Meeting indoors is the typical setting, in a quiet space with resources at hand. My aim is to provide a comfortable, private space for you to explore and learn about yourself. We each have our own unique strengths, habits, vulnerabilities and needs. Discovery requires vulnerability, which requires safety.
My preferred way of working is face to face, in the same room. But on occasion I will agree to do a video session or even a series sessions. In the past I have agreed to continue working with someone who needs to travel for work and could only maintain regular sessions by meeting me online from a suitably safe space.
During lockdowns I worked extensively on telephone and video and am pleased to say it was mostly successful. For some clients, working remotely can even offer some advantages to face to face work. If eye contact and close proximity are discomfiting or off-putting for you, you might prefer a remote counsellor. Many of my colleagues have continued to work online.
For now I only use it as an auxiliary to face to face meetings with individual clients.
NB working with a couple or group online presents some particular challenges and I would usually not agree to it.
Eco-therapy or walk and talk therapy.
Meeting outdoors is an effective way to conduct therapy providing we understand the parameters and meet the challenges together. That said, nature and the local area provide a huge opportunities, inspirations and metaphor as well as encouraging calm, reflection, contemplation, acceptance, perspective… so many things that are helpful in the self-development process.
Walking, pausing, resting, exploring etc.
Setting challenges and observation exercises.
Changing pace and noticing our need to hurry or slow down.
Perhaps most importantly for me, walking side by side shifts us from head-to-head seating, which can so often lock us into thinking processes and encourages a journeying-together-perspective.
When outdoors, we may be utilising our senses and feelings as much or even more than our verbal capacities. By taking this more embodied approach, working outdoors can deepen the experience and integrate clients in ways that standard therapy conversations struggle to do.
Contracting
But it is not always right for every client, so I insist on a staged assessment which allows us to clearly establish whether this process will suit you and whether we can work safely in this way. This includes a preparatory conversation – by phone or video-call, a meeting outside and an assessment by email/phone, before meeting outside.
Sometimes we have contracted to explore a few sessions outside followed by some inside. Each step provides reflection time to absorb what you are learning and help us build a bespoke therapy for you.
A quiet and peaceful therapy room. With space to talk, create, move and explore.
Sometimes used for art exhibitions and also available for hire.
Click to enlarge pictures.
I welcome clients of any gender, race, ethnic background, sexuality or social class and understand that there may be issues specific to ones identity that may require sensitivity to your experience. I have worked in many countries and have wide interests in other cultures. I also have many years experience of working with people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Conditions, to help them to express themselves and to take control of their life choices.
I aim to support diverse beliefs or lifestyles and would like, where possible, to support people from challenging backgrounds to assert their rights and achieve their goals.
I also have some reduced price slots to support those with limited means of income. Please feel free to ask.
Parents and carers can also benefit from counselling or therapy with someone who understands something of these pressures and stresses.
I work from Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, in buildings that may present some obstacles. Please call to discuss the best options for you. More info.
I currently charge £45 for individuals and £60 for couples, for a one hour session.
Concessions and reductions are usually possible by agreement*. Feel free to ask if you are low waged or have limited income.
I ask that a client pay for sessions in advance because, excepting emergencies, 48 hours notice is required to cancel an arranged session. There is a cancellation fee for sessions that you do not to attend or cancel without sufficient notice. For couple sessions, if one partner does not attend the session cannot proceed, so a cancellation is charged.
For information on the cost of my workshops please use the enquiry form and give a brief outline of your organisation or event.
*I have 8 weekly sessions at reduced fees which are negotiated with clients at the start of therapy, or if they encounter an unexpected or unavoidable change in circumstances. Once those slots are all allocated I cannot offer any more until one of those clients either finishes therapy or has an upward change in their finances.
Our first session will include some contractual agreements. We will discuss these together and those which are optional may require a signature. You will receive a copy to keep for reference.
Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
I hold a diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling 4 years with Elan Training
BA(hons) Creative Arts 3 years Nottingham Trent University
Trained Psychodrama Auxiliary 1 year with Northern School of Psychodrama
I attend regular CPD and professional supervision including training on working with children, using creative arts, suicide prevention, diversity and disability training, Gestalt techniques, Action methods, working outdoors,…
I offer a reduced price session for new clients to meet me and ask some questions.
I appreciate how hard it can be to find the right person to work with. A conversation can give us some time to decide if we will be able to work together, or if not, I am happy to refer other colleagues who may suit your needs.
I always recommend that clients meet or speak to 2 or 3 different therapists before making a decision. Finding a good match is a great contributor to successful therapy.