Psychotherapy and Counselling

When Life Feels Difficult

People come to therapy for many different reasons.

Some are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress or burnout. Others find themselves overwhelmed by difficult life experiences, relationship problems, loss, uncertainty or a growing sense that something no longer feels quite right. Many people have spent years coping alone before reaching a point where they realise they would benefit from support.

Whatever brings you to therapy, the process offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and make sense of what is happening in your life.

What Happens in Therapy?

Therapy provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Together we explore the difficulties you are facing, develop a deeper understanding of the patterns that may be contributing to them, and consider new ways of responding to life's challenges.

Therapy is not about being told what to do. Nor is it about labelling people as broken. Instead, it is a collaborative process that helps you better understand yourself, your relationships and the way you experience the world.

Sessions typically last 50 minutes and take place weekly, either face-to-face or online.

Counselling and Psychotherapy

People often ask about the difference between counselling and psychotherapy.

In practice, there is often considerable overlap between the two.

Counselling is frequently associated with exploring specific difficulties or life events, whilst psychotherapy may involve a deeper exploration of longstanding emotional patterns, relationships, beliefs and ways of being.

Both approaches aim to support psychological wellbeing, personal growth and meaningful change.

My Approach

My work is grounded primarily in Humanistic and Existential psychotherapy.

At the heart of this approach is the belief that people are more than a collection of symptoms or diagnoses. We are shaped by our experiences, relationships, values and the choices we make throughout our lives.

I aim to create a therapeutic relationship where people feel safe enough to think openly, explore difficult experiences honestly and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Alongside this relational approach, I also draw upon evidence-informed approaches where appropriate, including trauma-informed practice, DBT-informed approaches, psychoeducation and practical coping strategies.

Therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than forcing the individual to fit a particular model of therapy.

Areas I Commonly Work With

• Anxiety and depression

• Trauma and difficult life experiences

• Stress and burnout

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Identity and self-esteem

• Addiction and substance misuse

• Autism and ADHD

• Neurodiverse relationships

• Major life transitions

• Existential concerns around meaning, purpose and change

The Benefits of Therapy

People often come to therapy hoping to feel less overwhelmed, less anxious or more able to cope. Whilst these can be important outcomes, therapy can also offer something deeper.

It can help you:

• Understand yourself more fully

• Develop healthier ways of coping

• Improve communication and relationships

• Process difficult experiences

• Build self-awareness and self-acceptance

• Navigate periods of change and uncertainty

• Feel more confident and grounded in your decisions

• Live in a way that feels more authentic and meaningful

Taking the First Step

Starting therapy can feel daunting, particularly if you are used to managing things alone.

The first step is usually a brief introductory conversation where we can discuss what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and consider whether the way I work feels like the right fit for you.

If you would like to arrange an initial 20 minute phone consultation, I would be pleased to hear from you.