Frequently asked questions

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

Sometimes we know we're not quite ourselves, but don't know where to begin.

Perhaps life feels harder than it used to. You might be feeling anxious; overwhelmed; low; struggling with relationships; going through a period of change or trying to make sense of something that has happened.

If you're wondering whether counselling might help, that's often a good enough reason to try a free consultation and find out.

It's very natural to feel nervous about what to expect from counselling.

The first session is a chance for you to talk about what's brought you here, what you're hoping to get from therapy, and any questions or concerns you have about the process or the way I work. You're welcome to share as much or as little as feels right — nothing is forced, and we build from there together.

As well as getting to know you a little, there's space for you to ask me anything. I'll always try to answer openly and honestly. We'll also cover some practical ground: confidentiality, how sessions run, and how we can work best together.

There's no pressure to commit to anything at the end. Finding the right therapist matters, and it's fine to take time to decide whether this feels like a good fit for you.

Sessions are 50 minutes.

Most clients come weekly, as this tends to build momentum and trust more effectively than less frequent sessions.

We review our work together at regular intervals and, as part of this, we can look at frequency, depending on what you need.

Many clients come to me during a difficult period of change — a bereavement, a relationship ending, an illness, becoming a parent, or facing redundancy — as well as with ongoing anxiety, low mood, stress or trauma. Whatever's brought you here, we can talk it through in a free consultation.

Trauma-informed counselling means approaching your experiences with an understanding of how past events — big or small — can shape the way you think, feel and respond in the present.

In practice, it means:

• We move at your pace, not mine, and you always have a choice about what we explore and how.
• My priority is our relationship — I never judge or pathologise your responses, and we work with your strengths and resources.
• We stay mindful of how things land in your body, so we keep one foot in the present.
• I check the language I use, hold solid and consistent boundaries, and stay mindful of power dynamics and diversity of experience.
• I use my knowledge, care and compassion to keep you safe and actively resist causing harm or retraumatisation.

Yes, I specialise in neuro-affirming approaches and have a particular interest in supporting clients who are diagnosed or self-identify as AuDHD, ADHD or Autistic.

You don't need to mask or change who you are to feel accepted or supported in my room. Everyone I work with has their own strengths, communication style and support needs, and I shape sessions around yours.

For some people, creative approaches can help enhance connection and engagement — always in a way that's respectful and affirming, never forced.

Yes. I work with clients experiencing grief and loss in all its forms, and I'm also a Bereavement Volunteer at Cruse Bereavement Support.

Yes, anxiety, stress and burnout are among the most common reasons clients come to see me, particularly around work, caregiving, and periods of significant change.

Integrative counselling is a flexible, personalised way of working. No single therapeutic approach fits every person or every situation, so rather than working rigidly within one model, I shape our work around you — who you are, what you're bringing, and what actually helps.

That means starting with really understanding you and your needs, rather than fitting you into a framework.

If you're interested in the details, my training allows me to draw on several approaches, including Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and CBT. Which of these we lean on will depend on you, and it may change as our work develops.

Underlying all of it is a view of you as a whole person — your history, relationships and circumstances are all connected — rather than a set of symptoms to be treated.

Counselling doesn't always have to happen in words. Sometimes an image, object, colour or metaphor can reach something that talking alone can't.

You always have a choice in how we work, and there's never any pressure to work this way — we can spend the whole time talking. But when it's helpful, I may invite you to doodle, work with clay, choose a picture or word card, visualise and work with the breath, or create a scene in sand using small objects.

The creative work isn't something I interpret for you or judge — you're the expert on what it means to you. We simply use it as a starting point for curiosity, reflection and conversation.

Not at all. Creative approaches in counselling aren't about artistic skill — they're simply another way of exploring thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be harder to put into words. Talking stays at the centre of our work; creative elements are there to support it, not replace it.

One-to-one sessions are £50 for 50 minutes.

I keep a small number of reduced-fee spaces to help make therapy more accessible for those who need it — do ask if this might apply to you.

Yes. Alongside weekday daytime slots, I offer some weekday evenings and Saturday morning appointments to fit around work and other commitments.

My therapy room is in Cliftonville, Margate and there is free parking on my road, as well as on my driveway. I'm also easily reached by the Loop and 8A bus services.

Yes. Alongside in-person sessions in Margate, I offer online and telephone counselling to clients across the UK, so location and travel are never a barrier to getting support.

Simply get in touch through the contact form on my website, by phone, or by email.

We'll then arrange a free, no-obligation 20-minute call or video chat to see if we're a good fit — there's no pressure either way.

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you're unable to attend or need to cancel — a quick text or email is fine.

If you give less notice, and we can't find another time to meet within the same week, the full fee is payable.

Yes. Confidentiality is central to the counselling relationship, and everything discussed in our sessions is treated with respect and kept confidential.

Your information is never shared without your consent, except in rare situations where I'm legally required to do so — for example, child protection, a court order, or the investigation or prevention of serious crime.

As part of my professional practice, I also discuss my work anonymously with a clinical supervisor. No identifying details are shared.

If I ever have concerns about the risk of serious harm to you or someone else, I'll always aim to discuss this with you first before taking any action.

Yes. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling plus additional training in trauma and sexual violence.

I'm a member of the BACP, DBS checked, and fully insured. I also engage in regular supervision and ongoing professional development.