About My Counselling Practice

---

For me as a counsellor, face to face and zoom counselling differ only slightly. Both have their place, depending on the presenting issue and your time constraints. For some clients, meeting their counsellor face to face is important. This is understandable, especially as we have moved so rapidly into an online world.

I currently work from my own home in Chelmsford. Here I provide a confidential and safe space for you to be able to recognise and make your desired changes. 

There is off road parking outside of my property. I am close to the town centre and a short distance from bus stops. 

I hold real value in the therapeutic relationship. In this safely held environment, I am hopeful that you will find the parts of yourself that have become hidden, lost, or not yet discovered to develop a better understanding of yourself and your relationships.  

My own life experiences have enabled me to be able to sit comfortably with others, whilst they tell their story. As a requirement of becoming a counsellor, I attended my own long-term therapy. This was initially to help me to understand the experience of counselling. This soon became a discovery about me as a person, which has since benefitted my practice. 

I recognise the importance of empathy and understanding within a safe and confidential environment. When we feel accepted and understood, change and growth are then possible. How we are experienced by others can be so significant to how we see ourselves. In counselling, clients realise they are able to write new scripts. No longer being stuck in the repeated patterns, that they had previously fell into. The begining of a new chapter is then possible.

Choosing to seek counselling online, to avoid the added stress of travel and to save time is a real benefit for some people.    

Zoom has given people the opportunity to book appointments at times that suit them, especially for those working from home. For those with young children there is no added cost of childcare. For some simply speaking to their counsellor from the comfort of their own sofa or walking through a park is more relaxing. It is always important when having counselling that your environment is safe, and you are not overheard. Investing in headphones can be a worthwhile purchase.

I hold full indemnity insurance, as well as being registered with the Information Commissioners Office. I adhere to the ethical framework of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, of which I am a registered member. I continue to work for recognised organisations, alongside my own private practice, as these provide a strong support network. I attend both regular supervision and continual professional development, which are vital in working ethically.  

Confidentiality is a vital part of creating a safe space. Our counsellor/client confidentiality begins at your initial session. There are always limits to confidentiality. If I felt that you, or another person was at significant risk of harm, confidentiality might need to be broken. 

I will also be asking for permission, at this initial session, to collect your personal information. All data is stored safely. A contract regarding confidentiality and data protection will be emailed to you to sign/agree to before ongoing work can begin. If meeting face to face, this can be completed within the session.