Íø±¬ÃÅ

I offer appointments via an online platform such as Google Meet or Microsoft Teams.  Some daytime and early evening appointments are available - please enquire about availability, indicating your preferred day and time.

Hello and welcome to my page. My name is Debbie and I am a qualified counsellor that offers online therapy to adults across the UK.  I have received specialist training in online and telephone counselling and provide a compassionate space where you can start to explore what is troubling you.

I have supported people with a range of issues including anxiety and depression, bereavement, carer support, low self-esteem & low confidence and women’s health. I also support neurodivergent adults including those who identify as having traits of autism and/or ADHD and those who are adjusting to a late diagnosis. In addition to my private work, I also work as a counsellor supporting clients with chronic illness or a long-term health condition such as chronic fatigue/ME, long covid and autoimmune conditions. Having had long-term illness, I understand how complex and challenging living with illness can be.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years working in business and local government and have met and worked with a wide variety of people. I have personal experience of neurodivergence and have also supported adults with dyslexia, autism and ADHD in an education setting. These experiences have deepened my understanding of neurodivergence and have shaped my flexible approach to therapy.

I have qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy up to post graduate level and undertake continuous professional development to further develop my knowledge and skills. I am also a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Íø±¬ÃÅ) and follow their ethical framework for good practice.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety or are struggling with a lack of confidence or low self-esteem. Maybe you have had a bereavement or are struggling to adjust to a health condition. Or maybe you are feeling different than other people and are wondering whether you’re autistic or ADHD.

Whatever brings you here, I offer a supportive space for you to explore what is going on for you. At the heart of my counselling approach is my belief that each individual is unique and I therefore use different therapeutic models (ways of working) to suit your needs.

This may mean taking a person-centred approach which encourages you to take the lead and to reflect on things at your pace. By listening to you in an empathic and non-judgemental manner, you can then start to reconnect with who you are. For those who prefer more structure or a goal-oriented approach, we can use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours that may be contributing to the distress you are experiencing. Alternatively we can look at previous experiences to understand how they may be affecting you in the present, providing space for you to process deeper feelings.

Whatever your goal is, I aim to work at your pace and to support you through your counselling journey, whether short or long-term. I am also open to adapting therapy to your needs and energy levels. This is something we can discuss during our first session but can include things such as having a break during the session, using a fidget toy or weighted blanket. There is also no expectation on you to have eye contact. 

The first session is 50 minutes long and will start with me  introducing myself and checking that you are in a safe and confidential place. I will also check that you are happy with the counselling agreement which I will have emailed to you beforehand.  The agreement sets out how we will work and covers  confidentiality, sessions, cancellation policy, how to pay etc.

I will then invite you to talk about yourself and what you hope to get from therapy. During this part of the session, I will ask questions to assess whether I have the right skills and experience to support you. If I feel I don’t have the right expertise, I can help signpost you to more appropriate services.  

You are also welcome to ask questions of me to help you decide whether I am the right therapist for you. It can take a few sessions for the counselling relationship to establish but the first session can give you an idea of whether you feel I am someone you can trust. When you can trust a counsellor you are more likely to open up and explore your difficulties which can lead to greater self-awareness and opportunities for personal growth.

At the end of our session, if we decide to continue working together, we will organise our next session. Ideally, sessions are booked every week and last 50 minutes but I aim to be as flexible as possible and am happy to accommodate sessions every two or three weeks.

The fee for the assessment/introductory session and subsequent sessions is £45 payable in advance. However, I am committed to making therapy accessible and can offer reduced rates to those with limited finances. Please enquire if you would like to discuss this option.

I appreciate that it can feel like a big step reaching out for help and it is completely normal if you are feeling apprehensive about starting therapy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the Íø±¬ÃÅ. I will respond as soon as possible but please check your SPAM FOLDER should my reply have gone there.