There is a lot of debate about this very question. Some people think that there is no difference between the two and that psychotherapy is just an old fashioned term. Others (including myself) believe that counselling is often more short-term work focusing on issues caused by unexpected external events in which clients need a safe space to process what has happened. Psychotherapy is often much longer-term (12 months ) work on more deep-seated ways of being which have been and continue to be causing the client distress.

Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, relationship issues, depression, family issues, panic attacks, feeling sad, affairs and betrayals, separation and divorce, phobias, bipolar, bullying, postnatal depression, addiction (alcohol, food, drugs etc.), abuse (sexual, emotional, physical) personality disorders, bereavement, low self-esteem/ low confidence, child-related issues, anger management, stress, work-stress and other issues.

Often counselling is the most effective when the client is able to risk being honest about how they are feeling, and to do this, the client needs to be working with a therapist in which they can connect with and can trust. If the client has anxiety about what the therapist may think or is afraid of the therapist, then the work won’t be very effective. Also, sometimes it’s not the right time for the client to open up about themselves because there is a lot going on in their lives which they are trying to cope with. That’s understandable, and I am always happy to wait until the client feels ready.

The most important part of any therapy is the relationship between the client and the psychotherapist or counsellor. Therefore you need to feel like you can connect with, and be able to build a trusting relationship with your psychotherapist. If you can; talk to potential psychotherapists/counsellors on the phone, or meet them for an informal assessment to help you make your decision. Trust your instinct as every person is very different and not all therapists suit all clients. In addition to this, it’s important that you work with a psychotherapist/counsellor who is sufficiently qualified, has rounded experience and has done in-depth personal development on themselves. I personally wouldn’t work with a psychotherapist who hasn’t been a client themselves – so please do ask them.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is typically offered by GPs on the NHS because it can be a cost-effective treatment that can be delivered in a short time frame.  CBT works well for some people, and not for others, so do speak to a number of practitioners to check what treatment type would work well for you.  Whilst I do cover cognitive, affective and behavioural aspects within my work,  I do not offer structured CBT protocols or treatment plans.  If you are looking specifically for CBT I would recommend you choose someone from the BABCP Register. 

No, I work with individual adults aged 18+ only.

Usually, in the first session, there is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about how I work, and I will also ask questions to find out about you and the support you would need from me. I encourage clients to only share what they feel comfortable sharing in this first session; there is no pressure to share anything that you’re not ready to say. We may also go through the counselling contract in this session which gives you clear information about what counselling involves so that you can make informed consent. Details include an overview of what information I can keep confidential, details of when we will meet, the cost, my cancellation policy and my professional membership details.

The therapy room is a ground floor building. It may be accessible for people with some mobility difficulties, however, there are a number of factors both outside and within the building which unfortunately makes the building unsuitable for wheelchair access (such as a gravelled drive, standard width internal doors, and an external door which opens the wrong way). There is a toilet that can be used by clients, however, it is up 4 stairs without a handrail. There also isn’t a handrail within the toilet itself.

Fees for psychotherapy or counselling are £70 per 60 minute session for self-funded referrals.  This is payable by debit/credit card in person or via an online invoice from our payment provider.

If you are referred via an organisation my fees vary, due to different factors such as their referral fees, extra reporting requirements and/or extremely long payment terms. If you pay me directly and then claim from an organisation, I would class that as a self-funded referral.

Fees for self-funded EMDR is £70 per 60 minute session, or £105 per 90 minute session.

Fees for self-funded supervision is £70 per 60 minute session.

I don’t offer concessions to clients or trainee counsellors. Instead, I volunteer some of my time to a local charity counselling service that offers time-limited free counselling to people in the Market Harborough area.

Online sessions: Payment must be made before the session. You will be emailed a payment link to pay online 24 hours before the session. You can pay by debit or credit card.

In-person sessions: I accept payment by debit/credit card only in sessions. You can pay contactless or via chip & pin.

We don’t accept bank transfers, cash or cheques as they are too time-consuming to administrate.

Clients must give me 48 hours notice before cancelling no matter the reason or emergency. This gives me the chance of offering up space to other clients as I often have client’s waiting for spaces.

If you are concerned about Covid-19, for whatever reason, I still have hand sanitiser available for use.  Our chairs are placed at least 2 metres apart, and a window can be opened if needed. Drinks aren’t available, so please bring a soft/hot drink with you if required.

No, but you’re welcome to wear one if you want to.