“How do I know counselling is right for me?”

Only you can decide this. Counselling is an investment in yourself and your mental health. It is an opportunity to talk to someone that is not a family member or friend - I can offer support and insight from only your point of view. It can help to navigate difficult feelings or situations, or life transitions.

Who do I treat?

Eating disorders: I have 3 years experience of working with distorted body image; binge-eating; anorexia; bulimia; orthorexia; and general eating difficulties. If you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, I may be able to work with you.

Childhood trauma. I have experience of working with different kinds of childhood trauma, abuse, and PTSD. I have various trainings in attachment, and I have a lot of experience of working with difficulty with parents (especially the mother-daughter relationship). My work is trauma-informed.

I also work with: anxiety and depression; self-harm; abortion, menopause, hormonal and women’s issues; bereavement; relationship breakdown, infidelity and divorce; emotional distress; loneliness; work-related stress or bullying.

“What can I expect?”

It will be different for each person. At first I will ask if you have any goals you want to work towards, so it may help to think about this. Don’t worry if you can’t think of any right now - goals can arise in the sessions, and we can continually adapt or change them. In general, expect to discuss current issues, your history, relationships to others, coping skills, and insights you have into your challenges. This will be collaborative.

“How long will I be in counselling?”

It might be short or longer term, and dependant on how much personal development you would like to achieve. The more you put into your healing, and the more honest with yourself you can be, the more you will gain. Your journey is as long as you make it!

It is also OK to dip in and out of counselling as and when needed, but more regular or consistent therapy can reduce build up to a crisis situation.

What can I do for you?

I Listen. Ask appropriate and helpful questions. Offer non-judgement, compassion, validation and empathy for your experiences. Create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Offer insight and prospective. Help you understand both your choices and experiences. Give you tools to reduce anxiety and create more calm. Work with you to determine your own best path forward. Because I am trained in Integrative counselling, I can make the counselling fit you, rather than try to make you fit the counselling. If you have a current diagnosis, I may be able to work with you.

What can’t I do?

Live your life for you by giving advice or telling you what to do – I help you develop your own agency, and trust in your decisions. Diagnose you. If you need a diagnosis or medication, you will need to see your doctor, or book an appointment with a qualified psychiatrist. I cannot give help outside of planned sessions.

“Are you regulated?”

I am regulated and held accountable by the governing bodies of UKCP (for profile click here) and BACP (profile here), and work to their ethical frameworks. I am insured and DBS checked.

How much does it cost?

First session / intake £25

Daytime £50

Evenings: no availability

Payment is by bank transfer or cash. I also offer a free 15 minute phone call to answer any questions you may have.

“Do you offer concessions?”

I offer a small number of concessions / reduced rates for lower income. Please enquire.

I need help right now

I do not offer out of hours crisis management. Here are some helplines to consider if you need someone to talk to right now:

NHS for non-emergency medical help: 111

Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/): Call 116 123

NHS mental health helplines: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

Norfolk and Suffolk First Response (urgent mental health support): 0808 196 3494

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/

Beat eating disorder helplines (phone & email): https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/