In our first appointment, I'll carry out an assessment to learn more about your background, what has brought you to counselling, and what you'd like to focus on. If you're unsure, that's absolutely fine, things will become clearer as we work together and you begin to feel more at ease.
I'll send you a written contract to sign and return, which explains how I work and what to expect from me. Sessions are usually on the same day and time each week or fortnight, but I offer flexibility with early morning, daytime and evening appointments.
Although I provide grief counselling in Huddersfield, working remotely allows me to support people throughout the UK — including Leeds, Manchester, London and beyond. Research shows that online and telephone counselling can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
Counselling can help in a variety of ways, and the benefits often grow over time. It can help you to:
In essence, counselling helps you to stop merely existing and start living again.
There are no set number of sessions everyone's journey is different. Some people benefit from a few weeks, while others find longer-term therapy more helpful.
I work in an open-ended way, meaning you can continue for as long as you feel it's beneficial. We'll review your progress regularly and work towards a comfortable, managed ending when you feel ready.
If you have time-specific goals or limited funds, please let me know we can tailor the work so it meets your needs.
Counselling is a deeply personal experience, and it doesn't feel the same for everyone. It can bring up strong emotions or memories you haven't faced in years, which can be uncomfortable but often leads to important insight and healing.
If you're looking for someone to give advice or tell you what to do, my approach may not be the right fit. I don't give instructions, I help you to understand yourself, trust your own judgement and make decisions that feel right for you.
Over time, many clients tell me that being truly heard and understood has been life-changing. Gaining insight into your thoughts and feelings can be both empowering and liberating. Counselling takes commitment, but it can help you feel stronger, calmer and more in control of your life.
I work with individual adults over 18. There is no upper-age limit. I am not trained to work with children or young people, or to provide couples counselling.
That's completely normal. Many people feel unsure where to start or what to say. There's no pressure, we go at your pace.
If you get stuck, I'll ask gentle questions to help you open up. Over time, you'll find your rhythm. Some clients bring notes or thoughts from between sessions, which can be a useful starting point.
Yes, absolutely. Grief has no set timeline, and there's no “right” way to grieve. For some people, the pain eases gradually; for others, it can feel as raw years later as it did in the beginning.
Feeling stuck often means your grief needs time, space and understanding. I can help you explore what's keeping you there, find coping strategies and gently support you to move forward, without losing your connection to your loved one.
Yes, therapy can still help. Grief isn't something you “get over.” It's something you learn to live alongside.
Wanting to hold on to your grief often means wanting to stay connected to the person you've lost. Counselling provides space to explore those feelings, without judgement or fear of burdening others.
With support, many people find they can carry their grief with more ease, keeping their loved one's memory close while learning to live again.
It's very common to feel that you'll never be the same after a loss. The truth is, grief changes us. Therapy isn't about returning you to who you were, it's about helping you understand who you are now.
Over time, you can find a “new normal” that allows space for both sadness and hope. You don't have to go back to your old self to live a meaningful, fulfilling life again.
Guilt is one of the most painful emotions in grief, especially after sudden or traumatic loss. It often stems from love, wishing you could have protected your loved one or changed the outcome.
Therapy helps you explore those thoughts and feelings, to understand where they come from and to begin releasing them. Together we can work towards self-compassion and help you find a gentler way of holding your grief and love.
When you're grieving, happiness can feel unimaginable. But in time, joy and peace can begin to return, often in small, unexpected ways.
Therapy helps you make space for those moments without feeling guilty or as though you're betraying your loved one. Many people find they can live with both grief and joy side by side, creating a life that holds both pain and meaning.
Yes, counselling is confidential in almost all circumstances. There are a few exceptions, for example, if you are at risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law (such as reporting terrorist activity).
I take confidentiality very seriously and will explain everything clearly before we begin. You'll also receive a written contract outlining this in full.
Yes, I am a recognised provider for WPA, Vitality Health and Aviva