psychological therapy services

Welcome.

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step — especially when you’re used to coping on your own. If you’re here, you may already have gone against the grain in some way, and I want you to know that you’re very welcome. I’m glad you’ve found your way here.

Friends and family can be a wonderful source of care, but sometimes it’s easier to talk openly with someone who isn’t personally involved. Because I don’t know the people in your life, I can offer a calm, unbiased space that’s focused entirely on your experience — what’s been happening for you, and how it’s affecting you.

When we work together, we’ll gently explore the links between your past experiences and the difficulties you’re facing now, with particular attention to the relationships that matter most to you. Our relationships shape the way we think, feel, and behave — often without us realising it. Simply pausing to reflect on these patterns can bring new understanding and insight. Many people find this a new and surprisingly helpful experience, as we don’t often stop to notice how we think or act — it’s just what we’ve always done.

Whatever you’re struggling with — anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or something else entirely — we’ll explore it together at your pace. As your understanding of yourself deepens, many people notice improvements not only in their mental health, but also in their confidence and their relationships. Therapy offers you time and space to talk about whatever feels important, without judgement. Alongside warmth and empathy, I will gently and compassionately challenge you when it feels helpful, always with the aim of supporting the changes you’re hoping for.

Some people find that just a few sessions are enough to feel a benefit, while others choose to continue for longer — you are free to decide what feels right for you. Many people prefer to meet in person, but sessions can also take place by phone or video if that feels more manageable or fits better into your life. Remote sessions can be particularly helpful if leaving the house feels difficult, if you have mobility issues, or if you’re caring for a young baby. Please feel free to tell me what you need — I will always do my best to accommodate your preferences.

However we meet, you will have a regular, confidential space that is entirely yours. Each 50-minute session is focused solely on you, without interruptions, giving you the opportunity to begin making sense of what’s behind your difficulties.

If you choose to meet in person, sessions take place in my comfortable and quiet therapy room in Southend’s conservation area (SS1). The space is private and calming, designed to help you feel at ease when exploring difficult thoughts and emotions. There is on-street parking immediately outside, Southend Central station is just a two-minute walk away, and the room is also accessible via the number 17 bus route.

I work with adults, school-aged children, and pre-school aged children alongside their parents. I also offer couples counselling and support with family and parenting issues.

When working with primary school-aged children, I usually see parents and children together, though the structure of sessions varies depending on each family’s needs. As children get older, sessions typically involve less adult input. When working with older children and teenagers, who attends each session may vary over time.

When supporting parents with babies or pre-school-aged children, parents are always present. Depending on a child’s age, I may use a range of approaches including mindfulness and play-based techniques such as drawing, toys, and games.