I practice Person Centred counselling in a confidential and friendly setting in Ferndown, Dorset, which is within easy reach of Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood, Wimborne and Poole.
I have a private practice where I see adults, young people and couples for long and short term counselling.
My areas of special interest include: bereavement (adult and child), pregnancy related problems, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, abuse, relationship difficulties, child/teenager related issues, personal development, loss and pet bereavement.
Part of my counselling training was based on working with children, young adults and teenagers. This required individual group work focusing on a child's cognitive, emotional and behavioural skills. I have over 20 years experience in schools, supporting children from 5-12 years in relation to behaviour and inclusion.
For 14 years I worked in the NHS counselling patients requiring extra support after receiving distressing news in pregnancy. These included a miscarriage, termination, stillbirth or decision-making.
I counsel teenagers, young mothers, couples, single men, partners and grandparents, families and groups.
I am trained to listen with attention, understanding and the ability to reflect on what you say in a non-judgemental way. I will not tell you what to do or give advice, but will help you make your own choices and support you through the process.
Once you have chosen to consider counselling, getting in touch does not mean you have to make any commitments straight away . The first session will be to identify your individual requirements. This meeting can be invaluable in itself and will give you an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what you hope to achieve and give you a sense of how counselling feels and how I work.
If we agree that counselling is the best way forward, we can discuss times and dates etc. Most of my clients see me on a weekly basis to start with and then move when ready to fortnightly and then monthly. There is no set pattern to counselling as each client is treated as an individual, some clients feel happy to stop after two or three sessions others longer
I am a qualified accredited counsellor. A member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their Ethical Guidelines and Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a member of The National Counselling Society (MNCS)