Counselling in Burnham, Buckinghamshire & Online

I provide a free 20-minute consultation call for you to find out about the counselling process and for you to ask any questions you may have to put your mind at ease. If you then choose to work with me, you can book in for your 50-minute counselling sessions, which will usually take place on the same day and time each week.

Please give me a call to discuss so that we can find a time that works. I work weekdays with main availability between 9am and 2.30pm and limited evening slots.

I require at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations, otherwise the full fee will apply. If you are aware you will be away or would like a short break, I ask that you give at least two weeks notice and I will offer you the same commitment.

Please feel assured that you will be at the heart of the sessions, in line with the person-centred, humanistic approach I follow. During the initial sessions we will work to develop our therapeutic relationship and I will find out more about what you need from your sessions. You may talk about whatever you wish during sessions and the space is fully confidential, unless I felt there was a risk of harm to yourself or anyone else. I will be with you as you explore your experience and hold you within a safe space. It is normal to feel a range of emotions and I will sit with you with empathy and warmth as you share.

I work with the client at the heart of the sessions and want to fully empower you to find solutions that work for you. Following the person-centred approach, I will therefore not be able to provide advice, as this would be from my perspective and may not work for your own unique experience. Instead, I choose to liberate you by helping you discover the solutions that work for you, leaving you empowered and thus lifting your self-esteem to recognise how capable you are.

What you say in the room will be kept between us in line with my Confidentiality Policy, so you can be assured that you can share your experience fully. However, if I felt that there was a risk of harm to yourself or others, I would have to share this in order to get you the support you require. I would always try to communicate this with you first, where possible.

There are also legal requirements where I am obliged to pass information on: terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.

I offer online sessions via Google Meet or Microsoft Teams and will send you a link in preparation for your sessions. These methods usually work for most people within your standard web browser, but please ensure you have checked in advance to avoid any issues. I have a very reliable internet connection, but if we ever encounter any technical problems whilst online, I will try to reconnect and failing that I will then contact you via WhatsApp video call to complete your session.

This really depends on the individual client and presenting issue. To benefit from the therapeutic experience I recommend weekly sessions at a minimum of 4-6 sessions. However, I have also worked with clients much longer-term. I can work with whatever you need.

My practice is to support mental health challenges through therapeutic counselling, and I am not able to support immediate or severe mental health crises.

If you are in immediate danger or are experiencing a mental health crisis:

• Call 999: This is for life-threatening emergencies, including mental health crises where you or someone else is in danger.
• Go to A&E: A&E staff are equipped to handle mental health emergencies, and you will not be wasting their time. They can assess your needs and refer you to a crisis resolution and home treatment team (CRHT).
• NHS 111: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis but are not in immediate danger, you can call 111 or visit their website. Select the mental health option.
• Samaritans: If you are feeling extremely distressed or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. They are there to listen to you.

If you are experiencing distress but are not in immediate danger:

• Samaritans: They provide confidential emotional support 24/7.
• Shout: You can text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support.
• NHS 111: They can provide you with advice and information about getting help.
• Your GP: If you are worried about your mental health, you should make an appointment with your GP.
• Local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT): If you are already in touch with a CMHT, you can contact them for support.
• MIND: You can use the "I need urgent help" tool on the MIND website for more options.

Important Considerations:

• A mental health crisis should be taken as seriously as a physical one.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone, and there are people who can support you.
• If you are unsure where to turn, call 111 or visit the NHS 111 website.