Questions you might have.

Therapy can be helpful for a wide range of experiences — anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, life transitions, or simply a feeling that something isn't right. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit. If you're curious about therapy, that curiosity itself is often a good enough reason to explore it.

The first session is a chance for us to meet and for you to share a little of what has brought you to therapy. There's no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. We'll talk about what you're hoping for, how we might work together, and I'll answer any questions you have. Contracting also forms part of the initial session — see below for more on what that involves. You are under no obligation to continue after the first session.

This varies from person to person and depends on what you're bringing to therapy. Some people find that a short course of sessions (6–12) is enough; others prefer to work over a longer period. We'll review how things are going regularly and you are always free to end therapy when you feel ready.

I hold a BSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling (Adults, Children & Young People), awarded by the University of Derby — a five-year programme that gave me a thorough grounding in both theory and clinical practice. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their ethical framework at all times.

Alongside my core qualification, I hold a number of specialist certifications that I believe are important in this work. I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider, an Orange Button holder (a recognised responder for suicide and self-harm), and ASSIST trained — a structured suicide intervention programme. I am also LVPN trained and MECC (Making Every Contact Count) trained, which means I am equipped to have brief, meaningful conversations about health and wellbeing at every opportunity. Together, these qualifications mean that whatever you bring to a session, I am prepared to hold it with both care and competence.

Yes. Everything you share in sessions is held in strict confidence. I will not share information about you with anyone without your consent. There are a small number of exceptions to this — for example, if I have serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others — but I would always aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible. I will explain the limits of confidentiality fully in our first session.

I keep brief, anonymised notes for my own professional records. These are stored securely and in line with GDPR requirements. You have the right to request access to information I hold about you.

Yes. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their ethical framework. This means your sessions are held to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Before we begin working together, I will ask you to agree to a contract. This is to protect both yourself and me. The contract sets out the expectations of the service — things like session times, fees, and the cancellation policy — as well as the protocol around safeguarding and how your information is kept confidential and secure. It is a straightforward document, and I will talk you through it so you have the chance to ask any questions. Contracting forms part of the initial session, so there is nothing you need to do beforehand.

Safeguarding refers to the steps I take to protect the welfare of the people I work with — particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As a BACP registered therapist, I have a professional duty to act if I have serious concerns that someone is at risk of harm. In practice, this means that while everything you share is treated with the utmost confidentiality, there are limited circumstances — such as a risk to your life or the safety of a child — where I may need to share information with an appropriate authority. I would always aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible. The safeguarding protocol is explained fully in the contract we agree at the start of our work together.

Sessions are held at The Edge, Wigan (WN1 1NH) — a confidential, peaceful space specifically designed for counselling. If you are looking for somewhere to gather your thoughts before or after a session, Postcode is a lovely coffee shop just nearby and well worth a visit. I also offer online sessions via a secure video platform where appropriate.

I offer a free initial telephone conversation so we can get a sense of whether we might be a good fit — no commitment, no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, your first session is £25 (half price). Ongoing sessions are £49 for 50 minutes. Concessions are available — please do ask.

Please provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations or requests to reschedule received with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a charge of 50% of the session fee. This policy helps protect the time reserved specifically for you, as it is often not possible to offer the appointment to another client at short notice.

Yes. I offer therapy for children and young people aged 8–17. I work in a gentle, age-appropriate way and collaborate with parents or carers where appropriate, always keeping the young person's wellbeing at the centre. Parental consent is required for clients under 16.