About me
Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or simply not yourself. You might be experiencing stress, depression, grief, relationship or family difficulties, or struggling with your self-esteem. Maybe you're the person everyone else relies on, yet find it difficult to make space for your own needs.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't need to have everything worked out before reaching out.
A little about me
I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor based in Retford, Nottinghamshire, offering counselling to adults in person and online.
My journey into counselling hasn't followed a straight path. I've had a varied life and career, and those experiences have helped shape my understanding of people, relationships and the challenges life can bring.
I believe we're all more than the difficulties we're experiencing, and that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and accepted for who they are.
How I work
I'm warm, approachable and honest in the way I work. I listen carefully, but I'm not someone who simply sits silently and nods. I believe counselling is a relationship where we work together, and I want you to feel that I'm genuinely alongside you in that process.
My approach is person-centred, which means you're at the heart of our work together. I won't tell you how you should feel, what decisions to make or what direction our conversations need to take.
Instead, I'll listen carefully and seek to understand your experiences from your perspective. I may gently reflect something I've noticed or share an observation when it feels appropriate, always with openness and respect for your own understanding. You're free to explore whatever feels important to you, in your own way and at your own pace.
There's room for sadness, anger, uncertainty, humour and silence. You don't need to pretend you're coping, worry about saying the wrong thing or feel that you have to make progress at a particular pace.
What you can expect
People come to counselling for many different reasons. Some are experiencing anxiety, low mood, grief, stress or difficulties in their relationships. Others may be struggling with confidence, guilt, shame, family expectations or changes in their health, work or personal lives.
You might not even know what's troubling you, only that something doesn't feel right.
You don't need a diagnosis, a particular problem or the right words to begin.
I believe that when we're offered a relationship built on empathy, genuineness and acceptance, we can begin to understand ourselves more deeply and discover our own way forward.
Taking the first step
I understand that reaching out to a counsellor can feel daunting, especially if counselling is unfamiliar to you.
You're welcome to contact me for an informal introductory conversation, where you can ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.
There's no pressure or obligation.
If something you've read resonates with you, I'd be pleased to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), having completed my CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and passed the BACP Certificate of Proficiency.
Qualifications and professional training
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- BACP Certificate of Proficiency
- Recognising and Supporting the Psychological Needs of Patients and Carers, LOROS Hospice, a professional development course aligned with NICE Level 2 psychological support guidance
Counselling experience
Alongside my private practice at Alder & Ash Counselling, I've gained experience providing person-centred counselling within hospice and community services, supporting adults with a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties.
My experience includes working with people experiencing anxiety, depression and low mood, stress, grief and bereavement, relationship and family issues, low self-esteem, guilt, shame, anger, loneliness and significant life changes.
Within hospice settings, I've supported people living with serious and life-limiting illnesses, including motor neurone disease (MND), cancer and Parkinson's disease. This has included supporting people experiencing anticipatory grief, concerns about their health and future, changes in independence and identity, and the emotional challenges faced by family members and carers.
I've also worked with people exploring feelings of responsibility, difficulties expressing their needs, relationship pressures, loss of control, self-acceptance and the impact of past experiences on how they feel about themselves.
Continuing professional development
I undertake regular clinical supervision, safeguarding training and continuing professional development (CPD), supporting safe, ethical and reflective counselling practice.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My fee is £55 per 50-minute counselling session, whether we meet in person or online.
I believe counselling should be as accessible as possible, so I offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for people on a low income, receiving benefits or experiencing financial difficulties. If cost is a concern, please feel comfortable asking about availability.
There is no expectation that you commit to a set number of sessions. We can work together for as long as counselling feels appropriate and helpful, reviewing things along the way.
Where and how we can meet
I'm based in Retford, Nottinghamshire, and offer counselling to adults locally and across the UK through online sessions.
Online counselling can be particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule, mobility difficulties, caring responsibilities or simply prefer speaking from somewhere familiar and comfortable.
Face-to-face counselling offers a dedicated space away from everyday distractions, where you can take some time for yourself.
I understand that travelling to counselling isn't always possible. Depending on your circumstances and location, I may also be able to arrange sessions at an alternative suitable venue, with any additional travel costs discussed and agreed beforehand.
Availability
I offer daytime and evening appointments, subject to availability.
I appreciate that work, family commitments and everyday responsibilities can make finding time for yourself difficult. If you have particular availability requirements, you're welcome to get in touch and we can explore what might be possible.
An introductory conversation
Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is important.
Before arranging your first session, you're welcome to have a brief, informal introductory conversation with me. This is an opportunity to ask questions, find out a little more about how counselling works and get a sense of whether I'm the right counsellor for you.
You don't need to explain everything you're going through during this conversation, and there's no pressure or obligation to book.
Getting in touch
If you're considering counselling, please feel free to contact me through Counselling Directory.
Whether you know exactly what you'd like to talk about or you're still unsure where to begin, you're welcome to reach out.
We can take things from there, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Further information
I offer counselling online and in person, with daytime and evening appointments available. In-person sessions take place in a private, confidential setting, and I can also travel to meet some clients where appropriate.
I understand that contacting a counsellor can feel daunting, particularly if you are unsure what to say or whether counselling is right for you. You are welcome to contact me with any questions before deciding. We can arrange a brief introductory conversation to discuss what has brought you to counselling, what you hope for and whether working together feels like the right fit.
My practice is inclusive and welcoming of different identities, relationships, cultures and ways of living. You will not be expected to explain, defend or minimise who you are in order to be understood.
