What you can expect

A space where you are at the centre

Starting counselling can feel like a significant step. You don't need to arrive knowing exactly where to begin. When you arrive at Centred Space, you'll enter a private, thoughtfully created therapeutic environment where you can settle in and feel comfortable. I'll offer you a drink, and we'll take a little time to arrive. We'll begin by talking through our counselling agreement together, creating a shared understanding of how we’ll work together.  From there, I'll ask you where you'd like to start.

Finding your own pace

I work person-centred and relationally, which means our relationship is central to the work. We can explore what's important, follow what emerges and allow the process to develop as trust grows. Sometimes you'll have lots to say or you may not know where to begin. Sometimes something unexpected will emerge. All of these moments can become part of the work and we can explore what that is like for you.

What happens in a session?

There isn't a formula for how a counselling session should look. You might arrive knowing exactly what you'd like to talk about, or something may emerge once we're together. We might explore a feeling, a relationship, something that's happened recently, or something you've carried for much longer. I'll listen carefully and stay alongside you as we make sense of your experience. Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren't the ones we plan. A pause, a change in feeling, or noticing what is happening between us can open a door to something important.

Building trust

A therapeutic relationship takes time to develop. For some people, feeling comfortable comes quickly. For others, trust needs to be earned gradually. We'll pay attention to that together. I welcome honesty about how you're experiencing our work. If something doesn't feel right, talking about it can itself become part of the therapeutic process. Therapy isn't always comfortable. Sometimes creating a space where you can take off the mask and be accepted as you are means allowing ourselves to meet some difficult feelings. My aim is to create a relationship built on trust, respect, compassion and honesty.

How often will we meet?

I recommend weekly sessions initially. Consistency can help us build our therapeutic relationship and create a sense of routine, which can be particularly valuable when life feels emotionally difficult. As our work develops, we'll review how often you would like to meet. For some people, moving to fortnightly sessions feels appropriate. The decision remains yours. I don't recommend sessions more frequently than weekly, as I believe having space between sessions can be an important part of the process.

How long will we work together? 

I recommend a minimum of six sessions, while recognising that everyone's journey is different. Therapy has a beginning, a middle and an ending. Giving ourselves enough time allows the relationship to develop and gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has changed along the way. If we work together for a longer period, we can revisit what initially brought you to counselling and consider how your experience has shifted. When the time comes to finish, we'll make space for a thoughtful ending rather than allowing the work to simply stop.

Different ways to meet

I offer 50-minute sessions:

Face-to-face

My counselling room is in the front office of my home in Glossop, with its own entrance directly from the street.

Online

A flexible option if getting to the practice isn't practical or you feel more comfortable speaking from your own space.

Telephone

For some people, particularly those who find visual or social demands tiring, telephone counselling can offer a welcome sense of freedom and ease.

We'll find the format that works best for you.

What if we're not the right fit? 

Sometimes two people aren't the right therapeutic fit, and that's okay. You might discover that you need a different therapeutic approach, or support for something outside my experience. If that happens, I'd rather we could talk about it openly. I'll be happy to help you think about what might suit you better and, where possible, point you towards other resources. My hope is that your experience of reaching out remains a positive one, even if I'm not ultimately the right counsellor for you.

Your first step 

Before arranging your first session, I offer a free 20-minute chat. It's an opportunity to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and get a sense of if working together feels like the right fit. You don't need to make a decision during the call. Sometimes the first step is just having a conversation.