Following initial contact, if counselling is considered appropriate, an assessment session would be arranged to provide time to discuss the need and focus, likely duration required and arrange regular session times. This is non-obligatory and intended to provide an opportunity to ask further questions and gain a feel for what counselling would be like.
I offer short-term counselling (6-12 sessions) and longer-term psychotherapy, face-to-face, online or by telephone. Face-to-face sessions take place within a dedicated space based in Hindhead, designed to facilitate relaxed and playful processing in a calm, secluded atmosphere. The approach via a peaceful garden creates a feeling of tranquillity for reflection outside of ‘normal’ life. Inside, there is a range of play and art materials, sensory objects and soft seating to suit all ages.
Being close to the A3 makes my location easily accessible from Haslemere, Farnham, Guildford and the surrounding areas.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, my background was in advertising and communications research, involving focus group moderating and management of large teams, where I nurtured skills ideally suited to leading therapeutic groups. I run structured ten-week courses for 4-8 people focussed on: anger; anxiety; goal setting/self-esteem; self-regulation and resilience. These may be delivered privately or in schools.
Within schools, I have facilitated restorative justice for bullying, set up peer mentoring and delivered training on anxiety, self-esteem, self-regulation and managing exam stress and continue to run mental health awareness training in schools.
Our doubts are traitors
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing the attempt
Please note, at least two weeks’ notice is required when cancelling a session and two sessions notice is required to terminate counselling services.
It takes courage to explore deeply held and difficult thoughts/feelings, making it essential that confidentiality is respected and maintained during counselling. This is explained in the assessment session, along with circumstances when I would pass on information in the interests of safeguarding. The need to do this rarely arises and I would alert the child/young person and parents of any concerns prior to doing so.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of their Counselling Children and Young People division, which gives me authorisation to practice as a counsellor. The BACP Ethical Framework, professional supervision and ongoing professional development enriches my practice and ensures I am working to the highest standards. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance and an enhanced DBS certificate.