Branch Counselling Services

Young adults:

I have over 15 years experience working with young people and have an expansive tool box of ideas and interventions to help clients feel comfortable and express themselves. All clients are encouraged to make their own choices about therapy. I offers different mediums to allow clients to engage, regardless of their ability.

I am experienced in working with young adults aged 11 to 25 and their families. I work in my cosy, accessible Gosforth office or can do video sessions for those unable to come to the office. Young people and their families can be self referred, referred by parents and carers or by Schools and Colleges.

Adults:

As well as working with young adults I also support adults going through transitional periods incorporating change, uncertainty and identity. Clients include new parents, career uncertainty change, retirees etc as well as adults who are looking back at difficult childhoods or family relationships.

Counselling offers opportunities to talk freely and openly in confidence, and to express difficult feelings and emotions. Together, counsellor and client can identify difficulties, patterns and negative thoughts, gaining a clearer view and new perspectives.

Clients choose to access counselling for many different reasons including; depression, relationship difficulties, obsessive thoughts, anger problems, self esteem, addictions, eating disorders, sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, self harm, suicidal thoughts, grief and loss, anxiety as well as many others, but it comes down to the fact they are not living their lives in the way they would choose and wish to make changes. Often people are coping to some extent, but simply living and not enjoying life. Counselling offers a safe space to talk, but also an opportunity to explore change.

Sessions are normally 60min length and are reviewed every 6 sessions. 12 sessions are normally recommended although frequency is adaptable to the individual needs of the client.

Sessions are £55. If cancellations are made with 24 hours notice then no charge is made and the session can be rearranged; however if sessions are cancelled within 24 hours then a £25 expenses fee is charged. If you don't attend the appointment without notice the full fee is charged. A limited number of reduced rate sessions are available for those in need, please enquire.

Sessions are currently available during the day and evenings based at Dobson house, Regent Centre Gosforth and if needed can be arranged at your home, school or workplace.

Counselling is also available online using Zoom. 

I abide by the Codes of Practice of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at all times. I also receive appropriate clinical supervision for all practice.

Supervision supports high standards and ethical guidelines, promotes quality and skills, advance learning, stimulate creativity, and support the sustainability and resilience of the work being undertaken. I am happy to talk with anyone who is interested to discuss models and practice and well as personality as I know the right match is important. An initial 20 minute meet is free. I offer sessions at my therapy room in Gosforth or I can also do online and telephone supervision. Please email or call to discuss your needs.

Supervision is a specialised form of mentoring for practitioners and although predominantly done with counsellors, it is invaluable with anyone supporting others.

I also offer supervision for school staff and other professionals working with teenagers and young adults. Staff members usually talk about a few students they are concerned about and we look at the presenting issues, the strategies for exploring issues, awareness around potential child protection issues and supporting the staff member themselves . This can be especially useful if they are supporting a young person with an issue they may have currently experienced themselves like a death or illness within the family. 1:1 staff supervision is £45 per hour, £70 per 90 minutes, and small group supervisions are £80 per hour (this can be useful if there is a wellbeing team).