Counselling with me - is it right for you?

So you've decided you want to explore counselling, but how on earth do you know who is going to be right for you? You've probably heard it said that it is really important that you work with someone you feel comfortable with, but how can you tell that from a small directory listing? So many of them sound the same; it can be really overwhelming and sometimes stop you in your tracks, preventing you from moving forward.

Every counsellor will work differently, utilising different models and approaches. They will have different areas of experience, interest and specialities they work with.

My aim is for this page to give you an understanding of some of the types of people I work with in counselling. It is not an exhaustive list, so if you require support with something that isn't listed, do feel free to reach out and discuss this. I will be happy to answer any enquiries you may have.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Fordingbridge, Hampshire and online across the UK. I work with people who are experiencing emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or the impact of difficult or distressing life experiences. Lots of people come to counselling not because something has reached a crisis point, but because holding things together has become exhausting.

I want to say something really important - You do not need to have everything clearly worked out before you begin. We can start wherever you are, even if it feels messy and unclear right now.

Why do people come to counselling?

Each person’s experience is unique, but there are often some common themes that I see bring people to therapy. You might recognise yourself in some of the following:

• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly on edge
• Emotional exhaustion, burnout, or shutdown
• Difficulty resting, switching off, or feeling settled
• Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
• Struggling with addiction
• Feeling unhappy and low
• Carrying a lot of responsibility with little space for your own needs
• Struggling to make sense of what you are feeling or experiencing
• A sense that things feel “too much”, even if it is hard to explain why

Some people also come to counselling when they are trying to process experiences within healthcare or support systems, which may include mental health services, general hospital care, or other forms of medical or community support, that felt complex, emotionally impactful, or difficult to integrate afterwards. Sometimes this is a recent part of their life, and sometimes it is from some time in their past, but it is still impacting them and their life in the here and now.

The people I work with

My practice brings together three main areas of focus. These are not separate categories, but different ways people often experience emotional overwhelm and distress.

Anxiety, overwhelm, and trauma responses

Some people describe feeling like they are functioning on the outside while inside feeling anxious, stretched, or in a state of survival. Always on high alert, finding it hard to switch off or be present. Some difficult or distressing experiences can leave a lasting impact and be difficult to manage, affecting different areas of life, including day-to-day life and relationships.

This may be linked to ongoing stress, life experiences, or earlier patterns that still show up in how you think, feel, or respond in the present.

My work is trauma-informed, which means when we work together, we pay close attention to making sure the pace is comfortable for you. You will not be forced or rushed. Emotional safety, and what feels manageable for you at each stage of the process, is at the centre of our work together.

Experiences within healthcare and support systems

Some people I work with are making sense of experiences within healthcare or support systems, including mental health services, general hospital care, or community-based support.

These experiences may feel complex, emotionally significant, or difficult to fully process or integrate and move forward afterwards, particularly where there was uncertainty, distress, or a sense of not being fully heard or understood. I intend to offer a reflective and steady space where your experience can be explored with care, context, and balance, alongside an understanding of the systems people move through.

Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed counselling

I work with a lot of people who are neurodivergent. I believe counselling should be accessible for all who wish to access it, and differences should not be barriers preventing that, or indeed the quality of service received. Everyone is welcome, whether they have a formal diagnosis or self-identify with neurodiverse experiences.

This means I aim to offer a space that:

• Respects different ways of thinking and feeling
• Does not require you to mask or present yourself in a particular way
• Supports you to communicate in whatever way feels most natural and accessible for you
• Moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable
• Does not pathologise your experience
• Prioritises emotional safety, choice, and collaboration

You are welcome just as you are.

Parent carers

Many of the people I work with are parents caring for children with additional needs. Alongside love, commitment, and advocacy, this role can also involve ongoing emotional demands and limited space for your own needs and wellbeing.

Counselling offers a space where you are not holding everything for everyone else — just a space for you.

You can’t get counselling wrong

I want you to know - you can’t get counselling wrong. You do not need to say things in a particular way or have everything clearly organised before you begin. We work gently with whatever feels present for you and what you would like to focus on.

For many people, simply having a space where they do not have to hold everything together is an important starting point.

Counselling in Fordingbridge and online

I offer face-to-face counselling in Fordingbridge with online counselling across the UK. For those who like to be outside and utilise the benefits of nature, I also offer walking therapy in the New Forest area.

If this resonates

You might not be in crisis. You might simply be feeling tired of carrying so much on your own and want somewhere to put things down. Somewhere to unload and talk without being judged or being told what to do.

Counselling can offer a space to slow things down, begin to make sense of your experiences, and gently reconnect with yourself.

You are welcome to get in touch when you feel ready.