The feelings you experience in grief are unlike any other. A confusing blend of sadness, anger, relief, numbness, regret, overwhelm, hurt, shock, fear and so on. What do you do with these? Where do you even start? It can be hard to even know where to begin. Often in the immediate aftermath of the death you have to get on with practical aspects such as arranging the funeral, sorting out finances, so you don't have the space to grieve, when that slows it starts to hit you. What now?
About me and my practice
How I work with Grief & Loss
One of the main questions I am asked is 'Is this normal?'. It's hard to know what is normal when life is no longer normal. The world continues but your world has been up-ended.
Grief can bring with it a range of emotions anything from anger, hurt, resentment, numbness, sadness, fear, overwhelm or a sense of hopelessness and despair. All of these are valid emotions and it is important that you get to voice these in order to help you understand the impact grief is having on you.
When you lose someone to suicide the world can seem like an even lonelier place. You find yourself having to deal with the police and coroner and perhaps having to sit through an inquest, something you would never imagine ever having to do. You might be experiencing flashbacks, haunting images, or even feeling suicidal yourself. Stuck in a cycle of never-ending questions with no-one to give you answers. The ultimate question being 'why?'.
Grief can be a trigger for other issues such as anxiety or depression, panic attacks, fear of dying, health anxiety or fear of losing others.
I provide you with an open, supportive environment giving you the opportunity to honestly discuss your thoughts, fears and concerns without fear of being judged or feeling like a burden or upsetting anyone around you. I can help you navigate the difficult emotions associated with loss.
How grief affects you varies with each individual as does how long it can take you to work through it, but it is possible to work through.
Clients I have worked with have been able to find hope, purpose and understanding through their grief as well as finding a way to honour their loved ones in the process. Never forgetting but finding ways of living with the loss and letting go of some of the hurt, pain and guilt along the way.
Experience
I am an Accredited member of the BACP. I qualified as a Counsellor in 2021.
Prior to this I have had a varied career working across a variety of sectors including law, higher education, social care and the finance industry. I have always worked in customer facing roles and love that 1-1 interaction.
I volunteered with Cruse as a Bereavement Support Volunteer offering 1-1 support online and by telephone. I have also worked with the Samaritans as a listening volunteer, supporting people on the helpline and through email.
Client Feedback
Clients have told me that I have a calm, reassuring manner and that I am able to put people at ease quickly. I pride myself on being able to listen, offer empathy, acceptance and treat people with compassion and kindness. I am adaptable and always try to be flexible to accommodate clients' needs.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Post Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Relationship Studies
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Online & Telephone Counselling (80 hour CPD)
Level 3 Counselling Skills Certificate
Level 2 Counselling Introduction
Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm Awareness & Suicide Prevention
Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
Cruse Bereavement Foundation Training (Adults)
Please note I am not trained to work with children and young people or to undertake couples therapy.
Additional Information
I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to answer any questions you may have and to help you decide if I am the right counsellor for you.
Professional Membership
Accredited Member MBACP
Professional Register
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Verified by Counsellingo on Thursday, 31 October 2024
Initial Consultation
What happens in a session?
Our first session will be an assessment where I will ask you to provide some background information, history and an idea of what you would like to work through in sessions. If you have any particular goals I will note these and always work with them in mind.
I can offer short-term or open-ended sessions depending on your requirements and the issues you wish to explore. I will be transparent throughout, explaining how I work, what to expect and answering any questions you have about the process.
I work online or by telephone, it is up to you which one suits you best. If you are unsure just ask.
Sessions will vary and I tailor my approach to each individual client. You might want an open forum to talk or you might be seeking a technique, tool or coping strategy. I offer both. I will build regular reviews into our work to ensure things are progressing as you would expect.
Fees
£60 per session.
When I Work
Evening appointments available. I can also offer early morning appointments.
I can accommodate fortnightly appointments provided you are able to be flexible with days/times.
Therapeutic Approach
Humanistic, Integrative
Video Platforms
Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp
Pronouns
She/Her
Area
West Yorkshire