In my work as a counsellor, I have absolute trust and respect for the client(s), that they will know better than me what path feels right for them. The confidentiality of the therapy can allow people to risk opening up areas kept locked away, and the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and the client(s) can offer the opportunity for trust and the feeling of safety which facilitates the work.

There can be many reasons for people to seek help from counselling. We have all had experiences in our lives which we have ‘coped’ with, and then, for different reasons, we find that the way we used to cope isn’t working any more. Counselling is most likely to be helpful when people have recognised this moment of readiness to explore and search for an understanding of what is happening.

Issues people may choose to bring include anxiety/stress, interpersonal difficulties, feelings of depression, loss and bereavement, abuse, family relationships, occupational and educational problems, major life changes, acute or chronic illness and so on.

Although I now work in a voluntary mode, I am still a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and have regular ongoing supervision, a requirement for all counsellors. I also undertake continuing professional development.