Frequently Asked Questions
Don't hesitate to contact me if you cannot find an answer to your question.
On the ground floor of The Upminster Sanctuary and also at The Essex Holistic Well-being Centre in Ingatestone. Both have reception areas and parking. If you have any concerns about accessibility don't hesitate to ask.
I provide counselling services for all individuals from age 13.
Counselling sessions are most successful when attended regularly and on a weekly basis. The number of sessions will be dependent on your individual needs. However, I normally suggest a minimum of 6 – 12 sessions, although it can on occasions be longer, but his will be lead by you and how you feel.
Seeking professional help may provide you with more insight and awareness. Although it can sometimes feel scary to take the first step to reach out, reducing your symptoms and learning to cope in healthier ways can make doing so more than worthwhile.
1. Feeling sad and unmotivated. If you have had feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, sadness, irritability, thoughts of suicide, feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, or are no longer finding pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, you may be dealing with depression and may benefit from talking to a professional.
2. Excessive worry. If you feel as though your anxiety is interfering with your ability to do normal activities and/or you are unable to sleep at night due to ongoing rumination about your difficulties, you may want to consider seeking help.
3. Trauma or abuse. If you have experienced any type of traumatic event or abusive relationship, coming to terms with your experience by talking to an empathic other can be extremely helpful. Trauma and abuse can leave long-term scars that, if left untreated, can negatively impact your life, relationships, and ability to experience joy or happiness.
4. Relationship problems. If your relationship has become unfulfilling and you feel you are no longer able to communicate effectively with your significant other, seeking out couples counselling can be a helpful step in getting your relationship back on track.
5. Difficult life transitions. We all face difficult life situations at times–the loss of a job, a move to a new city, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one. When difficulties such as these arise and you find it difficult to move on, talking with a counselor can be an effective way to process your feelings and work through any lingering grief.
6. Addictions. If you are struggling with any type of addition, substance abuse an eating disorder, gambling, or sex addiction—this could be a sign you are trying to cope with unresolved issues or feelings in unhealthy and inappropriate ways and may obtain benefit from professional help.
7.Obsessive or compulsive behaviours. If you are spending too much time double checking to make sure you have turned off the stove, obsessively washing your hands, or are consumed by compulsive thoughts, receiving counselling could be extremely beneficial in getting your life in order.
First and foremost, give yourself credit for taking steps to seek help. Be kind to yourself, it is going to be important to understand sometimes your problems may be deep rooted and therefore could take time to explore. Be open to setting yourself realistic goals and managing your expectations, we can work on these together if they are not clear to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, “there are no stupid questions” as your counsellor my role is to make things appear clearer.
When setting a time, please make sure that it will work for you to ensure that you are not adding more problems to your pot. It is also helpful to schedule yourself some downtime after the session
The length of time it takes to see results varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. Some clients may see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy.
Expressing intense negative emotions and tapping into painful memories and exploring the issues can feel overwhelming. Together we will be finding new issues, roots and revelations to tackle. It can feel like you’re revisiting the information you have been trying to dismiss or push away. The good news is that feeling doesn’t have to last forever. It is the beginning of a journey of understanding towards feeling better.
Anything discussed in a counselling session is confidential, unless you make me aware that you may cause harm to yourself or others. In this situation we would always discuss together who would be the best person to contact, however I am ethically committed to keeping you safe and if we cannot agree then I may have to consider safeguarding recommendations.
According to the BACP, “Being able to trust your therapist and feel safe enough with them to explore your inner world and the deep, painful feelings you have been struggling with is essential to the successful outcome of the therapy, and if you don’t feel safe or that you can trust the therapist, this can impact on your feelings about continuing with the therapy."
This is why I feel it's important to offer the free initial telephone consultation to get a feel for whether we think that we could work together. After the initial session we will discuss if you feel that i am the right counsellor for you. I will also encourage you to discuss thoughout the sessions how you feel we are working together. You are always in control of what we discuss and are never under any obligation tto continue if you dont feel they are benefiting you.
My experience has its roots in the tools developed when completing my BA Hons degree as an Integrative Counsellor. I am committed to ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques. I regularly attend courses most recently including PTSD, Assertiveness, Bereavement, Inner child, Neurodiversity and Asist Suicide training.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and am bound by their Code of Ethics including receiving clinical supervision on a monthly basis.
I am covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and have an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate with clearing from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commission Office) and comply with GDPR legislation (see Privacy Policy) and recommendations. I also hold certificates in Safeguarding for Adults and Children.
A counselling session is your own safe place in which you can discuss whatever you want with the freedom to know that this a safe and confidential space. However, sometimes with younger clients they may feel it advantageous to talk to their parents with an impartial individual present, but this would always be led by the personal consent of the individual.
Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword for me; it's my guiding principle. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or socioeconomic status—feels valued and respected. As a compassionate counsellor I am committed to embracing the uniqueness of each individual and providing culturally sensitive support tailored to your specific needs. I strive to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences free from judgment or discrimination. Inclusivity isn't just about tolerance; it's about embracing the richness of human diversity and recognising the inherent worth and dignity of every person who walks through the door.
If you are currently in crisis here are some support services who may be able to help:
- NHS Mental Health Support Team on 111 option 2
- Emergency Services on 999
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Shout (24/7 text service) text “SHOUT” to 85258,
- Childline (up to age 19) on 0800 1111,
- Papyrus (under 35s experiencing thoughts of suicide) on 0800 068 41 41.