Yes, and this is an important question, as many people in the UK call themselves “therapists” without formal training.

I completed four years of part-time study on a BACP-accredited counselling course. This included 70 hours of personal therapy and over 100 hours of placement work with patients in an NHS GP surgery.

In the UK, 'counsellor' and 'therapist' are interchangeable terms.

I use the term 'therapist' because the word 'counsel' can imply giving advice, which goes against the core of my approach. I work collaboratively with clients, without directing or advising - your individuality and experiences guide our work together.

I work with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, stress, and more. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, feel free to contact me for an informal chat.

Both my online and face to face sessions are priced at £70 an hour.

'Person Centred' therapy, which is my model of working, is a long term approach to therapy. I would recommend most clients have a minimum of 12 to 24 weeks, some clients may need support for much longer however.

We’ll review progress together regularly and you are free to end your sessions at any time.

I currently only work with individuals over 18 years of age and do not offer couples or family therapy.

Therapy comes in lots of forms, some of these I consider to be more 'wellness' than therapy. Any forms of therapy I employ must have been shown to be effective, with long term research or large scale studies backing their effectiveness.

My main model, 'Person-Centred' therapy, has extensive research showing it is effective in treatment of common mental health issues and in improving wellbeing.

I cannot and would not seek to do so. Diagnosing mental health conditions in the UK is the role of GPs, psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. I am trained to spot certain signs of mental health conditions, but a diagnosis is a very personal choice.

If you are seeking a diagnosis, I recommend speaking to your GP first. If you already have a diagnosis, we can discuss whether therapy with me might be a suitable form of support.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step and my clients are often anxious the in their first sessions. To put you at ease, I offer:

• A free 15-minute chat on the phone or video call to begin
• A relaxed first session, for us to get to know each other
• I check in after the first three sessions to ensure you are happy to continue into the longer term
• You are able to stop your sessions at any time if you feel they are not working for you

While therapy could be the best thing you've ever done in your life, it can also be emotionally tough and takes time, energy and commitment. I advise you not to start therapy if:

• You are feeling very emotionally unstable
• You have complex mental health issues that are currently undiagnosed
• You’re using drugs or alcohol in ways that may impact the process
• You’re being pressured or forced into therapy by someone else
• You are experiencing active suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis*

*In this case, reach out to your GP. In an emergency contact 999, or NHS 111 for less urgent support