You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

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Many people seek counselling because they're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, grieving, struggling in relationships, or simply because life feels harder than it used to.

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If something has been weighing on you and you would value a safe, confidential space to explore it, counselling may be helpful.

It's completely normal to experience strong emotions during counselling.

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There is no expectation to "hold it together" or say everything perfectly.

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If you become upset, we'll simply slow down and work at a pace that feels safe for you. You remain in control of what you choose to share, and we'll work together to ensure you feel supported throughout the session.

There is no fixed number.

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Some people attend counselling for a small number of sessions around a particular issue, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns or ongoing difficulties.

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We'll review our work together regularly and decide collaboratively what feels most helpful.

I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional difficulties and life challenges, including:

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• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Low self-esteem

• Shame

• Life transitions

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If you're unsure whether counselling is appropriate for your situation, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss it.

Yes.

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I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

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I hold a:

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• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Therapeutic Communication

• Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling & Professional Practice

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As a BACP Registered Counsellor, I am committed to maintaining high professional standards through ongoing professional development (CPD), regular clinical supervision, and ethical practice.

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You can learn more about the BACP and its Ethical Framework at: 

https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/3103/bacp-ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018.pdf

Yes.

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Alongside face-to-face counselling in Magherafelt, I also provide secure online counselling for clients across Northern Ireland.

At present, I provide counselling for adults (18+) only.

Yes.

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As part of professional practice, I keep brief, secure notes following each session.

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These are stored confidentially in accordance with GDPR requirements and the BACP Ethical Framework.

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Details regarding GDPR are available on request and within the Client Working Agreement.

The easiest way is to complete the contact form on this website or contact me by phone or email.

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I'll aim to respond as soon as possible and arrange an initial appointment if I have availability.

The first session is simply an opportunity for us to meet.

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We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you're hoping for, and any questions you may have about the process.

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There is no pressure to tell your whole story. We work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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The first session is simply an opportunity for us to meet.​

Most clients attend weekly, particularly at the beginning of counselling, as this helps build momentum and continuity.

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However, we'll discuss what feels appropriate for your circumstances.

Generally, no.

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Rather than offering advice or telling you how to live your life, my role is to help you better understand yourself, your experiences and the choices available to you.

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I believe lasting change is more likely when the answers come from your own understanding rather than someone else's opinions.

Yes.

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Everything discussed during counselling is treated as confidential.

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There are, however, some legal and ethical situations where confidentiality may need to be broken—for example, where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person, concerns relating to safeguarding, or where disclosure is required by law.

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Wherever possible, I would discuss this with you before sharing any information.

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Full details are provided within the Client Working Agreement before counselling begins.

Yes.

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Regular clinical supervision is an essential part of ethical counselling practice and is a requirement of the BACP Ethical Framework.

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Supervision provides a confidential professional space to reflect on my work, helping to ensure that I practise safely, ethically and in the best interests of my clients. Client confidentiality is always maintained, and identifying information is not shared.

My counselling practice is based in Magherafelt, serving clients throughout the Mid Ulster area.

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Online appointments are also available.

No.

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Sessions are never audio or video recorded without your explicit written consent, and my routine practice is not to record counselling sessions.

If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, I ask for at least 24 hours' notice.

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Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, are normally charged at the full session fee unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Finding the right counsellor is an important part of the process.

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Every counsellor works differently, and it's important that you feel comfortable with the person you choose to work with.

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Our first appointment is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another, explore what has brought you to counselling, and consider whether we feel we're a good fit to work together. If I don't believe I'm the right person to support you, I'll discuss this honestly with you and, where appropriate, help you consider other options.