Frequently Asked Questions

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My role is to support you in understanding what it is that is causing you challenges in life so that you have an improved awareness.  I will support you to make sense of things that may be confusing for you by supporting you to understand the cause of these.   This awareness then gives you the autonomy to make changes in you and your life, if you wish. 

I am not here to give advice, but to use my skills, experience and training to help you better understand you.  I will sit alongside you in your growth and development, offering you a supportive, non-judgmental, empathic, safe space. 

I can offer both online or face to face counselling depending on your needs and level of access to my practice. 

If we are working online, then this will only be carried out if there is guarantee from both of us that our access to online is confidential.   Online work will be via 'Telehealth Lite' on 'PowerDiary'.  You do not need to download any software for this, there is a link that will be emailed that opens in your browser. 

For my work with children aged 12 and below, I do prefer where possible that this is completed in a face to face manner, due to the nature of the work.  I am happy to discuss this at the time of enquiry. 

Psychodynamic counselling works on the basis that our behaviour, feelings, emotions and thoughts are linked to prior experiences, including those in our childhood.  Much of what we automatically do, feel and think is driven by unconscious motivations.

The role of a psychodynamic counsellor is to help you understand these unconscious motivations by bringing them to your awareness.  We will do this by examining your past experiences, your current challenges and connecting the links between. 

I have attended several years of counselling training, with the main focus of that being psychodynamic working.    I have experience of working with teenagers and adults in my role as both a student and volunteer counsellor at a local charity.  

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and work within their ethical framework and guidance.  (Membership Number: 00999557)

As part of my safeguarding practice, I have an Enhanced DBS which is updated annually.

Sessions are 1 hour in duration.  However, sessions may be able to be longer, on request. 

Sessions with children will be between 40-50 minutes depending on each individual. 

The duration of your therapy is based on your individual needs.  For some people, short term therapy is required, whilst others will access sessions for much longer.  There is no set duration as to how many sessions you will access.   This will all be in discussion with you and your requirements. 

Sessions are charged at £45 per hour.  Longer sessions will be adjusted accordingly. 

There may be opportunities for concessions, please discuss this at the time of booking. 

Please see 'Fees and Cancellation' section for further information. 

Sessions with children are also £45 per session. 

I can support you with a wide range of issues and, as directed by my ethical framework, if I am not the correct person to support you, I will signpost you to other services or therapists in the area. 

I can support with issues such as:  Adverse Childhood Experiences, Grief, Suicide, Self Harm, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Work related issues, Family issues, children and family members with SEND, Self-esteem and Self-Confidence, amongst others. 

My practice is located at Benjamin Lofts, which is inside Benjamin House.  This is on Stanley Street in Tyldesley.  (M29 8AE).    The entrance to my practice is through the main front door. 

When the salon is open, please come straight in and upstairs to the waiting area.  If it is your first visit, I will endeavour to meet you at the front entrance. 

If the salon is closed, please wait outside, I will collect you at your allocated appointment time. 

My practice is located in the centre of Tyldesley, just off the main square.  There is a public car park opposite the front entrance and a number of car parks in other areas of Tyldesley, which are within walking distance. 

I am also opposite one of the V2 bus stops and am walking distance from the Astley Street Interchange on the guided busway. 

My practice is accessible from many local areas including Tyldesley, Atherton, Leigh, Worsley, Swinton and beyond. 

My practice is located upstairs and therefore is not wheelchair accessible.  There is also no lift. 

However, I am able to provide online sessions if you are unable to access the practice.  In some exceptional circumstances, home visits may be offered.  Please discuss at the time of enquiry. 

I offer talking therapy with children alongside therapeutic play activities.  I have a counselling room for children which allows them to access games, stories and creative activities as part of their work.  Through accessing play based activities, children can have a safe environment in which to explore, express and understand their feelings and emotions. 

Sessions with children will always be face to face.  They will last between 40-50 minutes depending on each individual child.   The cost per session is £45. 

If you are new to counselling, it can provoke feelings of anxiety and concern as to what the process is.  I am happy to explain the process and give further information, please do not hesitate to email or message me and I will get back to you to answer any questions you have. 

The initial session will be a no-obligation introductory session where we will meet, discuss your needs, the process and see if we are happy to continue to work together.  If, at the end of that session you do not wish to book any further sessions, that is absolutely your choice.