How I Can Help

In counselling terms, I am an integrative counsellor who is ‘client-led’. This means that I am trained in theoretical approaches including Person-Centred Counselling, Gestalt Therapy and Transactional Analysis. I use a ‘client-led’ approach that will follow your lead in terms of what you talk about.

Together we will identify needs and challenges in order to determine the goals for counselling. Using a variety of creative interventions, we will build upon strengths and interests in order to create positive change. I work with children as young as 6, along with teens, parents, and adults.

My Services

Child Counselling

I believe every child has inherent strengths and my counselling approach brings this back into focus. We do not believe there are “bad children” or “bad parents”, but I do believe there are circumstances that can reinforce or illicit unwanted behaviours and responses.

It’s easy to get preoccupied with the things that aren’t working or going so well and overlook what is going well. We look to help parents acknowledge what children are doing right and support them in their own strengths as parents.

I offer children a safe space to explore their feelings and to express and process what may be under the surface. We use sandtray and structured therapeutic activities to work towards goals. I work with children to develop skills in order to express themselves in ways that can be heard and to learn to regulate their emotions and problem solve.

I work with children on a variety of issues including:

• feelings of sadness/loneliness
• anxiety/worrying
• loss
• behavioural issues, angry outbursts
• divorce and separation
• self-esteem – helping children see their greatness
• experiencing or witnessing abuse or domestic violence
• big transitions
• social issues, making friends, keeping friends
• sensitive children

Teen Counselling

It is not uncommon for teenagers to feel out of place, irritable, anxious or depressed. Communication between parents and teens may feel as though has broken down or is not what it used to be. With the standard response to questions like “How was your day?” being met with “Fine” When for the majority of the time, things are ever anything but fine.

The transition from leaving childhood and entering teenage years is often a blunt one. Navigating their way through increased independence, pressures from school and expectations put on them. To self-esteem and confidence along with social challenges and ‘fitting in’ and finding their place in the world.

The reality is a lot of the time teenagers don’t want to or feel they can’t talk to their parents about their personal lives.

Counselling Torbay

I am someone who is not their parent, their friend or their teacher. We have no judgement on the choices that they have made or where they are in their life. I am someone who is in their corner and on their side but not involved in the drama.

I work with teenagers to express themselves in a way that can be heard. We work through the muddle of emotions and develop skills to empower them. I work on skills and strategies to reduce anxiety and depression to avoid or stop self-harm whether that be physically hurting themselves or abusive relationships. We also work to improve communication with parents and their peers.

Counselling Adults

People come to counselling for a wide variety of reasons and at any stage in their life.

I offer a non-judgemental, confidential space for clients to explore their reasons for coming to counselling. And I work together with you to achieve a positive change.

Fees

The initial session is £40 and sessions thereafter are £20. We accept payment by cash or by bank payment.

I require 24 hours notice for cancellations. We do charge my full session rate for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.