Counselling is a form of talking therapy that involves exploring your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. As an integrative counsellor, I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, which means I can tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and preferences. During counselling sessions, we'll engage in open and honest conversations about your concerns, experiences, and goals. Together, we'll work collaboratively to explore the underlying issues contributing to your difficulties and develop strategies to address them. My integrative approach allows me to draw upon different therapeutic techniques and theories, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, among others. This flexibility enables me to adapt my approach to best suit your unique circumstances and preferences. Ultimately, counselling is a supportive process that empowers you to gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in your life. By providing a compassionate and nonjudgmental space for self-exploration and growth, I aim to help you navigate challenges and achieve greater wellbeing.

Counselling is conducted within a strict framework of confidentiality to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. All information shared during counselling sessions is kept confidential, except in certain circumstances: In rare cases where there is a legal obligation, such as suspected involvement in criminal activity like terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering, I may be required to disclose information. If there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, I may need to breach confidentiality to ensure safety. This could include situations involving self-harm, harm to others, or risk of abuse. Please rest assured that these exceptions are carefully considered and implemented with your best interests in mind. Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic process, and I take every precaution to uphold your privacy and trust.

I offer in-person sessions from my comfortable practice situated along Ascot High Street, offering free parking and access to toilet facilities. I also offer telephone and online counselling via Google Meet, which is a secure platform with accessibility across various devices.

The duration of each counselling session is 50 minutes. The fee for each session is £60. Payment is required via bank transfer at least 24 hours before the scheduled session.

Our counselling sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly basis. There are several reasons for this approach. Firstly, weekly sessions help to foster a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, providing you with a consistent and supportive space to explore your emotions and experiences. This regularity creates a 'holding' environment where you can feel emotionally supported and understood. Additionally, weekly sessions allow us to delve deeper into underlying issues and explore them in greater detail. By maintaining this consistent schedule, we can maintain momentum and make steady progress towards your goals. This approach ensures that each session builds upon the previous one, facilitating meaningful growth and development.

The typical duration of the counselling process varies from client to client and is always decided by the client, as they have autonomy in determining the length of their counselling journey. I work in an open-ended way, meaning there is no predetermined number of sessions. Instead, we will regularly review our progress together to ensure that the counselling process remains beneficial and aligned with your goals. This open-ended approach allows for deeper exploration and flexibility in addressing the complexities of your experiences and concerns. However, I also recognise that some clients may prefer a more structured approach for specific issues, and in such cases, we can work together on a short-term basis. Ultimately, the duration of the counselling process is tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences, with the focus always on supporting you in achieving your desired outcomes.

During your first counselling session with me, our primary focus will be on establishing a foundation of trust and understanding. We'll begin by discussing what prompted you to seek counselling and explore the challenges or difficulties you're currently facing. I'll invite you to share your expectations and hopes for how life might be different as a result of counselling. Understanding your goals and aspirations will help us tailor our therapeutic approach to best meet your needs. As part of the assessment process, I'll ask you a series of questions to gain deeper insight into your unique experiences, values, strengths, and personal history. These questions may cover various aspects of your life, including your upbringing, family dynamics, past experiences, coping mechanisms, and any significant events or traumas that have shaped your journey. By the end of our first session, my aim is for you to feel heard, understood, and supported on your journey towards healing and growth. Together, we'll embark on a collaborative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and positive change.

While our counselling sessions provide valuable support, it's important to note that counselling is primarily conducted during scheduled sessions. Contact outside of sessions should be limited to administrative and scheduling matters. It's important to recognise that counselling is not a crisis service. If you find yourself in crisis or in need of immediate support between sessions, I encourage you to reach out to dedicated crisis support services such as The Samaritans or Shout which are staffed by trained volunteers who are ready to listen and provide support in times of crisis. Call Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 Remember, it's okay to seek additional support when needed, and these organisations are there to provide assistance during difficult times. If you have any questions or concerns about accessing support between counselling sessions, please don't hesitate to discuss them with me during our next session.

My cancellation policy is designed to ensure that appointments are respected and that sufficient time is available to offer the session to another client in need. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee. This policy also applies to missed sessions without notice. Additionally, if you fail to attend two appointments in a row without notice, I reserve the right not to offer you further appointments. Your understanding and cooperation with our cancellation policy are greatly appreciated as it helps me maintain the quality and availability of my counselling services. If you have any questions or concerns about the policy, please feel free to discuss them with me.