What it's like to work with me
Starting counselling can feel like a big step.
You might be wondering whether you'll know what to say, whether you'll become upset, or whether talking about your loss will make things feel worse.
Those worries are completely understandable.
You don't need to prepare anything before we meet.
You don't need to have the right words.
We simply begin with where you are.
A conversation, not an interrogation
Walking into counselling shouldn't feel like walking into an interview.
I won't expect you to tell your whole story in your first session or ask questions that you're not ready to answer.
Some people talk easily from the beginning.
Others need more time.
Both are completely okay.
My role is to listen carefully, understand what life has been like for you and help you make sense of your experience, at a pace that feels right for you.
You don't have to protect me from your feelings
Many people apologise during counselling.
"I'm sorry for crying."
"I'm talking too much."
"I don't even know why I'm upset."
"I don't know what I'm feeling."
You never need to apologise.
Whether you're tearful, angry, numb, overwhelmed or struggling to find the words, everything you bring into the room is welcome.
However you arrive is enough.
Working at your pace
There is no timetable for grief.
There doesn't have to be one for counselling either.
Some people begin exploring painful experiences straight away.
Others need time before they feel comfortable enough to go deeper.
We move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
You remain in control of what we talk about and when.
Making sense of what feels difficult
Many people don't come to counselling because they have all the answers.
They come because something doesn't feel right anymore.
You might feel:
• overwhelmed
• exhausted
• anxious
• guilty
• angry
• disconnected from yourself
• like you've lost part of who you are
Together we can gently explore what's happening and begin making sense of your experience, without judgement or pressure to "move on."
Every person's grief is different
There isn't one right way to grieve.
Your relationship, your loss and your experiences are unique to you.
Because of that, I don't believe in following a fixed formula.
Some people find it helpful simply to talk.
Others prefer using writing, drawing, imagery or creative exercises to explore thoughts that are difficult to put into words.
We'll find an approach that feels comfortable for you.
What you can expect from me
✔ Someone who listens without judgement
✔ A calm, compassionate space where you can be yourself
✔ Support that moves at your pace
✔ Honest conversations built on trust
✔ A place where difficult emotions are welcome
✔ Therapy shaped around your individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach
What I hope you leave with
Although every person's journey is different, many clients tell me they gradually begin to notice small changes.
They sleep a little better.
The constant knot in their stomach begins to ease.
They stop feeling so alone.
They begin reconnecting with themselves and the people around them.
Their loss doesn't disappear, but it no longer feels as though it's carrying them.
Those changes don't happen overnight.
But they are possible.
Taking the first step
You don't need to know whether counselling is the right answer.
You don't need to have everything figured out.
If you're wondering whether talking to someone might help, a free 20-minute introductory call gives us the opportunity to meet, answer any questions you have and see whether working together feels right.
There's no pressure and no obligation.
Just a chance to take the first step.
FAQs
Do I need to know what I want to talk about before starting?
Not at all.
Many people come to counselling knowing exactly what they want to talk about, while others simply know that something doesn't feel right and they're not sure where to begin.
You don't need to prepare anything or have the "right" words before your first session. We can start with whatever feels most important to you on the day, even if that's simply talking about how things have been feeling recently.
Part of my role is to help you make sense of what's going on at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What if I find it difficult to open up?
That's completely okay.
Opening up to someone new can feel daunting, especially if you're used to coping on your own or have spent a long time keeping things to yourself.
There is no expectation that you share everything straight away. Counselling isn't about being pushed to talk before you're ready. We build trust over time, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable.
Many people are surprised by how naturally conversations begin to flow once they realise they're in a space where they won't be judged, rushed or expected to have everything figured out.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions.
Some people come for support during a particularly difficult period, while others find it helpful to have longer-term support as they adjust to life after a significant loss.
We can regularly review how things are feeling and decide together what feels right for you.