Online counselling, like face to face counselling, can help with many of the problems that stop us getting on with our lives. These include low self-esteem, depression, sexual abuse, family problems - lots of other things too. We may feel we need help and/or to talk to someone in confidence and this is where counselling can be just what we need.

I often think that trying to sort out your problems alone is like trying to knit with one hand - you get into a terrible tangle. I can 'give you a hand' to unravel the knots, to help you see the pattern and to start moving forward again.

With online counselling you work at your own computer, so it can be particularly useful if you would prefer not to have your counsellor looking at you, if you have difficulty getting to face to face counselling or if you have hearing problems.

Counselling is all about change.  People may come for help because they feel there is something about themselves that is preventing them from living a fulfilling life, or it may be that they are in a situation that is difficult for them to cope with.  You and I will work together to explore your problem and to help you find a way through it.  If we can’t change an external situation we may be able to change the way you respond to it, to make it easier to live with.

Change rarely happens overnight, so a single session is not usually sufficient.  It’s not like writing to an Agony Aunt, where you get an instant answer. It usually takes a number of sessions or email exchanges for the person to receive the help they need. It isn't giving advice either, although that may come into the work. It's about helping you to understand what's happening to you and to see your own way forward  How long this takes depends partly on the person and partly on the problem. We’re all different and may respond very differently to the things that happen to us. I do promise, though, not to try to keep you in counselling longer than is necessary.

Counselling can involve talking about private and painful things.  I understand that this can be difficult, but it helps if you can be as open with me as possible.  Remember, no-one else is going to know what you tell me.

I shall not judge you, no matter what your situation.  I shall do my best to offer you unconditional personal regard and personal respect at all times.  However I am not psychic and I am human, and it is possible that I may say something that you do not like.  If this should happen, please do point it out.  If you don’t tell me, I shan’t know! 

If you'd like to see my Online Counselling Agreement click here.