Together, we make sense of the hard moments.
My approach is gentle, compassionate and tailored to your needs.
Together, we make sense of the hard moments.
My approach is gentle, compassionate and tailored to your needs.
About Benfleet and Thundersley Counselling
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My Approach
At Benfleet and Thundersley Counselling, I believe that everyone has the ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that mental and emotional well-being are integral to overall health, and that therapy can be a powerful tool for achieving this balance.
Why come to counselling?
The majority of my clients come to me because they feel they've lost direction, question the point to life, are struggling with anxiety or stress and a feeling of general dissatisfaction in life. Having a safe space to talk and a chance to explore difficulties in a non-judgemental environment can make the world of difference. I am caring, supportive and reliable; providing a friendly, calm and accepting space to explore any difficulties you may be having.
What to expect from counselling
In our sessions, you’ll find a calm, safe, supportive space where you’re treated with respect and empathy. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, building insight and resilience while working through whatever is weighing you down.
You don’t have to carry everything alone. I successfully help my clients get in a better headspace and overcome the things that hold them back. During your counselling sessions, you'll be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions. I can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems. Ultimately making you more empowered.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution. I have had training and experience in many varying issues and can help you to-
- cope with a bereavement or relationship breakdown
- cope with redundancy or work-related stress
- explore issues such as sexual identity
- deal with issues preventing you achieving your ambitions
- deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
- deal with feelings of anxiety, helping you worry less about things
- understand yourself and your problems better
- feel more confident
About Me
My training began in 2007, so I've spent 18 years training and working privately. Which I hope reassures you of the care and commitment I have to my clients and this profession.
Alongside my professional training, I bring an understanding of the real-life challenges many families face. As a parent to a child with autism, ADHD, and epilepsy, I have first-hand insight into the complexities of neurodiversity, the pressures on parents and carers, and the emotional impact of navigating education, healthcare, and behavioural needs. This lived experience shapes my work with families, parents, and anyone feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or exhausted by caring responsibilities.
Why I became a counsellor
I have always had a kind and empathic nature, even as a child I paid particular attention to those who seemed unhappy, wanting to help them feel better. Training to be a counsellor felt like a natural step.
I choose to train as a Person-Centred/Humanistic Counsellor because I believe that this approach respects individual uniqueness with the view to support you in finding your own meanings and solutions.
By providing this kind of therapeutic relationship you will eventually have the tools to trust in your inner feelings and experiences.
I have been trained in a variety of other counselling theories which I can integrate into our sessions to best suit your needs. I will always work with your individual needs, with no other agenda than to help you get the most from your sessions.
I also have appropriate supervision and Professional Indemnity Insurance to ensure that my work is both safe and of a high standard. Having trained on a BACP accredited course, I adhere to their ethical framework for good practice.
Training & Experience
- Degree in Person Centred and Humanistic Counselling (2011)
including the use of:
- Existential Therapy
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Cross-Cultural Counselling
- Focusing Psychotherapy Approach
- Gestalt Techniques
- Working with Young People
- CBT Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Transactional Analysis (TA)
- Feminist Counselling
- Pink Therapy
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (2008)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (2007)
- Creative Counselling approaches for young people (2009)
- Certificate in Self Harm (Working with a young person who self harms (2011)
- Working with Depression certificate (October 2014)
- Relationship Psychology Course (March 2016)
- Relationships and infertility 2018
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (2019)
- Supporting male victims of sexual abuse (2020)
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Diploma (2020)
- Anger Management Counselling (level 3, November 2021)
- Understanding Autism (April 2022)
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) (June 2024)
- Positive Psychology Diploma (April 2025)
My original Counselling training continues to be enhanced by Professional Development and Training, which includes a mixture of short courses, conferences, and workshops, covering both Individual and Couple Counselling.
I have additional experience in working as a counsellor within secondary schools, as well as private practice and working voluntarily with those affected by HIV/Aids. I have had a lot of experience working with adults suffering from anxiety and depression.
I am a registered member of the BACP which means you can relax in the knowledge that I am a highly qualified professional therapist who will continually update my skills and knowledge and abide by a strict code of ethics to ensure my work is of the highest standard.
Transport
My practice is easily accessible. If you are travelling by car, there is a private place for you to safely park on my driveway. Alternatively there is free parking right outside . There are also toilet facilities available.
Fees from £40. There is no demand on how often or little you come along. These sessions are for you.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to make a change or simply feel less overwhelmed, I’m here to help. Please reach out to book a consultation or ask any questions — I’d be happy to talk through how counselling could support you.