I have trained as a humanistic therapist. Put simply, that means I see counselling as two people working together rather than someone sitting opposite you analysing or judging you. There doesn’t need to be jargon and there is no particular way you are supposed to behave in therapy.

I’d like to help take some of the mystery out of counselling. Looking after your mental health can be approached in much the same way as looking after your physical health: sometimes getting some professional support can make a real difference.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in the television industry for thirty years. It could be exciting and rewarding, but I also know what it is like to work under considerable pressure.

I have experienced difficult workplaces, bullying, the uncertainty of freelance work and the stress of never quite knowing what is coming next. I understand how pressure can gradually build until it starts affecting your confidence, relationships, sleep and enjoyment of life.

I also came to therapy myself during a major period of difficulty in my own life. I put it off for a long time, hoping things would sort themselves out. Eventually I decided to speak to somebody, and the experience changed my life. That eventually led me to train as a counsellor.

So if part of you thinks counselling might help, but another part feels unsure, uncomfortable or even slightly sceptical about the whole idea, that is completely understandable.

You don’t have to make a big commitment. The first step can simply be a conversation. If you think I might be the right person to talk to, please get in touch.