Working Together

What you share in therapy is treated with respect and kept confidential. Confidentiality is an important part of creating a trusting therapeutic relationship and giving you the freedom to speak openly.

There are, however, some important limits to confidentiality. These may include situations where there is a serious concern about your safety or the safety of someone else, safeguarding concerns, or where I am legally required to share information. Where possible and appropriate, I would aim to discuss this with you first.

As part of responsible professional practice, I also discuss my work with a qualified clinical supervisor. Any discussion is handled professionally and with respect for your privacy.

• 50 minutes Session length
• Weekly, fortnightly or monthly How often

Sessions are normally 50 minutes and are arranged around your individual needs, circumstances and what feels manageable for you.

Depending on what we agree together, sessions may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. The frequency can be reviewed as your circumstances and needs change, so that therapy can fit realistically around your life.

Whether you are looking for regular support or a little more space between sessions, we can discuss what feels right for you and review this together as the work progresses.

The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another, talk about what has brought you to therapy, and consider what you might hope to get from our work together.

There is no expectation that you need to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes simply having the space to talk and be listened to can be an important starting point.

Concessionary Rates

I believe that access to emotional support should be as inclusive as possible. Reduced rates may be available for:

• Students
• Trainee counsellors
• Individuals on a low income
• Keyworkers
• Unemployed individuals

Concessionary rates are subject to availability and eligibility. Please get in touch to discuss your circumstances and find out whether a reduced rate may be available.

I currently offer face-to-face counselling and psychotherapy at the following locations:

• Banyan Wellness Center

  81 Manchester Road
  Burnley
  BB11 1JY
  Get directions to Banyan Wellness Center (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

• Training for Counsellors Ltd

  Haydock House, Haydock Mews
  Pleckgate Road
  Ramsgreave
  Blackburn
  BB1 8RP
  Get directions to Training for Counsellors Ltd (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

The rooms where I work

I understand that travelling to therapy can sometimes be difficult, whether due to work, family commitments, accessibility needs, or personal circumstances.

If these locations are inconvenient for you, please feel free to get in touch. Where possible, I can explore alternative suitable locations closer to you, helping to make accessing therapy that little bit easier.

My aim is to create a therapeutic experience that feels accessible, supportive, and suited to your individual circumstances.

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. We can work through things together, one step at a time.

There is no fixed number of sessions that is right for everyone.

Some people may benefit from a shorter period of therapy focused on a particular difficulty, while others may want to explore deeper or longer-standing experiences over a longer period.

We will regularly review how you are experiencing the therapy and whether it continues to meet your needs. You will remain involved in decisions about the direction and pace of our work together.

When the time comes to end therapy, we will aim to work towards the ending thoughtfully and give ourselves enough space to reflect on the work we have done together.

The relationship between us is at the heart of the work.

I will aim to offer you a space where you can be honest about your experiences, including anything you may find difficult to say. You do not need to agree with me, and you are always welcome to tell me if something about our work does not feel right.

Therapy is a collaborative process. We can regularly reflect together on how the work is going and make adjustments where appropriate.

Our relationship is a professional therapeutic relationship, designed to protect your wellbeing and create a safe environment for the work we do together.

I will agree with you how we communicate outside of sessions. Routine therapeutic work takes place during our agreed sessions, rather than through ongoing messaging or social media.

If you need to contact me between sessions, I will explain the appropriate way to do this as part of our agreement.

I keep appropriate records relating to our work together and take reasonable steps to protect your personal information in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

You will be provided with information about how your personal data is collected, used, stored and protected through my Privacy Notice.

Therapy is not something I want you to simply "receive". I want us to work together.

We can regularly reflect on how you are finding therapy, what feels helpful, what may not be working and whether there is anything you would like to approach differently.

Your feedback matters, and you are encouraged to raise any questions, concerns or difficulties with me at any point.

Entering therapy is your choice, and you should feel comfortable making an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

You can ask questions about how I work, what you can expect and anything that may concern you before deciding to begin.