Frequently Asked Questions

What issues can counselling help with?

People come to counselling for many reasons. You might be feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed. You may be coping with bereavement, navigating trauma, feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns or finding relationships hard to manage. Some clients arrive with a recent event that has shaken them, others with a long standing sense that something isn’t quite right.

I work with teens, young people and adults from St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and across Hertfordshire. I also welcome neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD or autism, who may be managing overload, burnout or the day to day demands of school, work or family life. Together we slow things down, notice what is happening inside, and build ways of coping that feel realistic and kind.

All sessions take place on Friday afternoons.

Are you trained in trauma and PTSD support?

Yes. I am trained in Rewind Therapy, which is often used to support people living with trauma or PTSD. Rewind is known for closure without disclosure, meaning you do not have to retell the details of what happened for the work to be effective. Many people find that deeply relieving, especially if talking about the event feels too much.

My approach is gentle and contained. We pay attention to safety and steadiness first, then work at a pace that respects your nervous system. Clients often describe feeling a little more spacious and less on edge as therapy progresses, with fewer flashbacks, fewer intrusive thoughts and a greater sense of choice in daily life.

What is Rewind Therapy and how does it work?

Rewind Therapy helps the brain store traumatic memories differently so they stop feeling so immediate and overwhelming. You remain in control throughout the process. The work is structured, calm and focused, and it can sit alongside ongoing counselling. Many people notice a gradual reduction in hypervigilance, anxiety and distressing imagery in the weeks that follow.

Rewind can be helpful for single incident trauma and also when the past feels messy or complex. It is suitable for teens, young people and adults, and we will always prepare carefully so you feel safe before we begin.

Do you offer counselling for teens and young people?

Yes. I support teens and young people who may be dealing with anxiety, low mood, bereavement, friendship issues, school pressure or emotional overwhelm. Sessions are steady and supportive, giving space to name feelings, understand triggers and learn ways to cope that fit real life.

All of my appointments take place on Friday afternoons. Parents sometimes worry this will mean an unauthorised absence, but schools are expected to authorise time away for a counselling appointment when it supports a student’s wellbeing. If travelling is a problem, sessions can take place online from school, as long as the young person has a confidential room and access to something they can use to join Google Meet.

Parents and carers are usually involved in the initial phone call and in setting up appointments. After that, sessions are confidential. I only contact parents or carers if there is a safeguarding concern or a risk that needs immediate attention.

How do you support adults?

Adults come to counselling for many reasons, including anxiety, bereavement, low mood, trauma, relationship patterns, work stress or a general sense of being overwhelmed. Sometimes there is a clear story to tell. Sometimes there are no words, only a feeling that life is heavier than it needs to be.

Counselling offers a quiet, grounded space to hear yourself think. We focus on understanding what is happening in your mind and body, how past experiences may be showing up now and what helps you feel steadier. Sessions for adults also take place on Friday afternoons, either in person or online.

What is the space like?

I work from a beautiful room on Holywell Hill with a view of St Albans Cathedral. Many people find the gentle sound of the cathedral bells and the soft chatter from outside calming and grounding. The room is peaceful, warm and uncluttered, with natural light and comfortable seating. If you prefer, blinds can be drawn and noise reduced. My aim is to create a space where you can breathe out and settle. You can see some photos of the space on the previous page.

Do you work with neurodivergent clients?

Yes. I welcome clients who identify as neurodivergent, including those with ADHD or autism, and those who are exploring whether this might describe their experience. Many people come because they are feeling overloaded, burnt out or exhausted by the demands of everyday life. We pay close attention to pacing, sensory needs and what helps you feel comfortable and grounded.

I also keep a range of fidgets and sensory tools available in the room. Some people like to use them when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and others find they help with focus or make it easier to talk, especially if they experience anxiety or ADHD. You are welcome to use anything here in whatever way feels helpful for you.

Sessions are always adapted to your pace and preferences so that the space feels manageable and supportive.

How long will counselling take?

There isn’t a right number. Some people find short term work helpful, especially when focused on a particular issue. Others value longer term therapy where there is time to notice patterns and make steady change. Sessions are usually weekly because meeting regularly helps build trust and momentum. We review together as we go, and you remain in charge of the pace and length of the work.

Where do sessions take place?

I offer in person counselling in St Albans from my Holywell Hill room and I work online with clients across Hertfordshire, including Harpenden and Wheathampstead and further afield. Online sessions can be helpful if you prefer not to travel, if you have a busy schedule or if you feel more at ease in your own space. For young people, online sessions can be set up in school when a confidential room and access to Google Meet are available.

All sessions are on Friday afternoons.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. What you share in counselling is confidential, unless there is a risk of harm that must be addressed. I explain how confidentiality works clearly at the start so you know where you stand. For young people, parents and carers are involved only in the initial arrangements, unless a safeguarding concern arises.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a gentle conversation about what brings you here and what you hope might change. There is no pressure to tell your whole story or to talk about anything before you feel ready. We agree some simple ground rules, consider what support might help and decide together on next steps.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. Online counselling is available for teens, young people and adults. It is the same thoughtful work, just in a different setting. Many people like the convenience and familiarity. We can discuss how to keep online sessions private and grounded so they feel safe and effective.

How do I book a session?

You can get in touch by email or through the enquiry form. Many clients from St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and across Hertfordshire begin with an initial conversation to see whether working together feels like a good fit. All appointments are on Friday afternoons.