what can i expect from counselling?
I understand how difficult it can feel taking the first steps to accessing therapy and beginning to open up to somebody you don’t yet know. That’s why I will always go at your pace, allowing you to guide our sessions. I know that at times of pain and distress it may feel like you don’t understand yourself or perhaps can’t see a way out of your problems. It’s my job to support you and guide you to being able to find those answers within yourself. I work with clients experiencing a wide range of issues, such as; depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, bereavement, trauma, stress, etc.
what’s your approach?
I’m a qualified integrative counsellor, which means I work with several different modalities in my approach to therapy. The reason for this is that I don’t believe the client should ‘fit the therapy’, instead I work with what you bring and what might help you as an individual. I also specialise in mindfulness techniques to help clients experiencing anxiety. I work in a very warm, down-to-earth and non-judgemental way; holding a safe and confidential space for you to express your difficulties. My aim is that we find a way together for you to be able to work through the things that bring you to counselling.
I’m not sure about video counselling- what’s it like?
I’ll be honest, I wasn't sure what video counselling would be like before I began to work in this way either. But the pandemic hit and I began to work with my clients via video counselling. What I found was that my clients at the time were surprised that working with me online actually didn’t feel that different to working with me in person. It’s of course a personal preference but I found that the majority of my clients have chosen to continue to work with me online rather than face-to-face, even when this option became available. I think this is due to practical reasons (like saving time on travel) but also emotional reasons (having a little distance and being in your own comfortable space).
what if i’m not sure what I want to talk about?
Sometimes clients are unsure about exactly what brings them to therapy, which again, is something we can very much explore. Sometimes rather than a specific ‘issue’ it may be that you want to explore a feeling, thought, dream or memory. I believe it’s important to find the right therapist for you and I’m always open to clients taking their time after our first session to decide whether I’m the right counsellor for them. I’d invite you to contact me for any questions on how I work and how I might be able to help.
How many sessions do i need?
Many clients ask how many sessions they may need. This is always difficult to answer, as it depends on how many issues we are exploring and healing may not always be a straightforward process. However, I work ethically and respectfully and appreciate that therapy is an investment of both your time and money. Therefore, I will continuously review our work to see where you are with the therapy. If you are limited to how much you are able to spend financially, I can offer short term work (i.e. 6 sessions). Alternatively, if you feel you would like to work more long term with me, to explore things in more depth, this is something I can support you with too. You’re free to also arrange a one off appointment to see if I can help and to see if I feel like the right therapist for you.
Is the Scarlett Sanctuary for me?
This is a great way to continue supporting yourself after therapy, during therapy or if you don’t yet feel ready to take the step into 1:1 counselling.
The membership is for you if:
You have been doing ‘the work’ but still have moments you feel triggered.
You’re ready to prioritise your mental health but in need of guidance.
You get caught off guard with feelings of stress and anxiety.
You’d love to receive specialist support in tricky situations.
You feel it’s time to take your self-development to the next level.