About me
Hello and welcome. My name is Shirley, and I am a qualified counsellor here to support and listen to you. In addition to my private practice, I have experience working within the NHS in a counselling role.
One of the most common comments I hear is, “I’m not sure my issue is big enough to warrant counselling.” I can assure you that if something is worrying you or causing you distress, it is important. There is no set benchmark for what qualifies for therapy; what matters is how you feel and what you are going through. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming emotions like sadness, anxiety, low self esteem or facing challenges in your relationships, every concern is valid. You may also be coping with loss, bereavement, or trauma, and need help processing those experiences in a supportive space.
I offer a safe, confidential, and accepting environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement. My approach is down-to-earth and honest; I’m here to listen, understand, and help you make sense of the issues that matter most to you. Through therapy, we can uncover meanings, recognise behaviour patterns, and increase your self-awareness. I work in a person-centred way, meaning I facilitate your journey with empathy and honesty, supporting you as you make sense of the challenges you face.
Working with Relationships
Some clients come to me seeking support with their relationships, whether with partners, family members, friends, or colleagues. If relationships are something you'd like to explore, we can look at the patterns that might be keeping you stuck, the emotions that often go unspoken, and how you relate to others. My approach focuses on building emotional awareness, establishing boundaries that feel respectful, and helping you develop a clearer sense of self in relationships. I encourage clients to notice what's happening in the moment so they can respond with intention, rather than habit. Whether your goal is reconnection, repair, or letting go, the work will always be grounded in honesty, safety, and self-awareness.
Understanding Yourself and Your Needs
At times, you may feel a pull to look inward, to understand what you truly need and how past experiences shape the way you live today. Together, we can explore recurring patterns, long-held beliefs, and the parts of yourself you may not always notice, and how they influence your choices, emotions, and your connection to yourself. While we give space to the challenges you’ve faced, we’ll also pay attention to your strengths and the possibilities ahead. This isn’t about overlooking difficulties, but about nurturing perspectives that help you move forward with clarity, self-compassion, and a stronger inner grounding in who you are and who you want to be.
Living With Loss and Grief
Grief can affect every part of life and often feels difficult to put into words. Whether you’ve lost someone, experienced the end of a relationship, or are adjusting to a significant change, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. There is no right way to grieve, and no set timeline for how it should be felt or carried. In our work together, there is space to talk about your grief in a way that feels natural for you, including the stories, memories, and history you hold with the person or experience you are grieving
I offer a comfortable and confidential space in Rainham, Kent, or if you prefer, we can talk by telephone or Zoom.
Training, qualifications & experience
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- NCO and ACTO approved Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling Course
- Training Hours completed at Mid Kent Mind
- MHFA Lite Mental health first aid
- Suicide Prevention and Awareness Training
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
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions are for 50 minutes
I offer a free 15-minute initial telephone consultation so we can gently explore your therapy goals, check which days I have available, and you have space to ask any questions about how I work.
When I work
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I do have some flexibility during the week so please do ask if a specific day/time is not showing.
