Counselling in Ipswich or Online
It’s not always easy to make sense of what we’re feeling, particularly when we feel stuck, overwhelmed or caught up in patterns of thinking that are difficult to step outside of. Talking with someone can offer an opportunity to slow things down, make sense of what you are experiencing and explore things from a different perspective. You don’t have to already be good at talking about what’s going on for you. You don’t even have to know exactly what you need from counselling. We can start with what’s happening and take it from there.
I am a qualified counsellor based in Ipswich, offering in-person and online counselling for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and major life changes. I aim to provide a calm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and explore things at your own pace.
More About Me
I studied a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy in Lancaster, having first experienced the benefits of my own personal therapy. Amongst other things, therapy helped me to become more self-aware and accepting, to live more in the moment and to feel more grounded.
Rather than assuming I know what is best for you, I aim to help you explore what you’re experiencing, understand yourself more clearly, and develop your own sense of what feels right for you.
I was a telephone operator for an NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Helpline in Lancashire and have worked with clients from a range of backgrounds at Cedar House (counselling charity) in Preston as well as at Inspire – CGL’s Integrated Recovery Service in Lancashire. I’m looking forward to an upcoming counselling role with Suffolk Mind at their University of Suffolk location.
I have been a professional musician for over two decades and have learned the value of really listening – with focus, awareness, and openness to what might be beneath the surface. I bring this same attentiveness to my work with clients, whether you’re a musician or not.
Cost
50 min sessions – £45
NB: I feel that counselling should be accessible, so if my rate is beyond your means, please feel free to get in touch to discuss this.
Contact
Not sure whether I’m the right therapist?
Get in touch for a free 15-minute video or phone conversation.
Or feel free to fill in my contact form below:
FAQs
How long is a counselling session?
Sessions last around 50 minutes. This gives us time to explore concerns in depth while keeping the session focused.
How often do people have counselling?
Usually people will have weekly sessions. Occasionally a more or less frequent arrangement may be agreed.
Can I have a mixture of online and in-person sessions?
Yes, absolutely!
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will depend on your needs. Some people might find 6–12 helpful, while others prefer longer-term support. In person-centred therapy, you lead the process, and we’ll review progress together. There’s no pressure to commit to a set number in advance though; we can adjust as we go.
What is Person-Centred Counselling?
My background in person-centred therapy means that I don’t assume that I know what’s best for you, and we can explore what you’re experiencing at a pace that feels manageable. My ongoing wider training and reading also continue to inform the way I think about things such as relationships, emotion, self-criticism, mindfulness and patterns of behaviour. Where appropriate, we might use simple practical or experiential exercises drawn from a range of approaches including third-wave CBT. (If you already know a bit about counselling, my approach incorporates ideas from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as being underpinned by Attachment Theory.)
How do I know whether counselling is right for me?
You don’t need to feel certain that counselling is right for you before getting in touch. You might simply know that something is bothering you, that you feel stuck or overwhelmed, or that you would find it helpful to talk things through with someone outside your usual circle.
Counselling can be useful for a wide range of difficulties, but it is also important that you feel comfortable with the therapist you choose and with the approach they offer. That’s why I offer a free initial video or phone conversation, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how I work and decide whether it feels like something you would like to explore.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to talk about what’s brought you to counselling and what you’d like from it. You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say. We’ll spend some time getting to know each other and seeing how it feels to work together.
A Few Things to Consider
