What is counselling?

Counselling, sometimes described as a “talking therapy”, provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk about what is happening in your life and begin to make sense of what you are thinking and feeling.

You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about, or have everything figured out. Sometimes you may know what has brought you to counselling; at other times, you may simply have a sense that something doesn't feel right.

My role isn't to tell you what to do or to try to fix you. You are not broken. Instead, I will listen, support you and gently help you explore what may be going on for you.

We can look together at your experiences, thoughts, feelings, relationships and patterns, and consider what might help you move forward. Sometimes this may involve understanding something from your past, making sense of what is happening now, or exploring what you would like your future to look like.

Counselling is a collaborative process, but you remain at the heart of it. We work at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you can decide what feels important to explore. I may gently challenge you or offer a different perspective when it feels helpful, but I won't tell you what you should do.

You don't have to struggle alone

There are times when friends and family can provide the support we need. There are other times when things feel more complicated, and talking to someone outside our usual circle can make it easier to explore what is really going on.

You might be feeling confused, overwhelmed, lonely, stuck or unsure about what comes next. Perhaps you're facing difficult decisions, struggling with relationships, coping with something that is happening now, or carrying experiences from the past that still affect you.

Counselling can give you the time and space to explore these things without judgement.

It may be about finding new ways of coping, understanding yourself a little better, making sense of your experiences or considering what you would like to change. There is no set timeframe and no expectation that you have to have everything worked out straight away.

For some people, opening up about difficult experiences can feel uncomfortable or even painful, particularly at the beginning. That's okay. Counselling doesn't have to happen all at once. We can take things at your pace, building trust and understanding as we go.

Sometimes, taking that first step can be the hardest part.

If you're wondering whether counselling might be right for you, you don't need to know exactly what you need before getting in touch. We can talk about what has brought you here and whether counselling feels like the right fit for you.

Are you struggling to know what to do next?

The decision to start counselling is yours.

You don't have to be in crisis to ask for support. Perhaps you're going through a difficult time, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, facing a difficult decision, or simply feel that you need someone to talk to.

Sometimes you don't even know exactly what you need. That's okay.

Taking that first step

If you'd like to explore whether counselling might be right for you, we can arrange an initial conversation at a mutually convenient time.

This gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and for you to talk about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions about how I work and, importantly, see how you feel talking to me.

Finding the right counsellor is important. You need to feel that you can be yourself, that you are listened to and that your counsellor understands you. Our initial conversation also gives me the opportunity to consider whether I am able to offer the support that you need.

There is no obligation to continue.

If we both feel that counselling feels like the right fit, we can arrange regular sessions. These can be face-to-face in Knaresborough or online, depending on what works best for you.

Sessions are usually 50 minutes and, where possible, take place at the same time each week. Having regular sessions can provide continuity and a consistent space to focus on yourself.

Online counselling

Online counselling can offer flexibility and accessibility, particularly if getting to appointments in person isn't always easy.

You can access sessions from wherever you have a safe, private and confidential space. This might be at home or another suitable private location where you feel comfortable talking openly.

Online counselling can also make it easier to continue attending sessions when work, travel or other commitments make face-to-face appointments more difficult.

Not sure?

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, that's okay too.

You don't need to make a decision before getting in touch. We can have a conversation about what is happening for you and explore whether counselling might be a good fit.

Sometimes, taking that first step can be the hardest part.