counselling
(What’s it all about?)
Active listening
My first endeavour is to listen so that you feel truly heard and understood. My aim here is to be a compassionate and non judgemental listening partner to the full experience of being you. Above all, I’ll demonstrate empathy, genuineness, and positive regard. This will help us build a relationship that can facilitate therapeutic change, reflection, and exploration.
Active listening
My first endeavour is to listen so that you feel truly heard and understood. My aim here is to be a compassionate and non judgemental listening partner to the full experience of being you. Above all, I’ll demonstrate empathy, genuineness, and positive regard. This will help us build a relationship that can facilitate therapeutic change, reflection, and exploration.
Therapeutic relationship
Through active listening, we’ll develop a therapeutic relationship. It is this relationship that facilitates reflection, exploration and change. Together, we’ll explore your challenges and figure a way through them.
Relational safety and ethics
I work ethically, guided by the UKCP Code of Ethics. I am deeply committed to offering relationship with balance, boundaries, and equity. I work hard to fulfil values of justice, respect and honesty. I see this as the first step towards creating relationships which are safe for everyone. This is particularly important where you may have had experiences of unsafe relationships. Through the therapeutic endeavour, we’ll give you some new experiences of safety in relationship.
Relational safety and ethics
I work ethically, guided by the UKCP Code of Ethics. I am deeply committed to offering relationship with balance, boundaries, and equity. I work hard to fulfil values of justice, respect and honesty. I see this as the first step towards creating relationships which are safe for everyone. This is particularly important where you may have had experiences of unsafe relationships. Through the therapeutic endeavour, we’ll give you some new experiences of safety in relationship.
Exploration and reflection
In relationship, we will explore safely, slowly, and with an abundance of care whatever it is thats bringing you to counselling. The aim here is to work collaboratively to develop a new understanding of yourself, and through this, the chance to establish a more fulfilling relationship with yourself.
Common Questions Answered
How much do sessions cost, and how long do they last?
Sessions cost £60 per session. This includes the first session. I offer a 30-40 minute introductory call (free of charge) so that we can get to know each other a bit, and get a sense of whether we would be a good ‘fit’ for therapy.
Sessions last for 50 minutes, with the exception of the first session, which is usually about an hour.
What should I expect during my first session?
Usually in the first session, we will start to get to know each other, and discuss some of what’s bringing you to therapy. I will usually also spend some time talking to you about some of the practical aspects of counselling.
There’s also time for you to ask any questions, and we might also be thinking about whether there are any particular goals you want to work towards.
Do you work online, or face to face?
Both! I work online via Zoom, and this is usually from my home. Face to face work is from Holland Court (near Norwich Cathedral, NR1). I have specific days for online/face to face sessions, so let me know your preference, and we can try to figure something out.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
Just let me know if you need to cancel a session. I ask for 24 hours (working week) notice for cancellations. This means that if you give me less than 24 hours notice, I will still charge you for the session. If for any reason I need to cancel the session, of course you won’t be charged.
How do you handle confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of my practice. What you say in sessions remains confidential, and this is deeply important to me. However, there are a few professional exceptions. These are:
1) As all professional counsellors should, I regularly see a counselling supervisor who supports my work. This helps me keep my work effective and ethical. Any conversations with my supervisor are also confidential.
2) In certain exceptional circumstances, if I felt you or others might be at risk of harm or in some specific legal circumstances, I might consider breaking confidentiality but I would always endeavour to discuss this with you prior to taking any action.
I will go through these exceptions in detail with you before we start working together, so you know exactly where you stand, and can make informed choices for yourself.
Your data is stored in accordance with GDPR, and I am registered with the ICO.
What if I need to contact you between sessions?
If you need to contact me about the arrangements for a session, then please don’t hesitate. Just reach out via email or telephone. I will generally try to respond within 24 hours.
Unless we mutually agree otherwise, it is generally best to keep therapeutic work for the therapy session itself. This is generally safer, and more likely to be therapeutic for you.
The service I provide is not an emergency service. In an emergency, dial 999 or if possible attend your local A&E, or contact the Samaritans 116 123.
Let’s Start Something new
Say Hello!
Go ahead and fill in the contact form below. I’ll write back to you (usually within 24 hours) and we’ll see if we can get something started.
