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I offer appointments via an online platform such as Google Meet or Teams.  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 integrative counsellor that offers online therapy to adults acoss the UK.  I recognise the importance of providing online therapy to those who are unable to travel due to illness or disability as well as those who prefer to receive therapy from the comfort of their own home or other safe space.  I have received specialist training in online and telephone counselling and aim to provide a professional yet 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 have also supported adults exploring possible neurodivergence or are adjusting to a late diagnosis of ADHD or autism. 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.

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 or adjusting the length of sessions.  It may also mean having a break so that you can move around or using a fidget toy or weighted blanket. There is also no expectation on you to have eye contact. 

This is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to get from therapy. It will involve me introducing myself and explaining the counselling agreement. It will also involve me asking questions to assess whether I have the right skills and experience to support you. I will always be honest with you and if I feel I don’t have the right expertise, I can help signpost you to more appropriate services.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to find out how I work and whether I am the right counsellor 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 are comfortable with and 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 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 not in work or on low wages. 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 or anxious about starting therapy. If you have any questions before booking your first session, please don’t hesitate to contact me via Íø±¬ÃÅ. I will respond as soon as possible but please check your SPAM FOLDER should my reply have gone there.