How I work
What to expect from our sessions
When we first meet, I'll want to get to know you and understand what's brought you to counselling. You might have something particular you want help with, or perhaps you're finding things difficult without being quite sure why. In our early sessions, we'll talk about what's happening in your life and what you'd like from counselling. There's no expectation that you'll tell me everything straight away, and we can take time to work out together what might be most helpful.
As we continue, I'll listen carefully, but I'll also ask questions, share observations and sometimes suggest different ways of looking at things. You don't have to arrive knowing what to talk about each week, and there's no fixed structure we have to follow.
What we might explore together
We may begin to notice patterns in how you respond to certain situations or relate to other people. Perhaps you find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no, or being particularly hard on yourself when something goes wrong. Together, we can look at what happens in those moments, how those responses may have developed and what they mean for you now.
At other times, we might focus more on making sense of difficult feelings or experiences, finding ways to manage anxiety or overwhelm, or simply having somewhere to talk through something painful. Depending on what you need, I might introduce practical strategies, share ideas that help explain what you're experiencing or invite you to notice the physical sensations that accompany certain feelings.
My approach
I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches rather than following one particular model. Different people find different things helpful, and our approach will reflect your individual experiences, needs and what you're hoping to get from counselling.
My work is informed by person-centred principles and a range of therapeutic ideas and techniques, including Transactional Analysis (TA) and elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These can help us understand patterns in how we think, feel and relate to others, and consider different ways of responding when something isn't working for us.
I also pay attention to the connection between mind and body. Understanding how we respond to stress and difficult emotions can help us make sense of our reactions and find ways to manage challenging situations in everyday life.
My work is trauma-informed, which includes recognising how difficult or overwhelming experiences can continue to affect us. This means paying particular attention to your sense of safety, giving you choice over what we explore and moving at a pace that feels manageable.
If you'd like to know more
If you have any questions about counselling or how I work, you're welcome to get in touch. There's no obligation to book a session, and you can take your time deciding what feels right for you.