These terms are often used interchangeably but there are differences between the two. Counselling typically refers to support with a specific concern or difficulty, and tends to be short-term, although this is not always the case. An example of where counselling may be beneficial is dealing with a recent loss or with a relationship concern. Psychotherapy tends to be long-term and focused on deep-rooted difficulties. An example of this may be abuse or trauma.

Therapy sessions are an opportunity to for you to talk about anything you would like to discuss. This could be specific life events - such as bereavement or job change, relationship concerns, uncomfortable emotions - such as anger, sadness, grief, low self-esteem, you may want to discuss your experience with depression or anxiety. You may have experienced upsetting or traumatic experiences, either recent or in the past, counselling and psychotherapy offers a space to explore your emotions and experience in a way that is free from judgement and expectations.

There isn't a set answer for this as everyone's journey in therapy is different. I usually offer a review in session 6/7/8 in order to provide then opportunity to discuss how the sessions are going, to make sure we are on the right track for where you would like to focus and that we are working in line with your aims for therapy.

Each session is 50-55 minutes.

I am trained as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. This means that I draw from different theories and types of therapy to best fit what you'd like to focus on. My main theoretical approach is Person-Centred, which holds the client's unique experience at the heart of the counselling relationship. There is a fundamental belief in this theory that the client is the expert in their own experience and they have a fundamental tendency towards growth and development. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which looks at how thoughts and behaviour are linked; Transpersonal, which takes a soul/spiritual, broader connection to well-being into account; and Gestalt, which views behaviour and thoughts as a whole and looks at patterns of being.

I have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (completed in June 2023) and a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (completed in July 2024), as well as an undergraduate BSc in Psychology and Counselling and a postgraduate MSc in Health Psychology.

Spark Counselling stems from a line in a Paramore song that I love. The full line is "it's just a spark, but it's enough to keep me going. And when it's dark out, no one's around, it keeps glowing". I love the concept of this, it takes one spark of hope, inspiration, joy, peace, whatever it is, for there to be a shift, motivation or change. This reflects how I view counselling, it takes one spark of something for someone to start therapy and make changes in their life.