Counselling With Me...

During your free thirty minute consultation we can discuss what you would like to get from therapy. You can ask me any questions you might have. I will tell you a bit about how I would work with you. You might then go away and have a think about it or you might want to book your first session.

"Jackie asked a couple of questions to help understand what I was hoping to achieve and started to explain the process of how we would work together. Felt comfortable with the proposed process and she answered all my questions in detail."

Counselling with me is very much a journey of exploration. It involves looking for the root of a problem because once we understand the root causes we can begin to heal and gain a sense of control over it. This doesn't always mean that we have to go over everything that happened in the past - you might be fed up with doing that. We just need to understand how it is affecting you now.

"She took the time to hear all of my thoughts and feelings and asked the right questions. The feedback that I received genuinely made a difference to me. I really really do appreciate it."

Counselling can be tough but I take great care to manage this as gently as possible. It should always feel productive but it is a journey and sometimes it takes a little time to figure things out. Sometimes you may feel really sad but this is all part of the process.

In a warm, positive and professional way I will work in line with your values, beliefs and view of the world. I will help you to understand these more and where they come from. I work in a practical and realistic way where you should always feel in control of what we talk about. That said, counselling should be uncomfortable and challenging. Sometimes I may suggest that we look at something that you might be avoiding but it is always your choice whether we do or not. I will always help you to manage your thoughts and feelings safely and ethically.

Therapy can feel like an unburdening, freedom from the past and hope for the future. Mostly it will involve you talking to me but it is a team effort. You are the expert on you. I am intuitive and will bring my observations and past experience. I will sometimes ask questions, provide information or bring in strategies to help manage things like anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD or relationships. I can help you to explore how to put in boundaries or be more assertive.

"Really experienced, able to respond to specific needs."

At the end of each session I will ask if you would like to book again, and if so when? This can be in a day, month or year - whenever you feel is right for you. You can come as often or as little as you like subject to availability. If this sounds like it might be what you are looking for, or if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.