Counselling and Psychotherapy Exeter
By Video or Phone Only
"The single most important thing that I have done for ME"
If you are the one who usually copes and supports others, it is difficult to come for help yourself. You may notice the impact on relationships, how you function at work, your ability to make decisions, stress levels and also your mood.
You probably are looking for someone who is straight talking, as well as caring, to discuss things with and to support you getting confidence and capacity back in your life. Someone with whom you can dare to sort out those struggles you have hidden for a long time.
With a lifetime experience in caring professions (including nursing, social work service, workplace counselling and GP surgery) you will be in safe hands with me. I hope the information below will be helpful to you though do contact me on 07989 564660 if you have any questions.
What is the Difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling tends to be shorter term work with a specific focus that usually deals with a current crisis.
Psychotherapy tends to be longer term work which may address a range of issues or patterns of behaviour that span a longer period of your life, or need greater understanding to process.
Generally speaking, the two are not clearly defined and the main two differences are that psychotherapists have longer and usually more in depth training and will have had substantial therapy themselves (In my case, my counselling diploma took three years part time and I did an additional two years to gain psychotherapy status).
Who I work with
I counsel a wide range of people: 18 to 80, men and women. Even if you feel you are different or don't fit in some way and unsure about counselling and psychotherapy, you are welcome. I also work with people who have had a not-so-good experience with therapy in the past.
Sometimes, because of my nursing background, people may come to me particularly wanting straightforwardness or an understanding of health or family concerns, or with emotional distress or learning difficulties of some kind. With my particular therapy training there is also an emphasis on Mindfulness as a tool for self-care (I find many people who come to me are being hugely hard on themselves).
The triggers that bring you here may be caused by very different life challenges and I work with a range of issues such as relationship difficulties (friends, family and/or partner), workplace stresses, loss/bereavement and much more.
You may experience some of these typical symptoms which bring people to counselling and psychotherapy:
-
Physical: anxiety, body tension, panic attacks or recurrent ill health
-
Emotional: depression, fear, jealousy, distress or anger
-
Behavioural: avoiding places or people, obsessional or repetitive actions, aggression
I help you to reflect on the situation you are in more clearly and it is a process, not a quick fix. As we talk (in a different way to how you would with a friend) sometimes you may feel very conscious of being stuck or trapped, though often less so when things start slotting into place. Overall, we aim for you to be more able to 'ride the wave' whatever comes at you.
Cost
My fee reflects 30 years of experience and a good established reputation.
For individuals it is £75 per session, which are usually weekly.
Occasionally, in exceptional circumstances, a reduction may be negotiated. There may be a waiting list for a reduced rate slot so please contact for more information.
What next?
Please contact me to arrange a 15-20 minute talk on the phone or on video, to check me out, ask any questions and discuss what you are hoping for. If it feels good and right to work together, and I have space that coincides with yours, we can book a series of sessions. There is no obligation to do so, and if I or the availability is not right, I can give you other names to contact..
You will be spending time and emotional energy in therapy as well as money so I want you to feel safe and confident with this threefold investment in yourself so please ask any questions you may have.
We will also discuss whether a short series of sessions or a more open-ended arrangement may suit your concerns best.
Please note: You will see elsewhere on this site that I also do hands-on body therapy. If I already work with you as a counsellor or psychotherapist, then I will not work with you in this way. The two are separate.
Help for depression, anxiety and related symptoms - Help self-esteem and confidence