My Counselling Story

Professional. Friendly. Supportive. Genuine.

Are you looking for a 'perfect counsellor'—or are you looking for someone real? Someone who can sit with you in the messy, complicated parts of life without judgment, without rushing, and without trying to “fix” you into something you’re not? That’s the kind of space I aim to offer.

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Like many counsellors, my path into this work has been shaped by my own experiences. I’ve been through difficult times, and I’ve also had some unhelpful experiences with so-called 'counsellors'. Those experiences stayed with me and ultimately led me to become the kind of practitioner I wish I had encountered—genuine, ethical, and truly present.

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Training to become a counsellor wasn’t easy. I spent several years studying while balancing home life and a full-time job. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but something deeper kept me going. I knew this was the work I wanted to do. Reaching that goal wasn’t just an achievement—it was something I had truly earned.

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I work from the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and reactions all have meaning—even when they don’t feel clear or easy to make sense of. Together, we can explore what’s going on beneath the surface, at a pace that feels right for you.

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Clients often describe me as calm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. I listen closely—not just to what’s said, but also to what might be harder to put into words. I won’t overwhelm you with jargon or clinical language. Our conversations will feel human, collaborative, and shaped around your needs.

I see counselling as a shared process. I won’t sit back silently, but I won’t take over either. We’ll work together—sometimes gently exploring, sometimes thoughtfully challenging patterns that may be holding you back—always with your consent and in a way that feels safe.

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My role isn’t to tell you who you should be, but to support you in making sense of who you are.

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Alongside my professional role, I’m also a human being—with all the imperfections, complexities, and ongoing growth that comes with that. I don’t place myself above the struggles people bring into counselling; I understand what it means to navigate life in a real, imperfect way. There may be moments where I lose my train of thought or search for the right words, and I don’t always get everything right—but I believe that honesty and authenticity are part of what make this work meaningful.

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Outside of my work, I’m pretty laid-back and tend to enjoy the simple things in life. Music is a big part of who I am—I listen to everything from rock to country, and I’m definitely a bit of an emo at heart, drawn to anything that really captures emotion. I live with my partner and our cat, who keeps us company and adds a bit of personality (and unpredictability) to our days.

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When I’m unwinding, you’ll often find me watching true crime or documentary series, or something lighter like Gavin & Stacey. I’m also a bit of a Harry Potter geek—I appreciate the comfort of stories you can return to time and time again. Spending time in nature and being around animals is important to me too; it helps me feel grounded and present.

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I understand that starting counselling can feel daunting. You might not know what to say, or you might wonder whether you “deserve” support at all. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin—uncertainty, hesitation, and even scepticism are all welcome here.

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What you can expect from me is consistency, honesty, and respect. I’ll meet you where you are, not where you think you should be. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want to understand yourself more deeply, I offer a space where you can think, feel, and be heard—without pressure.

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Every time a client shares that they’ve found their sessions helpful, it reinforces why I chose this path. It’s a privilege to be trusted with someone’s thoughts and feelings, and I don’t take that lightly.

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It’s also important to be aware that counselling in the UK is not currently regulated by the government. This means that, unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a counsellor without formal training or qualifications. Because of this, I always encourage people to check that their counsellor is properly trained and a member of a reputable professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Membership of these organisations means the counsellor works within a recognised ethical framework and professional standards.

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If you’re considering working with me, you’re already taking a meaningful step; and if we decide to work together, we’ll take the next ones side by side.