Some commonly asked questions you might like answers to:

What kind of counselling do you do?

I am trained in Integrative Counselling which means that I have access to a range of therapy techniques and can draw on a variety of approaches to suit you. It’s most important that how we work together feels like a good fit and as an experienced teacher and counsellor I know the importance of this. We’ll check in every now and then so see if we’re going in the right direction for you.

What if I don’t know where to start?

In therapy with me you don’t have to be fantastic with words or have a clear idea of what you need. Saying “I feel zig-zaggy and stuck” is just as effective as saying “I’m overwhelmed and in functional freeze”! Sometimes it can feel as if there’s too much or it’s too painful and you’re lost for words - don’t worry, it happens. We can talk about small stuff or I can kick us off - it’s my job to help us find a way together.

I’ve got things I need to say but I’m worried you’ll think badly of me.

In counselling I provide a warm and non-judgemental space in which you can be properly heard - it’s not the same as talking to family and friends (even if they’re good listeners!). Here you can explore what you are experiencing, notice things about yourself and work to open up new perspectives and choices without fear of being judged.

What do we do? Just talk?

Therapy works because we feel connected to each other and you feel understood. It’s very boundaried - we don’t become best friends where we share each other’s lives, it’s better than that because you get to share what is going on for you without having to spend time trying to understand me in return! Sometimes just being able to share something difficult in confidence is a relief and can help us to see it in a different light.

Having said that, I’m not just here to listen and nod. I may help you to develop strategies to manage unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours and their physical effects; we may seek to understand more fully how the past might colour your present. I will work alongside you to untangle overwhelming thoughts, process emotional pain and help you discover the strengths you have to move forward.

I’m chatty too and you may find that we also discover some laughter amidst the serious stuff.

Are you qualified?

I am a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society - a regulating body that ensures that I am fully qualified. You can look me up on their database and also read about my qualifications below.

How long does counselling last?

Counselling can be short term - lasting a few weeks - or much longer, depending on the kind of things that are impacting your life and the pace at which you are comfortable to explore. We will regularly assess together how things are going and when the right time might be to move towards completing our sessions.

I’d like to work online - does counselling work this way?

Yes! I have had a great deal of experience working online with people from all over the UK. Meeting online means that you can choose a counsellor who seems like a good fit without having to be local; you can meet from the comfort of your own safe space without the need, time commitment or stress of travelling and can have your favourite cuppa or even your pet with you.

I’d rather meet in person.

I have a counselling room in the Yorkshire Dales Town of Pateley Bridge near Harrogate and we can work together in person if you’d prefer to.

How do we begin?

Once we have made contact we may have an initial phone conversation to see if we’d like to explore working together. If we decide that we do, I’ll send you information about accessing an appointment in person or using an online platform.

If we’re working remotely, it is helpful if you can find a place where you will be uninterrupted and feel free to talk. It doesn’t matter to me what your screen background is- it is more important that you feel comfortable and private in the place you choose.

In the first session we will talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it, and you can ask any questions you may have. It is a chance for you to get to know me and decide whether you’d like us to continue to work together.

Taking that first step takes courage, but if you’re feeling that now is the time to find the change you really want then booking a first meeting (with no obligation to book again unless you feel we’re a good partnership) will give you the confidence to begin to take the control you deserve.