I am trained and experienced in a variety of approaches, blended to best suit each individual client.  This integrated approach allows the techniques to be adapted to each person, rather than trying to make the client fit the technique.  The three main approaches are :

Counselling

Counselling is a way of relating to another person, enabling that person to explore their thoughts, feelings, actions and behaviours to reach a clearer self-understanding.  Counselling means listening with empathy, trying to understand a person's problems from their point of view rather than give advice.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness that we all experience daily.  For example, when watching TV and you find yourself 'staring into space', or when driving and you cannot remember the last few miles, or becoming so absorbed in your book or hobby that you lose all track of time.  Hypnotherapy harnesses the intelligence, imagination and co-operation of the willing client and the skill of communication and language by the therapist to gain access to the powerful inner mind, the non-critical subconscious where change is most likely to happen.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is the term used for a range of "talking therapies" (similar to counselling.)  Psychotherapy tends to deal with more deep-seated personal issues and aims to help you understand how past experiences and current behaviour may be linked.  In this process you are encouraged to look closely at your past.  This exploration helps to increase awareness of patterns and negative habits, and leads to a more creative self-understanding and gaining of personal power.

Combining these approaches in my own unique way, to make it suitable and highly beneficial for each individual client is integrative therapy.

Integrative therapy can help with the following (and so much more :)

treating addictive habits and behaviours such as smoking, gambling and drinking.

decreasing stress, loss, anger, anxiety, fears, phobia and nerves (including fear of flying, exams, tests or public speaking)

enabling you to move on before, during or after difficult times such as bereavement, divorce or house/job move.

having a safe space to explore painful issues, from the past and the present.

increasing your feelings of being more in control, enhancing inner calm and peace, feeling more healthy and relaxed, improving your communication skills and confidence and enabling you to be who you want to be through your own sense of self and empowerment.

Appointments/Sessions

Appointments can be made by telephone, text or email - please see below.

Online, e-mail and telephone counselling and psychotherapy appointments are available on request.

Consultations are strictly by appointment only.

Appointments are available from 08:00 to 20:00.

Each appointment lasts one hour.

Home visits are available for those who are unable to leave their residence.

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to cancel an appointment, or the full session fee will be payable.

I offer a free 20 minute introductory session (by appointment only.) I believe that it is important that you feel comfortable in person with your therapist before you part with your money.

My fee is £50.00 per hourly session.

I can accept cash, cheques, bank transfers and PayPal.

What happens during my first appointment/session?

At our first meeting I will ask you to describe your reasons for seeking therapy. I might ask you for some more detail on some aspects. I will make suggestions about how we can work on these issues and what changes you can expect. I will answer any questions you may have and you can feel free to ask me anything you are wondering. We will discuss confidentiality, fees and the number of sessions required, and if we both agree to proceed then I will take some contact details from you.

Is everything confidential?

Yes I would need your written permission to talk to anyone else about your sessions. The only exception is if you express intent to harm yourself or another. In this situation, we would work together and involve someone else to help keep you safe, most usually your GP.

My practice is supervised every month by a more experienced therapist to ensure I am providing you with the best therapy I possibly can. I discuss my caseload with my supervisor but your identifying details (name, address etc.) are withheld. I can disclose the name of my supervisor to you during our first session if you would like to ensure that there is no conflict of interest.