What is Integrative-Relational Counselling, and is it for me?

The integrative-relational model is rooted in psychodynamic and humanistic approaches to counselling. This means that the training I have received has been broad and comprehensive. Above all else, my priority is to connect with you in a way that best supports your individual path to healing and growth. Integrative-relational counselling is suitable for individuals with a wide range of different issues. However, if I feel that a different approach would be more suitable for you – I shall point you in the right direction towards receiving the support you need.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Many professionals use these terms interchangeably. Some make distinctions between the two. However, Counselling tends to address a specific issue and might be short-term, whereas Psychotherapy would look at deeper emotional and psychological concerns and may be used to describe long-term work. Either way, you can use your preferred term - I am happy to describe the work I do as both counselling and psychotherapy - or simply, therapy!

What issues or concerns do you specialise in?

I specialise in a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety and Stress

• Depression and Low Mood

• Relationship Challenges

• Grief and Loss

• Coping with Life Changes

• Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Work-Related Stress

• Burnout

• Infertility, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage

• Identity, Gender, and Sexuality Issues

How do I know if I therapy will help me?

If you’re experiencing emotional distress, struggling with a specific issue, or seeking personal growth - therapy can help you. Therapy is most effective when you are open to change; approaching your sessions with openness helps - and this is why it’s really important to work with a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with.

What will my first session be like?

The first session is time for us to figure out if we will be suited to working together. Think about whether you feel comfortable and supported. Do you get a sense that I will be the right therapist for you? During this session we can talk about how therapy works and what you can expect from future sessions.

I will have some general questions for you; I’ll be interested in what’s prompted you to seek counselling but also, I’ll start getting to know you, your interests, your work, your family and friends etc. This kind of information helps me to build a picture of your day-to-day experience, what and who are important to you, and what support you have around you.  

You’ll be invited to consider what you would like to achieve from therapy. How would you like your life to be different? Can you foresee any barriers that might inhibit you from making the changes you desire? Sometimes, these questions are difficult to answer – that’s okay. There are no right or wrong answers in therapy.    

Through this discussion, I will be able to consider whether I am the right person to help you. Perhaps we will think about how many sessions you might need. You may have a specific issue that you would like to address, in which case we may agree that short-term counselling (usually 12 weeks) would be beneficial. You may be interested in longer-term therapy if your goals are oriented towards addressing a broader issue that permeates many areas of your life. If you change your mind along the way, that’s fine – we will revisit your goals and review our work together regularly.

Additional details, such as my protocol for keeping your personal information safe, my requirement for supervision, the cancellation policy, and my ethical code of conduct will also be discussed.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you know in advance that you are not going to be able to make your session, I would appreciate as much notice as possible. You will not be charged for planned breaks. If you need to cancel at less than 24 hours notice, I will offer you an alternative appointment time, if I am able, within the following 7 days. However, if this is not possible the full fee will be charged.

How long does therapy typically last?

The length of time you wish to attend therapy will depend on what has brought you to counselling and any subsequent issues that may present along the way. You can decide on the length of time we work together and we will review your goals and progress regularly.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Everything that we discuss in this, and subsequent sessions, will be kept confidential by me unless, in exceptional circumstances, I am concerned about your own or another’s safety. If you have further questions or concerns about the confidentiality agreement, I will gladly discuss them with you further.

How much does therapy cost?

The session fee is £60. I have a limited number of concessionary places for those with low income - please enquire for further information and availability.

Do you offer online/telephone therapy?

I prefer to work in person. I value the genuine connection that comes from being present together in a shared therapeutic environment. However, if you are unable to attend in person, I am open to discussing the possibility of working with you online or over telephone.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Send me an email or get in touch via the ‘contact me’ page. From here we can either schedule a brief introductory telephone call or arrange a time to meet in person.

How can I prepare for my first session?

It’s sometimes helpful to think about your goals - what would you like to get out of your sessions? However, don’t feel pressured to have all the answers, or to have planned what you’re going to say. I am here to support you and we’ll work through it together.

What if therapy isn’t working for me?

You don’t have to continue with therapy if you don’t feel that it is benefiting you. However, if this is the case - I would very much encourage you to share your concerns with me in the hope that we can try a different approach. Regular reviews will also be a time to evaluate the effectiveness of your therapy and I will welcome your feedback.