Welcome

When most people think of the word 'LOSS', they normally associate the meaning with somebody who has suffered a bereavement. Suffering a bereavement is indeed one type of loss. There are also other types of losses.

I offer online counselling which allows flexibility and comfort in your own surroundings, and because the counselling is via video call, I can work with people in and out of Plymouth.

I understand that there are people who feel they cant approach counsellors for support because, deep down, they fear judgment. I have arms full of tattoos, and can sometimes stand out from the crowd. You don't have to feel unsafe with me, just be yourself. I absolutely welcome difference and offer empathy, compassion, understanding and over 8 years of counselling experience.

I have worked as a bereavement/grief counsellor, a mental health counsellor and worked with females who have experienced domestic abuse. People normally contact me due to a loss/losses in their lives, which often bring up other relating issues for them. I also work with females who have typical issues relating to girl/womanhood and women who are confused about their sexual orientation. My role is to listen and help you process your thoughts and feelings.

I work with teenagers and adults, who have different lifestyles, beliefs, backgrounds and experiences and who often bring issues around anxiety, depression, low mood, confusion, bereavement, anger, loneliness, trauma and more.

I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

Registration no: 387865

Types of loss

You might have experienced a loss recently or many years ago and it could still be affecting you now. Often we experience multiple losses-

Types of Loss

How can I contact you to find out more and/or book a session with you?

Please feel free to contact me in a way that's easiest for you. I can be reached through email, text, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger (Facebook link at bottom of page) or you can leave me a voicemail. Ill get back to you to arrange a free consultation/chat. This will give you the opportunity to ask me any questions and see if I'm the right counsellor for you. I never expect anybody to make a decision right there and then unless they're certain. There's never any pressure from me. My contact details are at the bottom of the page.

Loss/Death - Expected or unexpected. This may be recent or historical (including pets)
Loss of relationship/s with Partner, family members or friends, divorce
Loss of self/ identity/personality through a traumatic experience and/or a significant change in your life
Loss of direction in life - unsure what to do
Loss of self worth and self belief
Loss of childhood through historical abuse; sexual, emotional, physical, neglect, toxic environment
Loss of ability through an accident, surgery or illness forcing a significant change
Loss of youth/time: struggling to live in the present, missing days gone,' living' in the past
Loss of authentic self- sexual orientation: struggling with sexual orientation or 'coming out' later in life.
Loss of usual relationship/connection with somebody who has dementia or addiction
Loss of connection with society as a whole.
Loss of community/moving home
Loss of usual lifestyle through having children or taking on the role of a carer

How many sessions will I be offered, how long are they and how often will I have them?

I understand that people process information differently and have different lifestyles. In view of this, I am able to offer sessions once a week, fortnightly or 'as and when' a session is required. Sometimes people see how they feel after each session and other people may start off once a week, then later move to fortnightly and then 'as and when'. Its different for everybody. Each session is up to an hour long. I can offer long or short term therapy.

What video calling app does counselling take place over and what do I need?

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How much is each session and how do I pay?

Sessions are £25 each.

Payment is through bank transfer. I send email receipts for any payments made so you have a record of your payments and sessions. Sadly, due to the low cost of the sessions, there are no block booking discounts.

I usually use 'google meet'. You'll need a device (Most people use a PC or laptop but you can use a tablet or your mobile if you feel more comfortable). You'll also need good network signal. I do ask clients to find a quiet room/area where they will not be disrupted while the session is taking place. Sometimes clients prefer to use earphones to block out any background noise such as traffic or family in other parts of the house. You'll also need an email address for communication and for session/video call links links.

What type of Counselling do you offer and what should I expect?

The type of counselling model I use is Person Centred Counselling, sometimes referred to as Client Centred Therapy or Person Centred Psychotherapy. It is a talking therapy that focuses on the client and their feelings. This type of therapy recognises individuality and uniqueness, and with my help, gives room for the client to explore their feelings around any issues they bring. I also use an integrative approach as I recognise that one style of counselling does not suit all.

People contact me due to a loss or multiple losses in their lives and often find themselves exploring other areas of their life that may not be about loss. This is very common as most experiences have context which bring up other experiences and feelings. Sometimes people are unsure how to begin and I may offer some help in the way of questions to start the process. My role is to help you explore your own self.

With loss comes a whole host of emotions and feelings. I have worked with people who have anxiety, depression, low mood, anger, grief, fear, guilt, stress, shame and low self esteem/confidence.

I work using a trauma informed approach and have understanding of difference. I genuinely care about the people I work with. I'm also very aware that different people share at a different pace. I will never force a client to open up about issues they do not want to talk about.

Talking therapy is unique for each person due to individual experiences. Some people have an outpour of emotion, some share at a slower pace and some find it challenging to share at all. It's quite common for people to experience a range of emotions throughout sessions.

It's very common for clients to 'open up old wounds', an expression used when revisiting memories/experiences.

I have worked with people who have never had counselling before, and with people who have.

There is no one way to be. People deal with their losses in different ways and they also communicate in different ways; sometimes using humour or anger to express themselves. I will work with you to fit your communication style.