Useful Information

Because having questions is helpful in deciding your next step.

If you don't find the answer here, please feel free to contact me.

What are your fees?

I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation whereby we can briefly get to know each other a little. I may or may not be who you are looking for. This is completely obligation free.

£50 for 50 minutes for sessions in my room in Poole (42 High Street, BH15 1BT)

A concession rate of £35 applies to young people and students (18-21). This rate also applies to those on low income and /or benefits and people over 65 years of age. My rate for counselling students is £35.

Online (video or telephone) only sessions attract a discount of £5.00 a session.

I accept payment by BACS, Card or PayPal

What Is Humanistic Counselling?

Humanistic counselling is an approach that systematically considers the whole person – mind, body and spirit. It is an approach to counselling whereby you are central to the process. It is a gentle and sometimes challenging collaboration between the you and your therapist. It seeks to enable you to find your own answers in an environment which is uniquely non-judgmental.

My practice integrates the follow approaches: person centred, gestalt and transactional analysis. We can also weave in creative techniques, grounding exercises and a little bit of mindfulness. We can explore practical steps you can take. I also have a understanding of attachment issues in adults and the concept of healing the inner child and reparenting.

What training have you had?

Training to be a counsellor takes a while and I have completed my initial training with Redlands Counselling & Training in 2020. I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Dip.Couns). This is an Qfqual regulated and recognised qualification.

I have recently gained a BA (Hons) degree in Humanistic Counselling at Chichester University.

I have completed courses in Online Counselling with Counselling Tutor (accredited with National Counselling Society) and The Open University Primer in Online Counselling.

As part of belonging to a professional body I am required to regularly update my practice through training known as continuing professional development (CPD).

I have successfully obtained my BACP certificate of proficiency.

I have specialist training in bereavement support via Cruse Bereavement Care including traumatic loss and Covid related death.

I receive ongoing training to help me support those adjusting and making sense of their peri menopause and menopause. Updated December 2021 - online - Confidence in the Menopause By Newson Health Research and Education.

I have completed the following training with Mosaic - Supporting Bereaved Children. Introduction to working with bereaved children and young people, Bereavement training to work with Teenagers and working creatively with children and young people (this training works with adults too). Although I do not work with children some techniques and information might be helpful if you are supporting your own children following a bereavement

Redlands Introduction to Working with Children and Young People (working with those aged 11 years and over). This qualification follows my ethical body's stage 1 requirements.

I am trained to work safely with complex trauma (CPCAB Recognised) and receive ongoing training in this field.

I have trained in understanding Autism, ADHD and Asperger (Online with Derby University and Open University.)

I am trained in Walk and Talk counselling with the concept of using nature as a co-therapist.

Expressive Arts (Chichester University)

Brief Therapy Training (Chichester University)

Single Session Therapy Training (PESI UK)

Pregnancy and Baby Loss (Foundation for Infant Loss)

Pet Bereavement Counselling (Oplex Careers Training - Nationally Recognised CPD)

I have monthly supervision which includes ongoing support and training to enable me to provide you with a continuing safe relationship whilst keeping our work confidential.

I have an active interest in an existentialism and what it means to be human. I practice mindfulness.

How many sessions will I need?

That's a good question with no single answer. Sometimes a chance to get 'what's bugging' you out of your head might be all you want, this could be a single session or a few more.

For deeper work such 'why am I always anxious?' it could it could take longer especially if you go back through your life experiences and values.

Most people start with regular weekly sessions as these have been found to be the most beneficial however as their mental health improves they may find twice monthly works well for them. Once a month can be helpful in maintaining our mental wellbeing. It depends on what you want to gain from our time together. It all depends on the level of your distress and how pressing your problem is.

What you bring to your sessions and how much exploring you want to do is entirely up to you, we tend to naturally know our own pace and sometimes this can mean talking about the week whilst dipping into more complex aspects of us when we feel ready. This is your time.

Who do you work with?

I work with a wide range of people from the age of 18 years and living in the UK. I have worked with those living with common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. I have experience of working with the hard of hearing (via zoom and its webchat function).

My special interests are bereavement and loss, peri-menopause and the menopause, adjusting to life as returning ex-pats.

It is important that you are mentally capable and can give informed consent before starting your counselling journey be it short or long.

Who or what don't you work with?

I am unable to provide any mental health diagnosis's. I am unable to provide any advice on medications or treatment.

I am not trained or have experience in working with couples or groups. I do not work with those under the age younger than 18 years. I can however refer you to someone who is more experienced. If I feel I am unable to meet your unique needs I am only too happy to talk about this. My aim is always do what is best for you.

When are you available?

I currently work Tuesday to Saturday noon with my non-working days being Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday. I endeavour to be flexible but this is not always possible.

"Throughout your life, you will encounter situations where you will question why you are here and what your purpose is." Melissa Perry Moraja,