Hello and Welcome!
Firstly, I want to acknowledge that it can feel overwhelming and scary to start your journey into counselling, especially if this is your first time. But the fact you are here means the process has already started for you; you have taken the first step, and that takes courage.
My name is Sophie and I am a fully qualified counsellor based in Kent, working face-to-face in Gillingham and Sittingbourne or online.
My journey into becoming a counsellor began with my own experiences of not knowing how to navigate life's complexities and challenges and so, I found support in a qualified counsellor. Feeling the healing power of being truly heard and understood, I discovered how impactful a supportive and non-judgemental space could be; I felt seen and validated, which for me, was transformative.
This journey ignited a passion within me to offer the same support to others. I went on a journey of self-discovery, learning how to not only listen intuitively and understand myself, but also, how I could apply those same skills to others.
I worked in the customer service industry for many years, but decided to pursue a career in the mental health industry, where I worked as a crisis recovery worker, offering emotional support and peer support groups. Alongside this role, I went on to study for four years towards my Diploma in Counselling.
I also volunteer as a Bereavement Counsellor, helping clients through the painful and complex process of grief.
Working With Me
I am a Humanistic counsellor and work with the person-centred approach, which is rooted in the principles founded by Carl Rogers, emphasising empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. I believe that fundamentally, you are the expert of yourself, and the therapeutic relationship we build together, will allow you to unlock the tools and answers within you. I listen to you with the aim of understanding you on a deeper level and working with you to gain insight into what might be holding you back and finding the deeper meaning behind these barriers. I work with empathy, compassion and a genuine appreciation for what makes us all inherently human.
I work with clients experiencing a wide range of problems such as anxiety, grief, depression, low-self esteem or challenging life events. Sometimes, clients just want to deepen their self-awareness and understanding of self.
My aim is to provide a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship, where you will be truly heard and understood, as you explore and untangle the web of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. This way of working enables you to gain deeper self-awareness, self-acceptance, and empowers you to navigate life’s challenges and move you towards your personal goals. This will be done at your pace and I will be there alongside you.
I do offer to work creatively, or I will use different forms of media, known as 'psychoeducation', to support your understanding. However, this will always be offered to you as an option. I will follow your lead.
I have considerable experience of working with Bereavement however, people also come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common issues that can be supported through counselling:
Grief, loss or bereavement
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Problems with addiction
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Clients benefit from my counselling services through:
- Enhanced emotional well-being and resilience.
- Improved understanding of defence mechanisms, coping strategies, and feelings.
- Improved self-esteem and self-understanding.
- Greater clarity in personal and professional goals.
- Healthier relationships and communication skills.
Sessions and Location
I feel it is essential you find a counsellor that you feel connected with. For this reason I offer a free 30 minute initial session via phone call.
Price per session- £50 for 50 minutes
I offer face to face sessions from two locations - Gillingham and Sittingbourne, Kent. I also offer online sessions if this is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything that is said within the counselling room, online, and telephone is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The recommended standard when seeking a counsellor.
Their ethical framework and values underpins my work as a counsellor.
Once I have received your enquiry, I will contact you to arrange an initial session.
The initial session is for us to discuss your needs and expectations of counselling and of me. I feel this allows you the opportunity to assess if I am the right counsellor for you.
I will also ask you some questions about yourself and your experiences, as this helps me to assess how I can help you and ensures that I can meet your needs and expectations.
If we are both in agreement that we would like to continue to work together, we can look to arrange your first session.
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and - hopefully - resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and a way forward becomes clear.
Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. In some cases counselling works well as an ongoing, longer-term option - or therapy can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
While working together we will frequently review our progress and as long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions will continue. I will follow your lead.
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free ‘slot’.
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected to those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
I am registered with the ICO any information held is stored securely and in accordance with current GDPR guidelines. My ICO registration- ZB530963
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help. Alternatively you can reach me on 07587044716. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
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