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 (14-21) and students (of any age). 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.

I also work with charities and if your counselling is funded by a charity my fee is £35. Please check that your charity has agreed for you to work with me.

I accept payment by BACS, Card or PayPal. I can provide invoices or receipts if necessary.

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.

Counselling can be a conversational however the focus is always on your experiences and needs.

What training have you had?

I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Humanistic Counselling granted by Chichester University. The focus of my studies included working briefly using Solution-Focused techniques, integrating expressive art and existentialism. My dissertation explored reparenting and attachment.

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 specialist training in bereavement support via Cruse Bereavement Care including traumatic loss and Covid related death. I have also trained with a childrens bereavement charity to help me support teens.

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.

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.

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 (they key is practice!).

How many sessions will I need?

That's a good question with no simple 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. This is generally considered to be counselling.

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. This is considered psychotherapy.

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 emotional wellbeing. It depends on what you want to gain from our time together, your 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 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 14 years. 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. I belong to a local counsellors network and I am able to see who else in the area may be able to help.

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