“I am out with lanterns,
looking for myself”
— Emily Dickinson
Hello and Welcome
I am an integrative counsellor in Totnes, Devon and online.
We are all on our individual journeys and there are times when it can be helpful to share and talk through some of the issues that arise along the way. I can offer short or long term counselling, in person, online or on the telephone. I offer a free initial session so that we can meet and decide whether we would like to work together with no obligation.
I have a personal interest in neurodiversity and have experience in working with clients on the autistic spectrum or with ADHD.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
I know what it’s like to feel anxious. I spent many years feeling out of place in the world and thinking everyone else must have it sorted. The road that led me to decide to become a counsellor was a challenging journey and I believe this is why I can truly empathise when clients tell me they feel worried, anxious, lost, lonely, stuck.
I work primarily in a person centred way, offering a space for you to bring anything you need to bring in a safe, empathic, non judgemental, supportive environment.
As an integrative counsellor I can also bring in other modalities as necessary, such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) which can help you to identify and work towards changing certain patterns of thinking or behaviours, or Gestalt therapy which focuses on the here and now, considering how your past experiences can affect how you feel in this moment.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change” — Carl R. Rogers
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues.
Here are some of the more common difficulties that counselling can support:
Autism & ADHD
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Relationship issues
Trauma
Problems with family
Depression
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Life changes
Illness
A Safe Space to Talk
Many clients present initially with general anxiety or a feeling of things being out of balance within their lives. I can offer the space to explore those feelings and imbalances and we can work together to help you to increase your self awareness and bring more balance to your life. It can take a long time to feel able to reach out for help and that is a great first step. After that we can take the work at your pace, reevaluating as we go along.
Finding a Sense of Wellbeing
We all feel lost from time to time. Life can be overwhelming and we can sometimes feel out of balance. Reaching out to talk to someone in a safe, confidential space can be a positive first step towards regaining your sense of balance and wellbeing. Exploring difficulties in a non judgmental way can give you a new perspective and help to bring about an increased self awareness. I can’t tell you the answers or fix things for you but what I can do is accompany you on your journey of exploration.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY...
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial session. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help. You can also call me on 07956040394 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.
MY LOCATION
I offer sessions in person in Totnes & Chudleigh and I also offer online or telephone sessions, depending on the needs of the client.
I also offer a free initial session, this can again be face to face or online or on the telephone and usually lasts 30 minutes.
FEES & AVAILABILITY
- Sessions usually last for an hour each week.
- The cost for a session is £45 with concessions for those on a lower income.
- My concessionary rate is £40
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The duration of counselling varies from person to person and depends on the depth of the issues they are bringing. For some clients, even a few sessions of counselling can be of help. Other clients might feel they would like to do a longer piece of work and that is absolutely fine. I usually suggest a review after 6 weeks and then review periodically from there.
My aim is to offer a first appointment (known as an initial assessment) within 1-2 weeks. We would then arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week, at a time that is convenient for you and when I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free slot.
Everything said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases, I may not be able to maintain total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
This is definitely an option. Often a young person may like to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the first session or part of it and that is absolutely fine, it’s whatever feels okay for the client and we can arrange this at the outset.