When might counselling and psychotherapy help you?There are times in our lives when we feel unable to manage and resolve our problems and difficulties. Talking to friends and family can be very effective, but there are times when this doesn’t seem to help, or maybe the issue feels too difficult or private to speak about. This is when professional counselling may help.
What issues can I help you to resolve in your life?anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, lack of confidence, coping with cancer and other serious health issues, abuse, addictions, dyslexia, sex-related problems, personal growth
How do I work?Counselling and psychotherapy with me gives you the opportunity
- To talk and be listened to without being judged
- To come to a better understanding of how you think and feel about yourself
- To identify what you may want to change
Person-centred therapy is based on the philosophy that each human being is of unique value and has the potential for psychological growth and increased personal fulfilment. I aim to see, feel and understand as closely as I can the world as you experience it. I will listen carefully and respectfully, and seek to create a warm and non-judgmental working alliance with you within a confidential setting. My aim, having established a therapeutic relationship together, is to work with you to help you develop greater self-awareness, with the aim of resolving whatever troubles you and finding a better way forward.
The work may feel challenging, but I try to ensure that you will always feel supported by me; we will go at a pace that suits your need. And our time together doesn’t always have to be solemn – we may laugh together too and in sharing laughter, feel its therapeutic value!
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?Some would say there really is no difference. Perhaps a helpful way to define the two is to say that: counselling typically focuses on present issues; psychotherapy addresses deep-seated patterns of behaviour, feeling and meaning.
Bereavement CounsellingThe death of someone close is an experience we all have to face at some time in our lives. Family and friends can support us in our process of coming to terms with our loss. Sometimes, however, we are overwhelmed with feelings of desolation, guilt or anger or even accepting the reality of the death. A death can trouble us with unresolved issues in our relationships. We may feel we are ‘going mad’. Many people describe great difficulty with concentration and memory, poor sleep, physical ill-health or pain.
The specialist bereavement counselling I offer will enable you to understand the grieving process better, help you deal with unresolved issues and support you as you find your own way through your grief. I also run regular bereavement support groups as many find it helpful to share experiences and support others who are coping with the pain of bereavement.
Bereaved children sometimes behave in ways adults do not expect. I can help you to understand and support your child. I also work with individual children themselves, using a range of appropriate creative activities in order to help them with their grief.
I also runs workshops for professionals (e.g teachers, solicitors, medical professionals) whose work brings them into contact with bereaved adults or children. These can be arranged at The Terrace in Taunton or in your workplace.
About MeBefore training as a counsellor, I worked as a dyslexia specialist with children and then with adults in further education. My work with adults, many of whom were struggling with a range of emotional difficulties, impassioned me to train and qualify as a person-centred counsellor. I have since worked privately and within organisations.
I have several years’ recent experience counselling in a large hospice. I felt privileged here to gain specialist experience in supporting patients and their families coping with life-limiting illness and bereavement.
When do I work and how many sessions will you have?I am available Monday – Friday; evening appointments are also possible.
We will discuss a possible number of sessions at our first meeting to assess what is most appropriate for you. I work both long and short-term. Short-term would typically be 6 sessions, weekly or fortnightly.
What will you pay?Free 30 minute assessment session. This gives us a chance to meet and for you to ask questions, and see if you feel comfortable with me.
Full fee: £50 for a 1-hour session.
I am very willing to be flexible. Concessionary rates available for students
I request a cheque or cash to be paid at each session.
TestimonialsSome of my clients have kindly allowed me quote their words:
“Calm, supportive, there for me…encouraged by your quiet presence”
“I know without hesitation I am getting back to being a happier person, and am certain I could not have achieved such a leap without you, thank you”.
“You have been a great support to me through many ups and downs. Always steady, thoughtful and wise.”
