Frequently asked counselling questions..
How long is a therapy session?
Different therapists have different ways of working, the traditional therapeutic hour is 50 minutes.
I offer 50 minute sessions.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other to see if you feel comfortable with me and if we feel we can work together.
We will explore what your hopes are in reaching out for therapy.
You are under no obligation following the first session to continue to book in again if you decide I’m not the right fit for you
How often shall I book?
This is totally up to you, it may depend on what’s within your budget.
I would recommend when starting therapy to have a few sessions to build the relationship and momentum so you get the most out of the experience, this could be weekly, fortnightly, every 3 weeks or monthly.
What is therapy / counselling?
The term therapy and counselling can be used interchangeably
Therapy is a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experience of the world, it’s a space to work through difficult emotions and life stressors.
Therapy isn’t about giving you advice on how to handle situations, its a collaborative space where we work together to understand your experience and move toward change.
Is it confidential?
Yes, the sessions are confidential, there are some exceptions to this. This is discussed within the first session, so any questions you may have we can go over.
These are the exceptions to confidentiality.
If you give consent for information to be shared to a third named party.
If there is a court order for disclosure of information.
If there is a child or young person at risk of harm.
If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others (e.g, suicide, self-harm or violence)
Disclosure of terrorism, Drug trafficking or money laundering.
Please my privacy policy for more information.
Will I have to talk about everything that happened?
No, we don’t have to discuss anything until or if you become ready too.
I work from a trauma informed perspective therefore, for some people discussing what’s happened maybe be really beneficial but if discussing what has happened isn’t safe right now, that’s okay.
We can focus on building trust & safety, by focusing on what is happening in the present. This could look like us exploring coping skills to tolerate feelings of distress.
If or when you are ready we can explore what happened if it feels helpful for you.
What clients have you worked with before?
I’m a neurodivergent affirming therapist clients, my aim is to honor your ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. Whether you're formally diagnosed, self-identified, or just exploring, my aim is to support you to process, and thrive, not just cope. Disclaimer - My Role is not to diagnose please consult with psychiatrist or specialist nurse to support with that.
Below I’ve listed some client presenting issues that I have experience working with. We are diverse and complex human beings so it may be that you identify with a few of these.
If there is anything not listed that you want to ask me about directly feel free to fill in the contact form. If there is something I can’t support with I will let you know and aim to support you, by pointing you in the right direction for support elsewhere.
Trauma - PTSD / CPTSD
Depression / suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety / panic disorders
Low self esteem
Domestic abuse
Bereavement / loss
Relationship issues - Complex dynamics, conflict, betray, divorce, separation, family issues etc.
Attachment issues / codependency
Chronic health conditions
Menopause
Stress and burnout
Mood disorders
Issues in relation to identity - life transitions / Health / Gender / Cultural identity
Qualifications
I hold a PG Diploma in Integrative counselling and psychotherapy at USW. I am completing my final year leading to a Masters Degree in Integrative counselling.
Prior to this in 2022, I qualified as a person centered counselling. Completing a AIM Level 4 Diploma in Person centered counselling at CG (Coleg Gwent).
AIM Level 3 Counselling - CG (Coleg Gwent).
AIM Level 2 counselling Skills Cert - CG (Coleg Gwent).
BA - Health and Social Care - Cardiff Metropolitan University
Prior to becoming a counsellor, I have worked within adult social care in various roles, play worker for children with disabilities, support worker, nursery assistant. Notably, I worked as a social work assistant supporting people to be discharged from hospital with care and support, this means I have experience of working closely with people who have experienced a loss of independence due to ill health or changing life circumstances and have a good understanding of the challenges that involve being a carer. This is not only professionally but personally, I have personal experience of being a young carer myself, which has shaped me into the person I am today.