Emily Powell

I understand that it can take a lot of courage to take the first step into counselling. To ask for, and to be willing to receive help from another person can take a lot of courage and it is important for you to feel comfortable with your counsellor. I hope that the following will give you a sense of who I am and how I work.

In our sessions together you will find me to be an open, thoughtful, and reflective person who strives to work with compassion, empathy and humour. I pay close attention to the needs to my clients and will always work to make our time together feel a safe place for you.

The kind of issues clients bring covers a wide range. Anxiety, depression, and relationship issues of any description are often reasons to come to counselling. You may come with feelings of low self esteem or lack of self confidence. Perhaps you are struggling with coping with feelings of anger, shame, or loneliness.  You may have experienced loss; perhaps for a person, job, place or role in life, or you may feel a sense of loss of dreams, hope or purpose. Counselling offers a way understand and come to terms with these bereavements. You may simply feel overwhelmed by your emotions and the pressures of life. Alternatively you may find it difficult to experience or express any feelings at all. Trauma takes many forms; physical, mental, and emotional and counselling can help you make peace with the past and learn how to engage in your life.

Counselling can also help you explore wider issues, such as finding your place in the world, deciding which path to take in life and give you support while you go through a time of difficult change. It can be used to help you understand and accept questions that may have arisen in your life around areas of sexuality, your cultural experience, or spirituality.

I believe that Counselling should give you a safe and respectful relationship with someone who will give you uninterrupted time, listening to your thoughts and feelings with compassion and acceptance.

Sessions cost £45 for 50 minutes. The first assessment session costs £30.

When you are considering counselling you often have many practical questions. Below is a list of the most common. If there is anything else you would like to know that you don't see answered here, please get in touch.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an assessment session and is therefore somewhat different to a usual counselling session. It is an opportunity for you to find out if counselling with me is right for you. We will talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you want to achieve and any questions or concerns you may have.

How often should I attend?

All counselling sessions are for 50 minutes. We would meet once a week and, ideally, at a regular time. I don't offer sessions less than once a week, as I believe counselling is most effective when you are regularly looking at your issues. If you feel that you need to have counselling more frequently, or that you would benefit from longer sessions, this is something that we can discuss and arrange if we decide it will benefit you.

How long will I need?

The amount of time each person may need in counselling varies from person to person and may depend on why you have decided to come. Initially I would suggest we see each other for eight sessions and then talk about how you are feeling and whether you want to continue. If you want to focus on one particular issue then this may be enough. If you want to explore more than one issue I would recommend longer term counselling, which can be for as long as you need. You chose what we discuss and of course you can decide to stop the counselling at any time.

When are you available?

I am available on weekdays from 11am and into the afternoon and evening. If you have a particular time/date that works best for you, please ask.

Where are you based?

I am based in Newport, on the Isle of Wight. Please contact me directly if you want more information about the precise location.