Counselling and Psychotherapy in North Shields, Gateshead and Online

Initial Consultation

I understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel significant. To help make this process easier, I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation if you'd like to discuss your needs before booking a session. This brief conversation allows you to ask any questions you might have about the therapeutic process and gives us both an opportunity to determine if I might be the right therapist for you.

During this initial call, I can explain more about how I work, discuss availability, and address any concerns you might have about beginning therapy. There is no obligation to proceed further after this consultation.

BOOK YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION

My Approach

My practice is founded on an integrative approach to therapy, which simply means I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Each person comes with their own unique experiences, challenges, and ways of understanding the world, so I draw from various therapeutic tools to create an approach that best suits your specific needs.

At the heart of my work is a person-centred foundation, which means our therapeutic relationship is built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I create a safe, non-judgemental environment where you feel genuinely heard and respected. This supportive relationship becomes the foundation from which exploration and change can occur.

Having a diverse therapeutic toolbox allows me to adapt to what you need at different points in your journey, whether that's processing difficult emotions, developing new coping strategies, exploring patterns in relationships, or finding meaning in challenging experiences.

Throughout our work together, I aim to provide both compassionate support and gentle challenge when needed, walking alongside you as you navigate your path toward greater well-being and self-understanding.

The Difference Between Counselling and Psychotherapy

Although the terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions that might be helpful to understand:

Counselling

Counselling typically focuses on specific current issues or challenges you're facing. It tends to be more solution-focused and often takes place over a shorter period (perhaps 6-12 sessions). Counselling can be particularly effective for addressing immediate concerns such as a specific life transition, relationship difficulty, or coping with a recent loss.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy generally involves deeper, more comprehensive work that may explore patterns established earlier in life and how these influence current experiences. It often continues over a longer period and can address more complex or longstanding issues. Psychotherapy might examine the underlying causes of recurring problems, working toward more fundamental change in how you relate to yourself and others.

In practice, there is significant overlap between these approaches, and I draw from both traditions in my work. Whether our sessions align more closely with counselling or psychotherapy will depend on your specific needs, goals, and the issues we're addressing together.

Issues I Can Help With

I work with a wide range of concerns that bring people to therapy, with particular expertise in:

Anxiety and Stress

Including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, work-related stress, and overwhelming worry.

Grief and Loss

Supporting you through bereavement, significant life changes, and other forms of loss.

Trauma

Helping process difficult past experiences and their impact on your present life.

Relationship Issues

Addressing difficulties in personal relationships, including communication problems, recurring conflicts, and rebuilding trust

Self-esteem and Identity

Exploring questions of self-worth, confidence, and sense of self.

Life Transitions

Supporting you through significant changes such as career shifts, retirement, relationship endings, or other major life adjustments.

I also work with depression, emotional regulation, family issues, and workplace challenges. While I have experience with many concerns, I do not specialise in addiction, abuse, or sexual issues, but I can provide appropriate referrals if needed.