Welcome, how are you?

• When people ask you how you are, do you always answer "I'm fine" even though you know you're really not?
• Do other people see you as strong and capable? When inside you feel you are barely coping?
• Do you feel like you are just existing? Maybe you feel you're on the edge of burnout?
• Have you stopped doing the things that make you feel like you?
• Are you feeling overwhelmed by a life stage transition? At some point we all experience bereavement, a serious illness, divorce or relationship breakdown, the arrival of a baby, empty nest, retirement, or increasing care responsibilities?
  
  If the answer to any of these questions is "yes" then I might be the counsellor you are looking for. I will offer you a safe space where you can answer the "how are you" question honestly, where I will support you as you work through the challenges you face. Major changes and challenges happen to us all, counsellors included! Sometimes navigating your way through them on your own feels impossible and sharing how you feel with family and friends can be very difficult because you don't want to burden anyone. 
  

   

Why choose me?

• I am a friendly and approachable counsellor and pride myself on building real connection and warmth with my clients so that we can best work together on addressing the difficulties they are facing. 
• I am a counsellor because I have experienced the power of counselling in my own life. It helped me get fresh perspective and empowered me to take much better care of myself going forward. Another reason is because I love working with people and I regard it as a real honour and a privilege to walk alongside someone through tough times and to help them work on finding themselves again.
• I work from a choice of two comfortable therapy rooms one in Wickford and one in Shenfield High Street, both within easy reach of Billericay, Brentwood, Chelmsford, and surrounding areas.
• I describe myself as an integrative therapist. This means my approach is flexible and that each therapeutic relationship is unique and tailored to suit the individual I am working with. I am a  BACP (British Assosciation of Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited counsellor, which means I have undertaken additional studies and undergone rigorous assessment and self-reflection to meet their higher standards as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner. 
• I will work with you on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, in person or online, with the aim of enabling you to learn how to deal with difficulties, enhance your wellbeing and live life more fully on your terms. ​

How would learning to be kinder, gentler and more compassionate with yourself impact your life?

• This is a key element of my work with clients and is a hugely important and very beneficial element of counselling. Working with clients to improve their awareness of how they look after themselves in all ways practically, emotionally and psychologically can have a very positive impact on overall wellbeing.
• Counselling can help you develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself and this can lead to real lasting changes.
• Making changes in our lives can often feel overwhelming and we can be held back by a sense of how we have failed to make and maintain changes in the past. Often we push too hard for perfection and are critical and unkind with ourselves; "I must... I have to... I should...I shouldn't..." We say things to ourselves we would never say to a friend or loved one.

"Trauma creates change you don't choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose." - Michelle Rosenthal

My experience

As a counsellor I have worked in private practice hospital, and hospice settings with clients who have experienced a wide range of difficulties which include:

• Loss and change
• Life Transitions
• Burnout
• Bereavement and grief
• Caring responsibilites
• Cancer and life-limiting illness
• Depression and Anxiety
• Relationship issues

My work as a therapist also includes experience of the following issues:

• Parenting issues
• Self Esteem and confidence
• Stress and coping skills
• Chronic illness and chronic pain
• Behavioural issues
• Family conflict

In person or Online?

• In person Therapy: Many people (myself included) prefer counselling sessions to take place in a room with another person away from the pressures of their home or work lives. Having this physical space to visit regularly can be very helpful for clients, allowing them to "leave" some of what troubles them with their therapist, in the therapy room.
• Online Therapy: There is a growing body of evidence that online therapy can be just as effective as face to face. The pandemic was a less than ideal circumstance in which to launch a new service but I was driven by my wish to continue to support the clients during that time. Working online is also a great option for people who are unable to get out to counselling sessions due to ill health or treatment or care responsibilities. It also means clients who don't live in my area are able to access counselling with me.
  
  

Where do I work?

• I work in comfortable therapy rooms at a peaceful countryside practice in Wickford and another very conveniently located practice in Shenfield High Street. They are both within easy reach of Billericay, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Wickford, Downham, Rettendon, East Hanningfield, Rayleigh, Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, South Woodham Ferrers and Danbury. See the How to find me page for further details.

Next steps...

• Together we will explore your way forward. If it sounds like I might be the right counsellor for you then please ring or text to book in a free 20 minute call.

• We will begin to discuss why you are seeking counselling at this time and book in an initial assessment appointment to get a feel for whether we could work together.
• Approaching a counsellor can be nerve wracking but be assured I know this and will try and make the process as comfortable as possible for you.
• I have links with several other therapists in the Essex area so if my practice is full I am happy to refer you on to other professionals I have worked closely with. Alternatively I operate a waiting list if you really feel I am the right therapist for you.
• See my FAQs page for further details.