Thank you for visiting my website. I hope that you find the information that you are looking for and please get in touch if you have any queries or would like to book an appointment.

Why should you consider counselling?

At times life can feel challenging or even overwhelming and this is when counselling could help you.  Counselling is a talking therapy and talking to someone who will listen to you without judging can help you manage your situation.   I am an experienced and qualified Person-centred counsellor and together we will explore the issues that are causing your distress.  During the sessions, I will help and support you to identify your personal solutions to your individual dilemmas.  I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Keele University and I am trained to listen to you with care. I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work according to their Ethical Framework.

What should you expect in the session?

Counselling is a very personal experience and so it is important that you should feel comfortable with your counsellor. Our first session will be a chance for you to consider what you would like to address in therapy and what you wish to achieve during your sessions.  I may have been recommended to you by a friend, relative or medical professional.  Please be assured that all of the discussions that you and I have will be private and nothing will be divulged to the referee or anyone else.  Everything that is said in the counselling room is confidential and you can feel confident that whatever you tell me will be kept between us, except in some very exceptional circumstances which I will explain to you.

What can you talk about in therapy?

There are no topics that are out of bounds, please be reassured that I will listen to you empathically and attentively in a non-judgmental way.  I am a Person-centred counsellor and together we can explore the issues that are causing your distress. I will help and support you to identify solutions and to gain control of your situation.  Previous clients have discussed a variety of topics including anxiety, depression, loneliness, sexual abuse, eating disorders, panic attacks, relationship difficulties with partners and family or children, sexual dysfunction, anger-management, self-harm, sexuality, self-esteem, sexual identity, fertility including IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, loss, bereavement, health including cancer and HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sex working, financial difficulties, domestic abuse, divorce, parenting, redundancy, migraine, problems with intimacy, money worries, ageing, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, autism, homelessness, abortion, pornography, gender dysphoria, perimenopause and menopause.

Who is welcome?

I treat all people with respect and do not discriminate with regard to any differences.  I work with individuals of all ages and have helped many adults in NHS clinics, including sexual health, and helped young people in schools.  I also have experience of helping people from many different cultures and communities.

Young people are welcome

I am aware of the pressures on young people and the stresses that this can cause to both them and their families. There are activities available in the counselling room to assist talking and conversations and a comfy sofa, all of which help them to feel secure in the sessions and put them at ease.  I have been helping young people for over twenty years both in schools and clinics.  To support this role I have undertaken additional training with Place2Be, the school-based counselling service where I further developed my knowledge of working with young people through a variety of media.  I have enhanced DBS status and I have completed regular Safeguarding Training.

In addition to many of the issues above young people have wanted to talk about being fostered, adoption, exam stress, bullying, school, abandonment, death of a family member, suicide, school phobia, destructive behaviour, the future, friendship groups, holiday worries, transition stages in education, disordered eating, family worries, lockdown, the Covid pandemic and war.

Where will you be coming to?

I would like to invite you into the peace and tranquility of the Summer House, a private, dedicated building in central Knowle.  It overlooks the secluded garden with views of the sky, flowers, plants and trees.  It is light and airy, and envelops you with calmness and has been described by clients as 'a haven', 'welcoming', 'safe'.

There is free on-site parking and bus services come regularly into Knowle, the church is the nearest stop.

You can view photographs of the Summer House on the Home page and there is also a location map alongside the Contact Us section.

When can you have an appointment?

I offer consultations from Monday to Friday, in the day or the evening. These can be either face-to-face or telephone consultations depending on your preference. The sessions last for 50 minutes, usually at the same time each week and this can be a short or long-term arrangement, the choice is yours. Just send a text 07804 944 206, or email here to arrange an appointment.  If you prefer to phone then please be aware that I will not always be able to answer your call so leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible or according to your instructions.

What are the charges

These are £55 for each session and payment can be made on the day in cash or by bank transfer before the session takes place.

Please be reassured that the price you pay when you first visit me will continue throughout our relationship.  Even if you come back ten years later and my price has increased you will still pay your original fee.

Clients comments

I have received many letters and cards from clients over the years and I have included just a few of the comments for you to read.

'a person full of compassion'

'you have guided me through one of the toughest emotional times of my life and I will always be truly grateful'

'you care about others'

'now I am in control of my life!'

'forever in your debt'

and I feel privileged to have supported and helped many clients to improve their lives.

BACP Certificate

Please click here to view my certificate.