Services
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
C.S. Lewis
Services
I offer Counselling to Adults, Young People and Couples, as well as Internet-based Counseling via Zoom (please click on the links below for more information).
In a safe space, I allow you to talk openly about your issues, without judgment. It is important for trust to develop in the counselling relationship, so that you can feel validated, allowing change and freedom to take place. I aim to listen, to be authentic and honest, trying to understand the problem from your perspective.
As an Integrative Counsellor, I often use creative interventions and draw on various models and approaches, to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
When working with couples, I use a Relational approach.
Adult Counselling
Adult Counselling can improve your mental health, and a qualified counsellor can help with low self-esteem, reduce stress...
Young Person Counselling
Young people face many challenges today, which can affect their mental health, leading to suicidal feelings,self-harming and stress...
Couples Counselling
Relationship and communication difficulties can lead to avoidance, conflict and intimacy problems...
Internet-based Counselling
Since COVID impacted us all, online counselling continues to help clients from all walks of life and around the world...
Adult Counselling
Adult Counselling can improve your mental health. Research has shown that talking to a qualified counsellor can help with low self-esteem, deal with triggers from past trauma, help reduce stress, build better relationships and give you coping skills for stressful life events. However, getting the right counsellor can take time, and it is important to get the ‘right fit’ for the therapeutic relationship to develop and build trust.
I offer an Integrative Counselling model, using various approaches tailored to the client’s needs, such as CBT, Mindfulness, Attachment Theory, Gestalt and Psychodynamic. I start with a client-centred approach and often use creative interventions (if the client is happy with this) to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours in order to bring about change. My aim is to empower clients to come to their own resolutions through self-awareness, working at a pace that is comfortable for them. I offer a safe, professional and confidential space, which enables clients to share their stories and goals for therapy. I encourage client autonomy and self-care.
My counselling room is based in St Peter Port, but I also have the use of a room in St Sampson’s for easy wheelchair access. Sessions are one hour, usually weekly and reviewed regularly. The number of sessions a client requires will be different and unique for everyone, and we can discuss this when we meet for the initial meeting.
Young Person Counselling
Young people face many challenges today, which can affect their mental health. This can include fear of failure, body dysmorphia, romantic relationships, family issues, peer pressure and trauma. Research suggests that many young people have experienced suicidal feelings and have self-harmed due to high levels of stress.
I offer one-hour sessions to young people in a safe and confidential space (ages 12+), giving them a chance to talk about difficult issues and struggles they are dealing with. I often draw on creative and play methods to create a relaxed environment, to help build trust and explore their thoughts and feelings.
As a counsellor, my first responsibility is to my client and sessions between us remain confidential. However, there are limits to confidentiality, and if I have concerns regarding the serious risk of harm either to themselves or to others, this will be openly discussed with the client. If parents/caregivers or other agencies need to be contacted regarding the safety of the client, I would endeavor to get the client’s permission first, but this is not always possible or required.
Couples Counselling
Communication issues are often at the ‘heart’ of relationship difficulties which can lead to avoidance, conflict and intimacy problems. I recognise that every couple brings to the session a unique story with different needs. I use a relational model and draw on creative tools to help explore issues within the relationship.
I offer one-hour sessions, which will be reviewed regularly. In the initial meeting, we will discuss your goals for therapy, and I will ask you to complete a personal assessment. This will help me to understand better how I can help. I will then meet with you individually as part of the assessment process, giving each the opportunity to share their thoughts and/or concerns. We can then discuss how best to proceed with therapy if it is appropriate to do so.
Internet-based Counselling
During the Covid pandemic, online counselling became a popular way of ‘doing’ therapy, giving clients the ability to still meet with their counsellor in a safe and confidential space. Online counselling continues to help clients from all walks of life and from around the world. For some, it saves on travel time, is more cost effective and can help clients feel safe and supported in their own homes.
I often work with clients online, using a secure video link (Zoom), as face-to-face counselling may not be the right approach or convenient for some clients. Please contact me if you would prefer to receive therapy online. Do also consider these guidelines below before we meet.
- Ensure you have a safe and confidential space to talk freely, away from interruptions from family and pets.
- Do make sure you have a good internet connection.
- Set the camera (screen) at eye level and set your volume so you can hear clearly what is being said.
- Have a plan in place if someone comes to the door (i.e. postman, deliveries, friends).
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing.
- Have a glass of water and tea/coffee to hand.
- Have your phone to hand if I need to contact you if we lose an internet connection. However, during the session, I ask that your phone is on ‘silent’ to avoid being disturbed.
My qualifications
My qualifications include a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE Couns, level 5) in Counselling (Accredited through Middlesex University). I am also working toward a Masters Degree in Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy, but currently taking a study break. I also hold a Bachelor of Theology Degree (BTh.) (Accredited through Sydney College of Divinity, Australia).
I have undertaken some training with Relate Guernsey/UK in order to work with couples, as well as attending various online courses. I have also worked for a short time with the Trauma Recovery Centre (TRC) in Guernsey, using play therapy.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a registered counsellor member of the Association for Christian Counsellors (ACC). I hold full public liability insurance, as well as insurance covering GDPR and an up-to-date Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate.
Testimonials
“You are so easy to talk too and you are a good listener. My anxiety is now less and I feel in a better place.”
“I feel like a huge weight of guilt has lifted off from me.”