Sessions with Adults
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As adults we carry many years of often painful memories and experiences. However, through sharing and processing I aim to remove the ‘sting’ and encourage changes that can sometimes be small but make a big difference to life’s journey. I can draw on many different therapeutic techniques to help you grow from your experiences rather than being held back.
I create a non-judgmental environment to help you feel more comfortable sharing any issues or areas you would like to work on, regardless of what these might be.
Couples and Relationship Counselling
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Couples Counselling
I see many adults who come to me with relationship concerns. Hurdles with communication, addressing past behaviours and patterns, and struggling to find a way forward causes us to become stuck in a cycle with no clear way out. This type of Counselling is goal-orientated where you can make informed decisions about your future.
Couples Counselling will help you to have a better understanding of not just yourself but your partner in a safe and supportive space. The aim is to explore relationship challenges, improve intimacy, identify underlying issues and develop healthier communication and conflict resolution skills. Regardless of your age, current status (married, pre-marital, open relationship or any other type of relationship), sexual orientation, age, background or presenting issues, you will be made to feel welcome whilst you work together on your relationship. My role is to facilitate, and to be entirely neutral.
This area of Counselling is complex, not only because it involves more than one person who each bring their own needs and thoughts to the situation, but also because there are so many areas that affect people in relationships. I can cover most areas of Couples Counselling, and if you are struggling with something not listed below, please still get in touch to discuss options.
The main areas I cover are-
- Communication Breakdown
- Identifying Patterns and Learned Behaviour
- Conflict Resolution
- Substance Misuse
- Infidelity
- Lack of Intimacy/ Sexual Difficulties
- Trust Issues
- Emotional Disconnection
- Major Life Changes
- Parenting Challenges
- Mental Health Challenges
- Premarital Concerns
- Neurodiversity in the Relationship
Relationship Counselling
Relationship Counselling can be for anyone in a relationship, and it could be that you and a family member are struggling to find a way forward after a breakdown in communication. Struggles often occur between parents and children, siblings, step-parent and step-child, parents-in-law, and any configuration where it is important for the individuals to be able to have a relationship with one another. Feeling emotionally disconnected from the ones we should be connecting with the most can be extremely difficult to find a way through so if you feel this resonates with you, please get in touch to discuss.
Sessions can be conducted face to face or online. A standard length session for Couples and Relationship Counselling is 50 minutes, though longer sessions can be accommodated if required and mutually agreed.
Online Counselling
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With more people now working from home there has been an increase in the popularity of online counselling. It has been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face counselling, with the flexibility of being able to fit it more easily into a working day or around other commitments. I offer virtual sessions on either Zoom or Facetime, depending on clients’ preferences.
Single Session Therapy and Top-Up Sessions
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You may prefer to try single session therapy, a proven technique whereby the counsellor and client agree that the intention is for one session only and there is a defined purpose. This is based on other sources of support being available and accessible to the client if required. Alternatively, you may have already had counselling before and wish to have a ‘top up’ session, which can also be accommodated.
One-to-One Sessions for Children & Young People
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When working with children and young people I often use creative techniques. I enjoy using a sand tray to explore various roles within their worlds, family members, friendships and the role playing of scenarios past, present or future. This is a very engaging way of working and through visual representation clients can see scenarios more clearly. It also helps me to understand how they see themselves and I can tailor our work accordingly. However, if talking and listening is more suited to a young person, then that can be just as effective and we can build our relationship that way.
I also deliver one-to-one sessions in primary schools within a confidential room. I have equipment that I bring along and can see up to five children individually in a school day.
School Workshops
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I am able to offer workshops for primary school-aged children (Years 5 and 6) where a range of topics can be discussed such as:
- Understanding emotions
- Bullying
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem
- Trauma relating to the pandemic
- Health anxiety
- Why mental health matters
- Coping strategies
- How and where to get help
These group sessions are tailored to the needs of a school and can be delivered over a certain number of hours or a half/full day. The workshops take place within the school environment and are interactive, consisting of small and larger group discussions, role playing and worksheets. The children are encouraged to share their opinions and experiences where appropriate. Leaflets with important telephone helpline numbers are given out and each child is presented with a certificate at the end.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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As an integrative therapist, I have many different approaches I can draw on when working with clients.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is one that I find particularly powerful. Rooted in values, it’s a model that seems relevant to almost everyone. Having long used CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), I was curious about the similarities and differences between the two.
CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to improve mental health. ACT, while influenced by CBT, takes a different stance: rather than challenging or disputing thoughts, it invites us to notice them, accept them without judgment, and still take meaningful action guided by our values.
Developed in the 1980s, ACT blends mindfulness with behaviour-change strategies. Its core aim is to cultivate psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, adapt to change, and remain connected to what truly matters, even in the face of difficulty.
ACT is structured around six core processes:
• Acceptance – making space for thoughts and feelings without resistance
• Cognitive Defusion – learning to step back from thoughts and reduce their power
• Contact with the Present Moment – fostering mindful awareness
• Self as Context – recognising we are more than our passing experiences
• Values – clarifying what truly matters to us
• Committed Action – taking steps aligned with our values
Research shows ACT can be highly effective for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma, and it is also supportive for those with Autism and ADHD. Ultimately, it helps people lead richer, more meaningful lives, whatever challenges they face.
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
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Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is a positive, future-focused approach that helps you move towards the life you want, rather than staying stuck in problems from the past.
Instead of exploring every detail of what’s gone wrong, SFT gently helps you discover your strengths, resources, and the small steps that can lead to meaningful change. It’s about focusing on what’s already working in your life—and building on it.
SFT can be especially helpful if you:
- Feel stuck or overwhelmed by problems
- Want to make positive changes but aren’t sure where to start
- Prefer a shorter, more focused style of counselling
- Need support in setting and reaching personal goals
In SFT sessions, we’ll work together to identify your hopes, goals, and the changes you want to see.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Future focus – We’ll talk about where you want to be, not just where you are now.
- Highlighting strengths – We’ll look at what you’re already doing well and how you can build on it.
- Small steps – We’ll set simple, realistic steps that move you closer to your goals.
- Celebrating progress – Each step forward is recognised and built upon, helping you stay motivated and hopeful.
SFT is collaborative and empowering—you set the direction, and I’ll support you in finding practical ways to get there.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of counselling that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Sometimes our minds get stuck in unhelpful patterns that affect how we feel and how we cope with life.
CBT gently helps you notice these patterns and find new, more supportive ways of thinking and behaving. It’s a practical and structured approach that focuses on your goals, helping you build skills you can continue using long after therapy ends.
CBT can be especially helpful for:
• Anxiety or panic
• Low mood or depression
• Stress and worry
• Low self-esteem
• Phobias or obsessive thoughts
The aim of CBT is to empower you with tools and strategies to manage challenges and feel more in control of your life.
In our CBT sessions, we’ll work together in a safe and supportive space at your own pace. Each session usually has a focus, so you always know what we’re working on.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Understanding your patterns – Explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours affect each other.
• Challenging unhelpful thoughts – Learn gentle ways to question negative thinking and see things from new perspectives.
• Learning new skills – Practise simple, practical tools like calming techniques, problem-solving strategies, and thought diaries.
• Building confidence – Gradually gain the skills to handle challenges on your own and feel more in control.
CBT is a collaborative process—you set the pace, and we’ll go step by step together.
