I offer in-person counselling sessions from my counselling room in Peterlee, County Durham. Typically, counselling takes place in planned, regular sessions. We can arrange to meet on a regular basis that suits you, for as many or as few sessions as you would like, either in person or remotely.
Counselling provides a safe and confidential container where you are able to explore what ever is on your mind. My aim is for us to build a trusting relationship where we can work collaboratively. I will listen with compassion and without judgement, helping you to explore your thoughts, feelings and beliefs, to develop self-awareness so that you can better understand the roots of your feelings and behaviours. The sessions are lead by you and whatever you wish to talk about.
Counselling is not for everyone. It's not a magic wand, I don't have all the answers and I am not here to advise, direct or diagnose you. I am committed and open to helping you to uncover your own solutions, offering my observations and my curiosity, and sharing information I feel might be useful in helping you find your way forward to personal growth, change and healing.
Counselling can help with a range of issues, including anger, depression, relationship issues, bereavement and loss, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, personal development and trauma and abuse. I believe that, given the opportunity to explore and reflect within a safe, therapeutic relationship, we can all thrive.
Remote Counselling
I first started counselling remotely in 2020, due to the pandemic. Remote working is now a welcome part of my practice, giving me flexibility and availability. Evidence suggests clients find remote therapy convenient and effective. Although restrictions have now lifted, many people still feel safer working by telephone or online, or prefer to access counselling remotley for a variety of other reasons.
Remote counselling can be done over the phone or online, through an encrypted video conferencing platform. This means that counselling can be accessible to you from wherever you feel most comfortable. Those who are unable to see a counsellor in person, perhaps due to caring responsibilities, health or mobility issues, are still able to access a professional counsellor.
Some clients have said that they feel more comfortable discussing difficult issues over the phone and many have said how much they appreciate being able to access counselling from the comfort and sanctuary of their own space. They often find they can fit their counselling sessions into their busy lives more easily without the time and expense of travelling. It also means that clients don't need to live local to a particular counsellor in order to work with them.
Many years ago, I volunteered for the Samaritans, so working over the phone was not new to me bur I have also completed two accredited courses in online and telephone counselling so that I am able to deliver this service ethically and in line with BACP guidance and good practice.
