Common questions, answered

I am a registered member of the National Counselling Society and sit on a professional register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I regularly undertake continuing professional development and professional supervision to ensure my practice is safe and ethical, in line with my professional registration. I have also worked with agencies in the Dorset area offering trauma-informed practice to clients who have experienced sexual abuse or childhood trauma.

If you call, email or text, I aim to get back to you within 48 hours to offer a free 20-minute consultation call or video call. This gives us a chance to talk about what you're looking for and how I might be able to help, and for you to ask any questions. If you feel comfortable working together, I'll offer a time slot for an initial assessment session, where we go through some background information so I fully understand how best to support you. At the end of that session we agree a date and time for your next one. This first step is often the hardest part — once it's done, you can focus on the way forward that's right for you.

Every session needs to be paid for 48 hours before it starts. In the unlikely event that I'm unable to make a booked session, I'll offer an alternative appointment or a refund. If you're unable to attend, I need 24 hours' notice — without this, the session cannot be refunded.

I offer face to face sessions at my dedicated therapy room in Highcliffe. The room is near a main bus route just off the high street, with parking a short walk away.

Walk & Talk sessions are based in Highcliffe, and I aim to do this during quiet times that offer a degree of privacy. If you're interested in this approach, we can explore whether it would suit you during an initial consultation. As we meet at my office before the walk, in the event of bad weather I'll offer a face to face session no later than 2 hours before the start time, or the option to reschedule for better weather.

To enable us to work together in a way that suits you, I offer safe and secure online counselling sessions via video link. This offers flexibility around when we work together, and has less impact on family, work or social commitments that might otherwise be a barrier to getting the support you need. We can discuss all aspects of this during an initial consultation.

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, though this can be flexible to meet your needs. I offer short-term support with a minimum of 6 sessions, or open-ended therapy. As we work together, you're likely to develop a clearer sense of what suits you best, so we can review our arrangement as we go.