Borders & Northumberland Counselling Support
Counselling & Clinical Supervision
My Services
I offer an initial phone consultation of up to 20 minutes, free of charge. During this call you can tell me why you’d like to access counselling support and what you’d like to achieve. I will ask you a few questions to help me decide if I’m the best counsellor to meet your needs, answering any questions you may have. I will also encourage you to take some time to think about whether or not you’re happy to work with me as your counsellor.
Should you decide to go ahead then we’ll discuss whether you’d prefer your sessions to be online, by phone or in person and we’ll book our first appointment accordingly. Wherever our sessions take place, please be assured that the space will be safe, confidential and focused on your needs.
For young people, I encourage parents/carers to contact me and attend the initial consultation and/or first counselling session.
Counselling - Adults
Although it can feel hard to reach out for help it’s worth remembering that, from time to time, every one of us needs extra support. Whatever is troubling you, however big or small it may seem - and even if you’re unsure exactly what’s wrong - it’s important to make time for yourself to address your worries or concerns.
My aim is to help you in this process, by investing time to create a safe space with you where you feel able to express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. In our first session I’ll spend some time finding out more about you and your current situation and we’ll discuss what you hope to achieve from counselling, and begin to identify what may help you to improve your well-being.
I’m experienced in working with adults of all ages and backgrounds, and who face a wide range of issues, and I will support you as we explore, together, what’s going on for you right now. I’ll draw on a range of approaches to assist you, whether to discover your own solutions, build your self-belief or strengthen your resilience, moving forward in the direction that you choose.
You can choose where we meet – face-to-face in the therapy room, outdoors for walk and talk appointments, or online video or phone call, or you can ‘mix and match’ according to what suits you. Wherever we meet, you can be assured that our work will be safe and confidential, and will be at a pace that suits you.
Counselling - Young People
Information for parents:
As an adolescent, growing from childhood to adulthood can be a challenging and difficult time. There are so many different factors in a young person’s life and at times they may feel completely overwhelmed, uncertain about what they’re thinking or feeling, or not know how to help themselves. Sometimes, just talking things through with someone who is not directly involved in their lives can be really beneficial.
With several years’ experience and a specialist qualification in Counselling Children & Young People, I offer 1-1 counselling sessions with young people aged 12 years and over. Sessions can take place in person, by phone or by video call.
I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Information for Young People:
Counselling provides you with a safe, confidential space to talk about worries or problems you are experiencing. As a counsellor my role is not to give advice or tell you what to do. Instead I will listen to you without judgment, help you clarify your thoughts and feelings and support you in making your own choices. Counselling can lead to changes in how you feel about yourself and your relationships with others. It can help you feel clearer, more confident and more self-aware, and can lead to personal growth.
We can meet in person, on video call or by phone. Each session lasts for 50 minutes. In our first session, before counselling can begin, I’ll spend some time finding out more about you and your current situation. Everyone is unique and I will work in a way that best suits you. This may be by playing games, drawing, painting or doing another activity whilst talking. Or we may simply sit and talk. Together we will look at what’s going on for you and work on strategies or coping skills to help you manage your thoughts, feelings or behaviours in a better, more comfortable way.
I’ve worked with many young people who have had a range of difficulties and challenges, including anxiety, low mood, anger, stress, grief, self-harm, relationships, ASD, ADHD, body dysmorphia, gender identity, and more. If I feel that I can’t help you, then I may be able to refer you to someone who can provide the support you need.
Clinical Supervision
I offer online supervision to trainee and qualified therapists, counsellors, pastoral support staff and those in the helping professions.
As a supervisor my approach is relational and I draw from several supervision models to inform my practice. I am passionate about my work and aim to create a supportive and collaborative space where you can safely explore all aspects of your client work with me.
In my counselling role I work with adults, children and young people, with a specialist training in counselling CYP, and my supervisory training also included a focus on the specific issues which arise for those of us working with young people.
As your supervisor I aim to foster your professional and personal growth and development, supporting you with all aspects of your client work, including ethical dilemmas and how your work impacts you as an individual.
I will provide constructive feedback with the aim of highlighting your strengths, always encouraging an open and honest relationship where we can work collaboratively and learn from each other.
It’s important that you find a supervisor who is a good fit for you, so if you'd like to have an initial, no obligation chat please contact me.