Counselling

Reaching the point of therapy rarely happens overnight. More often, it's the end of weeks, months or even years of trying to make sense of something that still doesn't feel okay.

That's where I'll meet you.

What it's like to work with me

Well, we begin wherever you are.

Most people don't come to therapy knowing exactly what they need or where the conversation will lead. They do know that something doesn't feel okay, and that's enough.

Together, we'll notice what seems important, make space for what's needed instead of rushing on... and we'll find our way from there. Sometimes, you might want to talk about what's been most difficult. Other times, you might want to tell me what's gone well. Both matter... and so does everything in between.

There isn't a right place to start. So we begin each session with whatever feels most important to you today and allow the conversation to unfold at a pace that feels manageable. Along the way, I may gently notice patterns, ask thoughtful questions or occasionally share an observation.

Along the way, I'll share what I'm hearing, share an insight or tell you, ""I think I've just spotted something." and ask if you'd like me to tell you what I noticed. Sometimes these collaborative conversations confirm something; sometimes they open up a completely new way of seeing something. Either way, we'll stay curious together.

My role

Therapy doesn't have to be about becoming someone different. Sometimes it's about understanding yourself more clearly, trusting yourself again or finding a way forward that feels like it genuinely fits for you. So, my role isn't to tell you who you are or what decisions to make. It's to listen carefully, understand how you're experiencing yourself, your relationships and the world around you, and help you find your bearings when things feel uncertain.

Sometimes that means simply being alongside you. At other times, it means helping you untangle thoughts that have become knotted together. And sometimes it means recognising strengths that have been there all along but have become difficult to see.

Whatever we explore, we'll work together to understand what feels meaningful for you and what, if anything, you want to do next

If you would like to understand more, you are welcome to view the Counselling Agreement,

The first session

This is always a little bit different from others because it's important that we get to know each other a little. We also have to start off with the practicalities of therapy - things like confidentiality and the notes I will keep. While you get to understand how I work, I will be asking questions that will help us work out how to make therapy uniquely yours.

The practical bit!

We can work online or in person at my therapy rooms in Blackburn, Lancashire. Sessions are usually 60 minutes in length but there can be exceptions to this. It's something we can talk about in our first conversation.