WHAT I OFFER

Support That Makes a Difference

I offer a variety of services to help you move past the obstacles in your life. I will help you identify your personal values, strengths, and abilities in support of your personal and professional goals. Contact me to see how I can help you develop different perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CALL

For us to get to know each other better before we proceed, I offer a free, no obligation, 20-minute initial consultation over the phone. This is a great opportunity for you to decide what type of therapy to choose, and for me to plan how I can help you to improve your life. There will be no obligation to commit to therapy at this stage. The introductory call is for both of us to look at the presented issue(s) and decide whether we could work together.

COUNSELLING

Counselling is a talking therapy that can help you find ways to resolve your emotional issues and concerns without being judged or criticised. During our appointment, I will ask you to talk about your feelings and thought processes. Together, we will try to find a way for you to cope better and reframe the way you approach your issue(s). The normal practice is to have a 50-minute session once a week. Then, depending on the nature of your concern, you can have either short term therapy (few weeks) or a longer course over a few months. Our sessions will be strictly confidential, with a few exceptions which we will discuss before we proceed.

COUPLES COUNSELLING

Has the relationship with your partner hit a crisis? Infidelity, abusive behaviour, money problems or maybe just the sheer grind of domestic pressures? This can be distressing and painful not just for you but everyone around you. In our sessions, we need to explore how you can both unpick the issues and get matters back on an even keel. I will guide you both in ways to communicate more effectively with each other, clear up misunderstandings, and start to acknowledge your partner’s point of view. By helping you face each other with complete honesty, I help you reconnect to the values and commitments which brought you together in the first place.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Fear not! Hypnotherapy is not about stage hypnosis or waving a pocket watch in the air… In a hypnotherapy session you remain in full control, only in a deeply relaxed state of mind. Hypnosis uses powerful techniques to reduce anxiety, improve sleep patterns, get rid of phobias and stop those unhelpful habits. The core approach for hypnotherapy is psychotherapeutic, i.e. the mixture of ‘talking therapy’ and hypnosis as and when required. You will have the recording of each session which you can listen to between meetings to help your recovery progress.

WALKING THERAPY

It is exactly what it says on the tin. Instead of facing the therapist in a room or on screen, the sessions are held outside while walking in the picturesque surroundings of nature. This acts as a calming backdrop to any issues you want to bring up for discussion. I find that walking therapy works brilliantly for depression, anxiety, anger issues, bereavement, work-related stress and addiction.
One of the obvious advantages of being outdoors is the multi-sensory experience; the views, the smells and the gentle physical exercise are linked to increase of oxytocin, the 'feel-good' hormone. We also know that walking reduces blood pressure and decreases the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Natural scenery can bring up positive memories and thoughts about the past. This can then help create a more optimistic outlook of our current situation, and encourage a more positive view of the future.
I will walk at your pace – slow or vigorous – although maybe not running! I can guarantee you will feel refreshed after an hour’s walk, whatever the season or time of day. So, if you live in Reading and Wokingham area, contact me and arrange your first walking therapy session. We have some fantastic parks and nature resorts here in Berkshire – more than enough space for everyone to step out and explore!