What is person-centred counselling?

Person-centred counselling is based on the belief that you are the expert on your own life.

Rather than giving advice or telling you what to do, my role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore whatever feels important to you. Through empathy, acceptance and genuine connection, counselling can help you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more deeply, and find a way forward that feels right for you.

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What issues can counselling help with?

People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes there is a specific issue they would like support with, and sometimes they simply know that something doesn't feel quite right.

Counselling can help with a wide range of experiences, including:

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression and low mood

• Bereavement and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Trauma

• Low self-esteem

• Work or study-related challenges

• Alcohol or drug-related concerns

• Feeling overwhelmed or stuck

• Difficult life changes or transitions

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, I'd be happy to talk things through in an initial conversation.

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Who do you work with?

I work with adults, children and young people (typically aged 5 and over), depending on individual needs.

Supporting children and young people is at the heart of my practice, and I have extensive experience working alongside young people in educational and community settings.

Whether you're looking for support for yourself or for a young person in your care, my aim is to provide a safe, accepting space where you feel heard and understood.

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Do you work with neurodivergent clients?

Yes.

I am passionate about creating an inclusive and affirming counselling space for neurodivergent clients, including autistic people and those with ADHD.

Everyone experiences and makes sense of the world differently, and I believe counselling should honour and respect those differences. You do not need to communicate in a particular way or fit a particular mould in order to access counselling. Together, we can find an approach that feels comfortable and works for you.

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How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions. Counselling is a personal process, and the number of sessions varies depending on your needs and what feels right for you.

Some people come for a small number of sessions to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term support. We will review things regularly and work at a pace that feels right for you.

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How long is each session, and how often do we meet?

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, although this can be discussed depending on your circumstances and needs.

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What happens in the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling.

We'll talk about what you'd like support with, discuss how counselling works, and you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. There is no pressure to have everything figured out, and no expectation to share more than feels comfortable.

The first session is also a chance for both of us to consider whether we feel like a good fit for working together.​

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Is what I say confidential?

Yes.

What you share in counselling is treated with strict confidentiality. There are some legal and ethical exceptions, such as concerns about serious harm or safeguarding, and these will be explained clearly before counselling begins.

My aim is always to be open and transparent about confidentiality so that you understand how your information is handled.

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What if my child doesn't want to talk?

That's absolutely OK.

Not all children and young people find it easy to talk about their feelings, especially at first. Counselling doesn't have to involve sitting and talking face-to-face for the whole session. Depending on the young person's age and preferences, we might use creative activities, games, art, therapeutic play, or simply spend time getting to know each other.

My priority is helping young people feel safe and comfortable enough to engage in a way that works for them.

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Do parents and carers receive feedback about counselling sessions?

Trust and confidentiality are an important part of counselling for children and young people.

In most situations, what a young person shares in counselling remains private. This helps create a safe space where they can speak openly and honestly.

If I have concerns about a young person's safety or wellbeing, I will follow safeguarding procedures and involve parents, carers or relevant professionals where appropriate.

Before counselling begins, I will explain confidentiality clearly and answer any questions that both young people and their parents or carers may have.

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Where are you based?​

I am based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, and offer in-person sessions locally. I also offer online counselling via a secure video platform for clients across the UK.

Please note that my counselling room is located on the first floor and is accessed via stairs.

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How much do sessions cost?

The fee for each 50-minute counselling session is £60.

I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces, subject to availability.

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