How can I help
I am qualified in all aspects of family counselling, including working with teenagers, supporting parents and families and providing relationship support.
For teenagers
Sometimes life is too challenging – school is overwhelming, there is too much pressure on you, and sometimes you might need help to work out what is important to you now, and in the future. Sometime you have made some decisions that mean those around you have lost confidence in you – and that doesn’t feel good.
As a counsellor I keep what you say to me private, unless you or someone else is at risk of harm. Sometimes is may feel like people treat you too young, and sometimes you may feel you are not getting enough support. We can help work out what you need more of, or less of.
Come once, then you can decide if you think it will help. It is you who will be my client and my priority, even if someone else is paying. I will listen to you, and help you get where you want to be.
For parents
Do you dread talking to your teenager? When you do, does it often result in an argument? Are you embarrassed by your teenager’s behaviour, or maybe you’re just really worried about them?
If you find you’re having to attend school meetings and you’re worrying about the next parents’ evening, then counselling can help.
Unfortunately it can be difficult to get support for your teenager. School counselling services are under enormous pressure, and CAMHS (Child and Adult Mental Health Services) can struggle to offer appointments before things become serious.
Whether you just need some support and some ideas to help reduce tension, or whether you think both you and your teenager would benefit from counselling, I’m here to help.
Teenagers can really test us and all parents can need extra support. It may be that you are over stretched and under resourced. Teenagers often need an almost impossible balance of independence and guidance and it is quite normal for it to feel you are nearly always getting it wrong. I can help by working with you to add to your parenting resources during this influential period in your child’s life.
Changing relationships
I have many years of experience and training working with adults and couples – and their relationships. I have used this experience to offer a specialist service to people who are dealing with major change in their relationships.
It may be that you are recently separated and are struggling to be alone. Maybe your children have left or are about to leave home and you need to adapt to a very different relationship with them. You may be re-entering the workplace after a period of absence and need to develop new skills. Or perhaps you are re-entering the world of dating and need to assess who you are and what you are looking for.
Change is often difficult but it can also be, with the right support, a good opportunity for personal growth. Spending time with a relationship expert may be the best investment you can make in yourself and in your future happiness.
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.
You can also call me on 07788741320 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
FAQ
You can make your first appointment by contacting me by phone or email. If you would like a chat before your first appointment, please get in touch.
After your first session, we can decide how many further sessions you can book. I can be flexible to fit around your commitments week to week.
Please only contact me to arrange, or change session time. Any other concerns can be shared at our next meeting.
For emergencies, please call The Samaritans on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
I am based in the heart of Cheadle village and see clients form across greater Manchester and Cheshire
Car park available.
In line with the professional body I belong to, British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I will keep everything we talk about confidential, and only share information with your consent or if you, or someone else, are at risk of harm.
If a young person is assessed as “Gillick Competent” then I will respect their privacy, even if the session is being paid for by a parent. I will share information if required to keep a young person safe, but otherwise a young person is able to access confidential counselling safe in the knowledge that their privacy is respected.
The number of sessions you choose to have can be tailored to you and your needs. Some people may have 6-8 sessions, some more.
You may book your next consultation with me at the end of each session, so you will always have a choice about the journey we are taking together.
I can offer sessions via zoom, which many clients find convenient for them.
Each session is for an hour and costs £70. We ask for payment by BACS in advance. Payment details are on the invoice that will be emailed to you. Any session cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at 50%.