This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
"I feel guilty for being here - surely other people need your time." That's one of the most used phrases in counselling sessions. You deserve your time and you deserve to be heard.
When I had my first ever counselling session, I was anxious and scared beforehand. My thoughts were scattered – did I have too much to say to the counsellor? Too little to say?
All these reactions are justified if you are considering counselling for the first time and I can offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to begin talking about what is on your mind.
What can I expect when I go for my first session?
I know you may be anxious about attending the first session - it is a brave thing to do and I hope you give yourself credit for taking the first step. During the first session, I will go over a counselling contract with you, which should only take a few minutes. From then, our conversation will begin and you can share your story.
What type of therapy do you do?
Integrative therapy with a big emphasis on person-centred therapy.
What does that mean?
You lead the agenda of our sessions. I will not give you a plan or lead you in the direction I want to take. I promise that each session will be guided by what you want to talk about on that day.
How do I know you are a 'proper' counsellor?
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Counsellors can only be members of these organisations if they have completed accredited qualifications at institutions which are allowed to deliver the courses. As a member of both organisations, I abide by their ethical standards.
Are things kept confidential?
On the whole, yes. Confidentiality is a crucial part in developing a good counselling relationship with you. As you would expect, not everything can be kept between you and me. If there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, you would expect me to seek help. Breaking confidentiality does not happen often and wherever possible, it is done with your consent. Only those who need to know will be informed about the issue - such as your GP or other appropriate services.
How long are the sessions?
50 minutes. However, your first session may be close to 60 minutes (because of the things I mentioned that I need to go over with you).
Online and face-to-face sessions
Online therapy is a convenient way to begin your counselling process. There are no worries about parking or hanging around in waiting rooms! All being well, you will do your counselling sessions in a quiet and private place at home, safe in the knowledge that your sessions will still be guided by ethical principles that would normally be adhered to in face-to-face sessions. Meeting in person is ideal, if it is convenient for you and I can arrange to meet you in premises in the North Down area.
Student discount
Your budget can be tight when you are studying at university or college but that should not prevent you from getting the support you would like. I am happy to offer discounted prices for students (18+) studying any course. If you are currently enrolled on a level 2, 3 or 4 counselling course, the discounted rates also apply to you.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- BA Hons Modern History/Politics
- L3 Counselling Theory
- L2 Counselling Studies Certificate
- L2 Child Protection
- L3 NVQ Learning and Development
- L2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Our intital chat will determine if I am the right counsellor for you. The list above is not exhaustive. I will understand if you have several issues you wish to discuss with me - some of which may not be on the list. That is fine and we can decide if I am the right counsellor for you or if it would be better for you to see someone else.
Therapies offered
Fees
£35.00 - £50.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer reduced fees for students (18+) studying any course, not just counselling courses.
When I work
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It is always better to get in touch with a few suggested times when you would be available for sessions. I will try my best to accommodate you.
