About me
I came to counselling later in life, after many years in a very different career and through my own experience of loss. It showed me how much it can matter to have somewhere you can speak honestly, without feeling judged or expected to hold everything together.
I work with adults who may be feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, stuck or simply not quite themselves. Your head may feel full, you may be struggling to switch off or you may be carrying something that is difficult to explain. You do not need to arrive with the right words or a clear idea of what you want from counselling.
My approach is friendly, straightforward and collaborative. I will listen carefully, ask questions when they may be useful and help you make sense of what is happening at a pace that feels manageable. I do not believe counselling should feel overly formal or mysterious. It is a conversation, but one in which the focus remains on you and what you need.
I offer counselling in person in Consett, County Durham, online across the UK, by telephone and through local walk and talk sessions.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling and am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, using the designation MNCPS (Acc.).
Integrative counselling means that I draw on different therapeutic ideas rather than expecting every person to fit one method. Depending on what you bring, our work may involve understanding past experiences, noticing patterns, exploring relationships or finding practical ways to manage what is happening now.
My training included substantial supervised client work, and I continue to work with regular professional supervision and ongoing professional development. Alongside my private practice, I volunteer as a counsellor with Grace House in Sunderland.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years working in a technical and leadership environment. This gives me an understanding of workplace pressure, responsibility, problem solving and what it can be like to appear capable on the outside while finding things more difficult privately.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have a particular interest in supporting adults who experience suicidal thoughts. I understand that it can be difficult to speak honestly when you are worried that someone may panic, judge you or immediately take control. I offer a calm, direct and non-judgemental space where these thoughts can be explored openly, alongside careful risk assessment and collaborative safety planning. My practice is not an emergency or crisis service, and where immediate safety is a concern I will help you access appropriate support.
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions are £45 for 50 minutes for face-to-face counselling in Consett or walk and talk sessions locally.
I can be more flexible with telephone or video support, particularly where shorter or less frequent sessions may be more helpful. We can discuss what would suit you best.
I also offer a free initial conversation, with no obligation to continue. This gives us a chance to talk briefly about what has brought you here, for you to ask questions and to see whether working with me feels right.
Reduced fees may be available for people on low incomes or receiving benefits. Please feel able to ask. I would rather have an honest conversation about cost than have it be the reason you do not reach out.
Further information
I work with adults aged 18 and over and offer support with concerns including anxiety, stress, low mood, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, men’s mental health and experiences connected with neurodivergence.
You do not need to be certain that counselling is right for you before getting in touch. I offer a free initial conversation so you can ask questions, tell me a little about what has brought you here and decide whether talking with me feels comfortable. There is no pressure to continue.
Sessions are available face to face in Consett, online, by telephone and as walk and talk counselling locally.
