A counselling or psychotherapy relationship is a confidential, creative, and collaborative space which people can use to find a sense of agency and connection, to know themselves better, and to reach a better understanding of their life. It’s an opportunity to receive a certain quality of sensitive, empathic and concentrated listening. Where you can discuss whatever is on your mind. And where the uniqueness of your experiences will be acknowledged without judgement or threat. It can be useful for anyone feeling vulnerable, distressed, stuck, confused, or lost, and is a place where you can have a different type of conversation, where you can explore all the problems and dilemmas of being human, where you can dwell a while in your own experience, and ask: am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me?
You might know precisely what you want to work on in therapy. Or it might be less clear, like something’s not right with your life, and you just can’t put your finger on why. Perhaps you’ve been experiencing feelings of anguish, or a persistent low mood that’s making your life feel flat and joyless. Maybe you need support as you adapt to a recent loss or bereavement. Maybe you feel unheard in your life and work, or you’ve been struggling with relationships that just don’t seem to go right. Whatever it is that’s holding you back from living your life the way you want to, therapy can provide a space to reflect on these issues.
The process of transformation experienced in therapy is often accompanied by a sense of living more authentically; increased self-esteem; a greater sense of openness and trust both for yourself and for others; a reinvigorated capacity for feeling, thinking and acting in more balanced, creative and passionate ways; increased clarity with regard to purpose and self-worth; a reduction in the distressing effects of depression, anxiety and stress; a working through of painful experiences related to disappointment, grief and loss; and more enjoyment and pleasure in everyday life.
If you get in touch, I’ll suggest a preliminary 50-minute session so that we get the chance to meet and get to know each other a bit. It’s not unusual to feel trepidation about allowing another person to witness your fears and uncertainties and so, in this initial session we’ll discuss your hopes for therapy, we’ll start identifying issues that might arise, and assess whether we want to proceed to work together. You will only pay for the introductory session (£45) if we do agree to work together. Future sessions will be at the same time and place every week and last up to 50 minutes. Fees will be determined on a sliding scale between £65 and £85 depending on your ability to pay. I also keep a small number of concessionary places for people on low incomes – please get in touch for details.
If you’re ready to book an initial session to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and to find out if we can work together, either email or call me. I’ll aim to respond within 24 hours to set up a time for us to meet. Equally, if you’re unsure about whether therapy would help you or if I’m the right person for you, do get in touch. I’ll be happy to arrange a quick call to try and answer any questions you might have.
If you need help urgently and are in the UK, contact the Samaritans or the emergency services (dial 999).
‘We think we tell stories, but stories often tell us, tell us to love or to hate, to see or to be blind. Often, too often, stories saddle us, ride us, whip us onward, tell us what to do, and we do it without questioning. The task of learning to be free requires learning to hear them, to question them, to pause and hear silence, to name them, and then to become the storyteller.’
— Rebecca Solnit, The Faraway Nearby