My practice

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, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, bereavement, or trauma, you're not alone, and support is available.

At Taking the First Step Counselling, I offer empathic, non-judgmental, and person-centred therapy, tailored to your individual needs. Together, we will explore what’s going on for you in a safe, compassionate space—so you can begin to make sense of your feelings and move forward at your own pace.

How I Can Help

I provide counselling for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, including:

Anxiety, including social anxiety and health anxiety

Depression and low mood

Stress and burnout

Grief, loss, and bereavement

Trauma and PTSD

Relationship issues and family problems

Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed

Life transitions, identity, and personal growth

You may not have all the answers yet—and that’s okay. Reaching out is a powerful first step.

Types of Therapy Offered

I use an integrative, multi-theoretical approach, combining elements from:

Person-Centred Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Psychodynamic Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Trauma-Informed Practice

This means your sessions are shaped around you—your goals, your pace, and your unique experience.

What to Expect

Free 15-minute initial consultation (via phone or online)

Individual counselling sessions: £50

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

Clinical supervision is also available for counselling professionals

Student and corporate packages available on request

Qualifications and Memberships

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

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

I also hold an enhanced DBS certificate and abide by ethical standards of safe and professional 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 journey—offering empathy, understanding, and a space where you can truly be heard.

Get in touch today to book your free consultation. Why wait until tomorrow?

About Me

About Me – A Compassionate, Integrative Counsellor for Adults and Young People (12+)

As an integrative counsellor, I work with adults and young people aged 12 and above, offering a safe, empathetic, and collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace.

I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including:

Using these frameworks, we’ll build a strong therapeutic relationship—one rooted in trust, acceptance, and mutual understanding—so that you can experience life-changing growth, gain confidence, and embrace your full potential.

My Approach

My goal is to help you:

Heal from emotional wounds
Feel energised and empowered
Develop awareness of your inner strengths
Move forward with clarity and purpose

Each session is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and pace. I provide a neutral, non-judgmental space where your concerns are heard and respected, and where you are supported in finding your own path to wellbeing.

Flexible Therapy Options

I offer face-to-face counselling from a welcoming and confidential location, and also provide online counselling via secure video platforms.
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions and allows you to attend from the comfort of your own home or another safe space. This flexibility helps counselling fit into your life, rather than the other way around.

Neurodiversity-Informed Practice

As someone with lived experience of Autism and ADHD through my son’s recent diagnosis, I bring a deep understanding of the communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and emotional complexities that can accompany neurodiversity.
I offer a space where you can explore your needs safely and develop personalised strategies that work for you.

Background & Experience

My professional background includes working as a pastoral manager in a secondary school, supporting students, families, and staff through a wide range of emotional and practical challenges. This experience has given me a unique insight into the needs of young people and their support networks, as well as the demands faced by education professionals.

A Therapist Who Walks With You

I understand that starting counselling can feel daunting. That’s why I promise to walk beside you every step of the way. Whether you're facing anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, or simply feeling lost, I’m here to help you grow, heal, and move forward.

The skills and insights you gain in therapy will not only help you now but continue to guide you throughout your life.

My qualifications

. BSc (Hons) Counselling

Foundation Degree in Counselling

· Level 3 in Counselling Skills

· Level 2 in Counselling Skills

· Level 2 in Youth Mental Health Awareness

· Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision Including Online and Telephone Working

- Rewind Technique