About
About Counselling
First Meeting: I believe the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client is key for therapy to be effective, so suggest a free 30-45 minute introductory meeting. This is a conversation between the two of us to help me know more about your past and present experiences, what brings you to counselling at this time and what you would like to change. Above all, this is your opportunity to experience how I work so you can make an informed decision about whether I'm the right person to support you and to ask any questions you may have.
Most people have some nervousness about contacting a professional. If you need to discuss anything that will make you more able to attend an appointment, then we can do this in advance so you feel as comfortable as possible. Afterwards, you are welcome to take some time to think about whether you would like to move ahead to regular appointments, or if we feel I am unable to provide the right support for you, I will draw on my network of associates to signpost you to services which may be better placed to help you.
Who I help: I work with adults, aged 21+, on a one-to-one basis. I am currently unable to provide counselling for couples or children and adolescents.
Where I work: I am based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and work from a dedicated therapy room. Free on-street parking is available.
Time: Sessions are usually held weekly on the same day and at the same time, and last 50 minutes. As I do not have a waiting room, I would politely ask you not to arrive early and wait nearby or in your car until the start of your scheduled time.
Types of sessions: We can work face-to-face, online via secure video platform Zoom (if you are UK-based) or by phone. A blend of in-person and remote sessions can be provided should your circumstances make this necessary.
Your counselling space
I offer:
Brief therapy (from 10-12 sessions) – aimed at working with an exclusive focus on one specific issue.
Short-term therapy (20-30 sessions) – better suited to working through difficult life transitions, such as bereavement or divorce, improving decision-making or gaining better ways of coping with emotions that overwhelm you.
Longer-term therapy (ongoing, unlimited sessions) – by working at your own pace, for as long you need, we can address more complex and deep-rooted issues or develop ongoing personal growth.
Fees: Ongoing sessions are usually held weekly and are £55. Fees are reviewed annually.
Availability: I work Monday-Thursdays 9am-7pm; Fridays 9am-12pm. While I always aim to find a time that works for you within my current availability, please note all evening sessions are full at this time.
About Me
My philosophy: Instinctively, we all know talking helps but when life’s challenges and struggles overwhelm us, leaving us isolated and stuck, it can be difficult to open up about how we truly feel to those close to us. When facing crises, dilemmas, and transitions, and going through times of loss and uncertainty, we may need the support and insight of someone who is trained to help us move forward.
I am a qualified, experienced and empathic counsellor and I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere of trust, empathy and confidentiality in which we can work together to discover new meaning and long-lasting change in your life. At the heart of what I do is transform the relationship you have with yourself. By giving you the time and space to understand what’s going on for you, I will help you to develop self-acceptance and self-compassion. I believe everyone is an individual, with unique needs, and the pace of our work together is driven by what works best for you.
I specialise in helping people to:
overcome anxiety & stress
improve low moods & depression
rebalance after traumatic & abusive experiences or relationships
find a way through the suffering caused in adulthood by childhood relational or attachment wounds
live with grief and accepting loss & bereavement
develop higher self-esteem & confidence
form healthier ways to relate to friends, family & partners
Other areas I work with... Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Low self-worth or not feeling good enough, Self-sabotage, Persistent hypervigilance or being on guard, Lack of confidence or self-acceptance, Burnout, Chronic sense of emptiness, Lack of fulfilment, direction and feeling stuck, Managing change, Increasing self-awareness, understanding and compassion.
My approach: I practice a type of talking therapy called psychodynamic. This means as we look at your current problems, we will also identify and explore how your past experience may have affected your life today in ways that are not always apparent. At times, this may bring up difficult, painful and confusing emotions which I will support you through.
Once you have a greater understanding and sense of the roots of your struggles, it is possible to transform old and unhelpful perspectives about yourself, and to develop ways of coping better and overcoming issues that may be holding you back. Together, we can help you highlight and evolve your personal strengths and determine what is really meaningful for you in your life.
It is important to me to be honest about what I do and don’t offer you, so that you can make an informed decision about whether working with me is going to be right for you. I don’t offer specific solutions to your problems or tell you what needs to be fixed. Instead, we work together to help you identify your own difficulties and find your own answers. Focussing on what you want to get out of counselling is central to the process. Psychotherapy may not be the right choice for you if you would find it difficult to attend sessions regularly or if you believe what is past is gone and that there is no benefit in exploring the meaning of previous experiences.
Starting therapy can be anxiety provoking, so I do whatever possible to help you feel comfortable and safe talking to me. I also recognise this is a big commitment and so I always keep in mind how to best support you in what you want to work on and get out of counselling. I always aim to create an environment where you can ask questions, get feedback and understand what my thinking is.
Training and Qualifications: I have completed extensive training accredited by the BACP and have the following qualifications:
Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
Foundation Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling
Additionally, I have undertaken specialist trauma-focused training which I may integrate in our work together:
Dr Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry (Short Course)
Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Levels 1 & 2
More Than Words - a polyvagal-guided workshop for regulating post-traumatic emotional states by Trauma Centre Manchester
I have practised for eight years (both as a trainee and post qualification). As well as my private practice, I have worked for the NHS-funded Counselling for Depression short-term IAPT service and within a Victims of Crime contract. I also previously held placements at two charitable counselling agencies and am a former Samaritans listener. My work is clinically supervised and I am committed to ongoing training and personal development. I hold enhanced DBS clearance and full liability insurance.
Professional membership: I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to its’ code of ethics. I am a verified counsellor on the BACP, Counselling Directory and Therapy Finders registers, and am registered with the ICO for data protection purposes.
