Counselling

About Taking the First Step

Counselling in a Safe, Confidential, and Supportive Environment

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, or struggling to cope with life’s challenges? Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self‑esteem, bereavement, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Professional support is available.

At Taking the First Step Counselling, I provide empathic, non‑judgmental, person‑centred therapy tailored to your individual needs. In a safe, confidential space, we will explore your thoughts and feelings so you can begin to understand what’s happening for you and move forward at your own pace.

How Can I Help

I offer professional counselling and mental health support for a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and health anxiety

Depression and persistent low mood

Stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm

Grief, loss, and bereavement

Trauma, PTSD, and difficult life experiences

Relationship problems and family conflict

Self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, or crisis support

Life transitions, identity issues, and personal development

You don’t need to have all the answers. Reaching out for therapy is a powerful first step toward healing.

Types of Therapy Offered

I use an integrative, evidence‑based approach, combining elements from:

Person‑Centred Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Psychodynamic Therapy

Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Trauma‑Informed Practice

This flexible, multi‑theoretical approach ensures your counselling sessions are shaped around your goals, your pace, and your unique experience.

What to Expect

Free 15‑minute initial consultation (phone or online)

Individual counselling sessions: £50

Flexible appointments: face‑to‑face, online (Zoom/Teams), or telephone

Clinical supervision for trainee and qualified counsellors

Student and corporate well-being packages available on request.

Qualifications & Memberships

I am a qualified and experienced counsellor, registered with the:

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and work in accordance with professional ethical standards to ensure safe, confidential, and effective practice.

Take That First Step

Starting counselling can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. I will walk alongside you from our first conversation through every step of your therapeutic journey, offering empathy, understanding, and a space where you can truly be heard.

Get in touch today to book your free consultation. There’s no need to wait. clients unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Empowering You to Achieve Happiness

Trauma Counselling

Experiencing trauma can leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological effects. You may feel on edge, disconnected, or overwhelmed by memories you can’t control. Trauma‑informed counselling provides a safe, steady space to process what happened at your own pace. Together, we work to reduce distress, rebuild your sense of safety, and help you regain control over your life

Grief and bereavement

Grief affects everyone differently. Whether you’re coping with the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a significant life change, the emotional impact can feel heavy and isolating. Counselling offers compassionate support as you navigate your grief, helping you understand your emotions, adjust to your loss, and find a way forward that honours your experience.

Anxiety

Anxiety can show up as constant worry, physical tension, panic attacks, or a sense of dread that’s hard to shake. It can affect your sleep, relationships, and daily life. Through counselling, you can learn to understand your anxiety, develop healthier coping strategies, and create more calm and balance. Therapy helps you feel more grounded and in control.

Depression

Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. You may feel low, numb, hopeless, or disconnected from the things you once enjoyed. Counselling provides a supportive space to explore these feelings without judgement. Together, we work to understand what’s contributing to your depression and help you reconnect with motivation, meaning, and hope.

Life Changes & Transitions

Major life changes, such as career shifts, relationship changes, parenthood, health challenges, or moving home, can bring uncertainty, stress, and emotional upheaval. Counselling helps you make sense of these transitions, build resilience, and adapt with confidence. It’s a space to explore who you are, what you need, and how you want to move forward.

Welcome to Taking the First Step Counseling Services!