What happens in a counselling session?
I aim to use an integrative approach, in which I call upon my training and expertise in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as the backbone of the sessions. Still, I also use other treatments such as NLP, Human Givens, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness. I adopt a very relaxed and supportive style and will guide you every step to recovery and success.
There is no typical counselling session. I am highly trained in listening, reflecting, and providing a safe environment to explore your issues. With most types of therapy, you are free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts to regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams.
Other, shorter-term forms of therapy, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be more structured and provide practical exercises to help you understand your thoughts and actions.
What issues do you work with?
I work with wide-ranging problems, including:
Anxiety (generalised anxiety problems, panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, claustrophobia)
workplace issues (stress, work-life imbalances)
relationship issues (breakups, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding and premarital issues)
depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal)
low self-esteem and lack of confidence
sexual problems (impotence, internet/pornography/sex addiction, loss of desire, infertility)
trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder from accidents, rape and other attacks/incidents)
obsessive-compulsive disorder
eating problems (including bulimia, binge eating, negative body image)
phobias and fears
addiction and substance misuse
abuse (including physical, verbal, and sexual abuse)
Bereavement/grief/loss.
How long does it take?
Therapy can be just a few sessions; sometimes, even one session may be enough. It may continue over several weeks or months. This depends on your situation.
Are you accredited?
I am a qualified and accredited adult and child counsellor. I am registered and accredited by the National Counselling Society - membership ID NCS16-04081. I abide fully by their strict code of ethics and practice. Membership ensures that I have the appropriate training and experience to practice as a counsellor and am committed to professional development and clinical supervision. I also have over ten years of clinical experience.
Where are you located?
I have dedicated counselling rooms in the centre of St Albans in Hertfordshire and Luton. The rooms are private and conveniently located with local parking and good transport links. I can offer sessions in London (please call me to discuss this more).
I work all week. Do you offer out-of-hours sessions or Skype?
Yes, I can go ahead and arrange this.
Confidentiality
I am committed to your privacy, so sharing your personal information is rare.
There are two exceptions. The first is if I were to become aware that you are an imminent danger to yourself or others or that someone else is a danger to you. I would first encourage you to seek necessary support, and if you are unable or unwilling to do so, I have a duty of care to seek this support on your behalf.
The second exception is if I were to become aware that you intended to commit a significant crime. In such a case, I have to tell you that I have to disclose this information to the relevant authorities.
*Note that for therapy purposes, personal drug use or addictions are not considered criminal activities (unless they involve anyone underage). They are seen only as areas to be addressed in therapy.
I am disabled; will that make a difference?
Disability should not make a difference, although adjustments to usual practice can be made, such as when British Sign Language (BSL) signers or interpreters are involved.
Please feel free to use the button below to book a session. Please note that I will contact you to discuss the requirements and confirm. By selecting the below, you are only committed to the session once we have discussed and approved (this is for new clients). Existing clients can use the below to select a suitable date and time for their next session.