Choosing the right counsellor can feel daunting. It’s not just about finding someone with the right qualifications; it’s about finding a person you feel safe with. Someone who listens without judgement, helps you make sense of what’s happening inside, and gently supports you as you find your own way forward.

​

The relationship between counsellor and client is at the heart of the healing process. Research consistently shows that the connection you build with your therapist is one of the most powerful elements of therapy itself. When you feel seen, accepted, and understood, your nervous system can begin to settle, and real change becomes possible.

 

What to Consider When Choosing a Counsellor

​

 Identify your needs

Start by thinking about what you’d like support with. Are you coping with trauma, anxiety, burnout, or grief? Do you want to feel more confident, calmer, or more connected to yourself? Having a sense of what you hope to gain from counselling can help guide you toward a therapist who specialises in those areas.

​

Check qualifications and experience

It’s essential to ensure your counsellor holds recognised qualifications and is registered with a professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the National Counselling Society (NCS).

It’s also helpful to look for someone with experience in the areas you’d like support with, whether that’s trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, or working with teenagers.

​

Consider approach and fit

Counsellors work in different ways. Some are more reflective and talk-based, while others use body-based or creative approaches. You might prefer a counsellor who works with both mind and body, especially if you’ve experienced trauma or often feel dysregulated.

​

Reading about a counsellor’s approach can help you decide whether their way of working feels right for you.

​​

When choosing a counsellor, it can help to think about what feels most practical and supportive for you. Are they based locally, making it easier to attend sessions in person, or would online counselling fit better around your lifestyle and routine? Some people prefer the flexibility of online therapy, while others value being in the same room, or outdoors for walk-and-talk sessions surrounded by nature.

​

Trust the connection

The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and safety. Most counsellors offer an initial consultation, which is a great opportunity to see how it feels to talk with them. You might notice a sense of relief, calm, or simply feeling understood; these are good signs that it could be a helpful fit.

Practical details

​

Practicalities matter too. Think about session times, cost, whether you prefer online or in-person therapy, and how regularly you’d like to meet. Feeling comfortable with these details can make it easier to stay consistent and focused on your progress.

​

 

Why Choose Me?

​

I work with adults and teenagers (15 years and older) who are navigating emotional, relational, or developmental challenges. Many of my clients come to me feeling anxious, burnt out, disconnected, or weighed down by past experiences that still shape how they feel today.

​

My approach is trauma-trained, body-based, and grounded in compassion and collaboration. I draw on Somatic Trauma Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Transactional Analysis, as well as polyvagal Theory, alongside an understanding and training in neurodiversity, to help you reconnect with a sense of safety and self-trust.

​

Clients often describe my sessions as calm, grounding, and gently transformative, a space where they can finally slow down, feel heard, and begin to understand themselves in a new way.

​

I hold a Level 6 Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Counselling, a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People, and am currently undertaking ongoing training in somatic, relational, and neurodiversity-informed practice.

​

I offer trauma-trained counselling in Chapmanslade, on the Wiltshire–Somerset border, as well as online sessions across the UK, and walk-and-talk therapy in peaceful local settings close to Frome, Westbury, and Warminster. This means you can choose the format that best supports your comfort, accessibility, and nervous system needs. ​ As well as a free 15-minute consultation, so you can get a sense of how it feels to work together before making any commitment.

 

Trust Your Intuition

Finding the right counsellor is a personal process; there’s no “one size fits all.” If you feel a sense of ease, curiosity, or connection when you read about my work, that’s worth listening to. Trust your instincts; they often know what feels right for you.

​

If you’d like to discuss things further or arrange a consultation, I’d be happy to hear from you.