FAQ

How do I know if I need counselling?

You don't have to be in crisis or know exactly what's wrong. If anxiety, intrusive thoughts, grief, anger or difficult emotions are affecting your everyday life or relationships, counselling could give you a safe space to understand what's happening and work towards change.

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What can I talk about with a counsellor?

You can talk about whatever is troubling you. I support adults with anxiety, OCD and intrusive thoughts, health anxiety, grief and bereavement, men's mental health, anger and pet bereavement.

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What happens when I first see a counsellor?

Your first session is a chance to talk about what's been happening and what you'd like help with. You don't need to have the right words or know where to start. We can take things at your pace and work out together what support you need.

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Can counselling help with anxiety and overthinking?

Yes. Counselling can help you understand what is driving your anxiety and overthinking, recognise unhelpful thought patterns and develop ways of responding differently. We can also explore how anxiety is affecting your confidence, relationships and everyday life.

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Can counselling help with OCD and intrusive thoughts?

Yes. I provide counselling for OCD and intrusive thoughts, including unwanted thoughts, fears, compulsions, checking and reassurance seeking. I use ERP-informed approaches alongside compassionate, person-centred counselling where appropriate.

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Why do I keep having thoughts I don't want?

Unwanted or intrusive thoughts are common, but they can become particularly distressing when you feel you need to control, avoid or get reassurance about them. Counselling can help you understand the cycle and develop a different relationship with intrusive thoughts.

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Can health anxiety be treated with counselling?

Yes. Health anxiety can involve constantly worrying that you are ill, checking your body, searching symptoms online, seeking reassurance or repeatedly checking with healthcare professionals. Counselling can help you understand the cycle of health anxiety and reduce the behaviours that keep the worry going.

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Why does my anger feel out of control?

Anger can sometimes feel like an urge that takes over before you have time to think. Counselling can help you identify your triggers, recognise the signs that your anger is building and learn strategies to help you regain control.

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Why do I feel guilty after losing my temper?

Many people who struggle with anger don't like the effect it has on the people they love. If you feel guilty, ashamed or upset after losing your temper, counselling can provide a non-judgemental space to understand what's happening and work towards responding differently.

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Can men have counselling for anger and mental health?

Absolutely. You don't have to be comfortable talking about emotions or know exactly what you're feeling. Counselling can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore anger, stress, anxiety, relationships, grief and other things that may be difficult to talk about.

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Can counselling help after someone dies?

Yes. Grief can affect everyone differently and there is no single 'right' way to grieve. I provide bereavement counselling for adults experiencing the loss of someone important to them and have over 11 years' counselling experience, including five years working in a specialist bereavement service.

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Can counselling help after losing a pet?

Yes. Losing a pet can be a deeply painful bereavement. Pet bereavement counselling gives you a safe space to talk about your loss, your relationship with your pet and the emotions you're experiencing without feeling that you should simply 'move on'.

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Do you offer counselling in Prudhoe?

Yes. I offer face-to-face counselling at St Matthew's Wellness Centre in Prudhoe, Northumberland, as well as online counselling throughout the UK and telephone counselling.

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How much does counselling cost?

Face-to-face counselling is £55 per session. Online and telephone counselling are £50 per session.

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Can I speak to you before booking counselling?

Yes. I offer a free 15-minute consultation with no obligation to book. It's a chance to briefly discuss what you're looking for help with, ask questions and see whether counselling feels right for you.

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What if I'm nervous about contacting a counsellor?

That's completely understandable. Taking the first step can feel difficult, particularly if you've never had counselling before. You don't need to know exactly what to say — simply tell me a little about what's been happening and we'll take it from there.

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Is counselling confidential?

Counselling is confidential, subject to professional and safeguarding exceptions. These will be explained clearly at the beginning of counselling so you understand what confidentiality means and what to expect.

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How do I book counselling?

You can contact me through the website or by email to arrange your free 15-minute consultation. You can also tell me what you'd like help with, and I'll let you know how we can take the next step.