a few legal and ethical exceptions where I may need to break confidentiality. These include situations where:

• You are at serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else
• There is a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult
• You disclose involvement in or knowledge of serious criminal activity, such as acts of terrorism, money laundering, or drug trafficking
• I am required by a court of law to share information

Where possible, I will always try to discuss this with you first and support you through any steps that may need to be taken. My goal is to maintain a safe, trusting environment while also working within professional and legal guidelines.

There are lots of different reasons why someone might seek counselling. Some of these reasons might include:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling stuck and unsure of direction
• Struggling with anxiety, hypervigilance or low mood
• Experiencing loss or a major life transition
• Relationship difficulties
• Wanting to understand yourself better
• Finding it difficult to trust, connect with others or feel safe
• Have trouble regulating emotions or coping with everyday stress
• Carrying shame, guilt or confusion

You don't have to have a specific diagnosis or mental health condition to access counselling. I believe that counselling can be beneficial for anyone as it offers an opportunity for self-exploration, reflection and growth. It not only supports us when we are struggling but can also help us maintain our strength and resilience when we are feeling more positive. 

• Samaritans - Call 116123 anytime, from any phone.
• Kooth.com - Text SHOUT to 85258 for free confidential support 24/7
• MK Adult community mental health single point of access (SPA) - Call 01908 724365
• MK ACT - Call 0344 3754507 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 
• National domestic abuse helpline 24/7 - Call 0808 2000247 
• SAASSBMK
• Rape Crisis

  If you or someone you know is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury then please call 999.