What specific areas of counselling do you deal with?

I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including:

• Emotional & Mental Wellbeing: Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Perfectionism, and Burnout.
• Relationships & Family: Relationship problems (not couples counselling), Family issues, Affairs, Separation/Divorce, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Menopause.
• Trauma & Abuse: Emotional/Physical/Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, and Trauma recovery.
• Neurodiversity & Development: ADHD, Autism.
• Health & Behavioural Challenges: Addictions (Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling), Chronic Illness, and Insomnia.
• Loss & Life Changes: Bereavement, Redundancy, Loneliness.

How should I prepare for my first counselling session?

There is no right or wrong way to approach therapy. However, it can be helpful to consider what has brought you here. Are you looking for a safe space to offload, or do you have a specific goal in mind? Some clients prefer a reflective space, while others look for practical suggestions. We will always move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How long are the sessions, and who keeps track of time?

Your therapist will handle the timekeeping so you can focus entirely on your process. Sessions are gently guided toward a natural ending. If something important comes up right at the end, don't worry, we can always return to it in our next session.

What happens between therapy sessions?

Therapy doesn’t stop when you leave the room. You may notice new thoughts or patterns during your week. Many people find it helpful to journal, draw, or jot down notes to bring back to our next meeting. This helps you stay grounded and present with your progress.

Do I have to answer every question?

Not at all. You are never expected to share anything you aren't comfortable with. Similarly, you are welcome to ask me questions at any point. If I can answer them, I will; if not, I will explain the therapeutic reasons why.

Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?

While practical techniques can be helpful, therapy is primarily about helping you develop your own "inner voice." Our goal is to help you find your own understanding and direction. While this may feel unfamiliar at first, it is a powerful part of personal growth.

What if I don't know what to talk about?

That is perfectly natural. Often, the things that "pop into your head" out of nowhere, even if they seem unrelated, can lead to the most meaningful insights. I encourage you to say whatever comes to mind; we will explore it together with curiosity.

How will I know if therapy is working?

We will check in regularly on your progress. It’s important to reflect on whether you feel safe, understood, and if the sessions are meeting your current needs. If you ever feel like we should try a different approach such as creative work or practical exercises we can discuss that at any time.

How long does therapy last?

Therapy is not intended to last forever. Whether we work together short-term or on an open-ended basis, we will eventually talk about what a "positive ending" looks like for you. Ending therapy is a meaningful milestone that allows us to reflect on how much you’ve changed and what you are taking forward into your life.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends entirely on what you hope to achieve and the complexity of the issues you are facing. Because every person is different, I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy:

• Short-term (6–12 sessions): Often effective for focusing on a specific, current challenge or learning immediate coping strategies for anxiety or stress.
• Open-ended therapy: Better suited for exploring deeper-seated patterns, long-term self-discovery, or navigating complex life transitions.

We will review our progress every few weeks to ensure you are getting what you need. Ultimately, you are in control, and we will work together to decide when it feels like the right time to bring our work to a close.

What is Pluralistic Counselling?

Pluralistic counselling is based on the idea that there isn't just one "right" way to help everyone. Instead, it’s a collaborative approach where we work together to find what fits your unique needs.

Rather than sticking to a single rigid framework, I draw on different therapeutic methods such as person-centred therapy, psychodynamic insights, and gentle hypnotherapy, to tailor our work to you. We will regularly talk about what is working and what isn't, ensuring that the therapy evolves as you do.