What to Expect
There would be an initial, assessment session so that we could meet one another, for you to tell me what brings you to counselling and what you would want to get out of working together. I would ask some questions to get a better understanding of where you are at in your life and assess how we would work together. You may have some questions for me, or things you would like to be clarified. This is a full length session, 50 minutes, to ensure that there is adequate time to talk about some things which might be difficult in a safe, holding environment. There is absolutely no obligation to continue if you decide either that we wouldn't be a good fit, or counselling isn't for you at this time.
If you did continue, we would generally meet at the same time each week. This could either be on an open-ended basis, or for a set number of sessions at which we can review and recontract, or end our work together. I am experienced in working both long- and short-term. Sessions last for 50 minutes.
Cost
Initial, no obligation assessment session: £60
Ongoing sessions: Weekday slot are £60
If I am on holiday: No cost
Cancellation with less than 48 hours notice: Full fee payable.
Concessionary fees: A set number of my sessions are designated low-cost, do ask if any of the slots are currently available if you need a reduced fee.
Learn more about how I work
Counselling, at its heart, is a relationship. The relationship acts as a space for you to be listened to - really listened to. It is an unusual relationship, there aren't many times when the focus is solely on you! It can take a bit of getting used to, having a whole 50 minutes which is just for you. However, this focus and space creates the opportunity for growth, support, new insights. You might be struggling with anxiety, feeling uneasy in social situations and unable to stop worrying about the worst happening. The therapeutic relationship gives you space and support to talk about how you experience the world, what is difficult and, most importantly, what else is going on. What might be the really big fears which lie under the surface of the everyday worries? But also, how can we work towards a different way of thinking? Or if there is a tricky family situation, having a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic space to air your feelings of hurt, confusion, anger or frustration is invaluable, and clears the way to figure how you'd like to approach the relational challenges and look after your own needs as well. If you're unsure if therapy is the right course for you, I am happy to have a short phone call before setting up an initial meeting.
If counselling is new for you it can feel quite daunting, even making the initial contact can induce anxiety. (It can also be calm-inducing, having made the first step and knowing that you will be getting some help can help us feel better.) I will do my best to put you at ease, the assessment session is a full 50 minutes so that there is no rush and we can go at your pace. Both initially and in subsequent sessions, I will listen to what you need. Sometimes you may need a few minutes of quiet in the room to settle and think about what you would like to talk about, or a guided breathing or visualisation exercise can be helpful.
I take a whole-life approach and will sometimes explore the impact of sleeping patterns, physical wellbeing, health conditions, how we use technology and food/eating. My approach is always open-minded, curious and mindful of your needs, limits and resources. I also keep in mind our wider context, how the messages and pressures from society effect us and how we can thrive within that as individuals and collectively. Part of this may be thinking about our environment, the living world and how connected we are to nature.
I have worked with numerous clients with with ADHD (some with a diagnosis, some not), I have found that extending compassionate curiosity has been of paramount importance. There are many ways in which the person with ADHD/ADD can feel like a failure, but coming to a greater understanding of how individual neurodivergent brains work, how to work with or around areas of challenge and not feeling shame or self-criticism.
I work at Bristol Talking Therapies rooms, it is a light, airy space furnished to provide a tranquil, therapeutic space. There is paid-for parking available just opposite, however its central location means that it is accessible using the bus or train. There are bike racks beside Redcliffe Cathedral. I am on the first floor overlooking the river.
I also offer sessions online.