Research shows that the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is likely to have a big impact on your growth so it’s important

to choose a therapist you feel comfortable with. You can search the online directories and choose, say, 3 therapists you think can help you. Have an initial consultation with all of them so you can ask questions and see who you feel the most comfortable with before booking in your first session.

My aim when working with you will be to :

1. Make you feel safe and comfortable opening up to me and feel supported to say anything to me without fear of judgement;
2. Allow you to be yourself and be open and honest;
3. To know you are being heard and that I am interested in what you are saying. I'm not only taking in your words but also understanding them;
4. I want the best for you and will always work in collaboration with you;
5. I will regularly check in with you and encourage you to speak up if you feel therapy with me is not working;
6. Whilst I may be an expert in certain areas of human psychology, that doesn’t mean I know everything and I will openly admit if I don't know something and do my best to learn more. I am a committed therapist and I am continuously increasing my knowledge;
7. I may not agree with everything you say or do but I will validate your thoughts, emotions, actions and experiences and acknowledge that what you tell me is the truth of your experience;
8. I will never use your sessions to address my own concerns. I may share an experience but only if I feel it will help you;
9. I will work to forge a bond with you that is based on mutual trust & respect;
10. I will not advise you because I am trying to empower you to what you think you should do based on your own experiences and personal beliefs so that you can make better choices for yourself in future.   
11. I will, respectfully, challenge you. Some styles of therapy involve questioning irrational thinking patterns and this will be done respectfully without making you feel bad for ways of thinking that might not be serving you.
12. I will offer a range of solutions - some may include suggestions of books to read or work to do outside of your sessions. 
13. You will notice a change in yourself as you begin to have therapy. These may only be small changes at first as therapy differs from one person to the next.      

There’s no “one size fits all” but I am here to offer you a toolbox instead of a single tool.

With my help, you can give yourself time and space to get to know who you are and what you need.

The stigma around having therapy is reducing and you’d be surprised how many friends and colleagues have already taken this step. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it shows courage and strength that you are ready to make positive changes to your life.

As a therapist, I have had to undergo my own therapy, so I know exactly how vulnerable and uncomfortable it can initially feel.

Here are some ways having therapy can help.

• Promote healthier behaviours;
• Provide more satisfying relationships in your life;
• Promote psychological well-being, through self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-compassion;
• Learn better mechanisms for coping with difficulty;
• Address overwhelming emotions or destructive behaviours that are influencing your ability to engage in daily life;
• Address issues such as unhelpful repeating patterns, depression, anxiety, addiction and grief.

You don't have to wait until you are having a crisis to attend therapy.

Remember that talking to a mental health professional, doesn't mean anything is wrong with you - it's what's happened to you,

I am a member of the British Association of Psychotherapy & Counselling ("BACP") and National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society ("NCPS"). Being a member of these professional bodies is evidence that I have passed an approved training course and I am required to keep myself up-to-date through continuous professional development. I am also fully insured, DBS checked and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office ("ICO").

Our sessions will last 60 minutes.. During your first session, we will spend about 10 mins or so completing some required paperwork. Then, I'll tell you a little about me, how I work and what you can expect from me. I'll ask you about what's brought you to therapy now and any medication you may be taking. I'll ask some questions about yourself, your family history, including your childhood as I like to spend time getting to know you. We'll discuss any challenges you may be facing and what you hope to achieve by coming to counselling.

This is a crucial step in your mental health journey and if, after your first session with me, you don't feel I am the right therapist for you - that's absolutely ok.