What To Expect

You will be offered an initial assessment, to try and gain a full picture. You will not be forced to disclose anything that you are uncomfortable with although you may find that you want to talk about more troublesome issues later. At all times you will set the pace. This initial session gives you the chance to ask questions and decide whether you feel you would like to continue or not without obligation.

Find out more through a free informal phone call

Sometimes all we want is a safe place where we can express ourselves without judgement. This may be due to an unexpected situation or event that has occurred or is likely to happen. It may even be that the feeling of unsettledness within has been there for a very long time, niggling and causing discomfort.

Whatever the circumstance, counselling can offer a space in which to share these uncomfortable feelings, and improve how to deal with the issue.

I offer a safe, supportive, quiet environment, where you can talk privately. What may once have seemed unthinkable to talk about, can be explored to offer better understanding and acceptance as I work alongside you to find solutions and release from painful emotions.

We will work together to draw clarity on the situation and feelings that you are experiencing whilst exploring patterns of thought and behaviour which may be rooted in past experiences and no longer applicable in the present. It will be my aim to help you find greater understanding whilst developing skills that you are comfortable with to make improvements in your life.

To ensure that the counselling process is a less threatening experience and one in which you feel a measure of control we will work at a pace and depth that suits you; essentially you will guide the whole process.  We will work together, you as the expert on yourself whilst I act as the facilitator in helping you become stronger and more empowered. As an integrative therapist, my approach combines three major disciplines, and is adapted between clients to offer the most beneficial experience on a personal level.

How many sessions will I need?

What Is Integrative Therapy?

I have always embraced nurturing the ‘whole’ person, and this extends into ensuring that the space where counselling takes place feels relaxing and restorative.

My main practice room is at home within a peaceful, relaxing garden, with woodland on one side and meadow on the other. It is a quiet and natural landscape with attractive planting reflecting my own love of gardens and wildlife.

Some people find being outside calming and therapeutic. Counselling can therefore be indoors or in the garden as desired.

07899664434

07899664434

This list is not exhaustive and you can feel assured that I have experience of a wide variety of issues and will refer you to another professional if I feel it to be in your best interest.

Areas Of Counselling I Work With Are

Why Turtleback?

Some people only need to speak to a counsellor once, others find that they have a lot to explore and choose to access therapy on a long-term basis although may choose to leave longer periods between sessions. Generally it is recommended to begin with weekly sessions which are reviewed after 6 weeks. You are free to stop at any point.

Abuse- Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Domestic Violence, Bullying
Anxiety- General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social, Performance
Depression, Postnatal Depression
Sexuality, Gender Identity
Eating Disorders- Binge-Eating, Anorexia Nervosa
Relationship difficulties, Affairs and betrayals, Separation and Divorce
Anger Management
Bereavement, Loss (in all its forms)
Stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Career- redundancy, confidence/stress issues
Phobias
Suicidal Thoughts, Self-Harm
Personality Disorders- Bipolar/Manic depression, Psychosis
Low Self-Belief, Low Self-Esteem, Low Self-Confidence
Child Related Issues- Childhood Trauma
Coping with Long-Term Health Issues, Carer Support
Family Issues/Relationship Difficulties
Lack of Direction
Life transitions- Menopause
Shame, Self-Hatred
Loneliness, difficulty relating to others
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Hoarding
Parenting- Surrogate Parenting, Infertility

Integrative therapy combines a wide range of therapeutic theories and interventions to take account of the clients’ individual needs.

The main elements combine:

Person Centred 

This approach refrains from offering advice in a ‘top down’ approach in favour of helping you find your own meaning and choice of action that suits your preference. The client is supported and shown respect in a caring environment where it is safe to voice fears and worries without judgement.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

This focusses on thoughts and resulting behavioural actions. There is strong evidence for its effectiveness in treating anxiety, and depression. It may also involve working towards agreed goals which require ‘homework’ activities between sessions.

Psychodynamic ​​

This looks at the basic hardwiring that we have due to our early upbringing and influential relationships. It helps highlight what holds us back in relationships and attitudes and allows one to choose to leave the past behind and move forward.

I also use Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Transactional Analysis, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness exercises.