Welcome
As an experienced qualified Counsellor I offer a welcoming, confidential and safe environment where you are free to talk openly and honestly about your situation without fear of being judged. I have significant experience of dealing with bereavement, anxiety, depression, life changing events and women's issues such as the menopause. I also specialise in Domestic Violence/Abuse and have a trauma led approach.
If you are feeling anxious about asking for help or wondering if counselling would be a help, this is quite normal. Once I have heard from you we can arrange a free chat via telephone or zoom to establish if we can work together and if I am the best person to be able to support you. There are no obligations.
After that if you feel happy to book an initial session we can arrange either a face to face, online or telephone session whichever suits you.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and work to their ethical framework.
After that if you feel happy to book an initial session we can arrange either a face to face, online or telephone session whichever suits you.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and work to their ethical framework.
My Aim
As your Counsellor, I will listen and help you to gain a better understanding of your present situation. When emotions run high, thoughts and feelings often seem confusing and overwhelming and to try to manage them may seem almost impossible . Often for a while anyway they can be ignored and pushed to the back of the mind but thoughts and feelings have a habit of bouncing back unexpectedly creating a situation that is seems too difficult to deal with appropriately. Anxiety, depression and stress or other complex mental health difficulties may occur and this may prevent you from leading the life that you want for yourself. This is where counselling can help.People are unique, so as your counsellor, I will draw on reputable theories effectively in order to tailor my approach to suit your needs. Our therapeutic relationship will be vital to the process of the work, so to help with that I hope to create a sense of safety, a trusting and calm space, understanding and free of prejudices or judgement. This environment will help you to feel you can explore what is going on for you, look at the struggles and challenges you are experiencing now, understand your past, with a view to helping you find the best ways forward at a pace to match and respect your needs. To learn more about how I work click here .
"I learnt about my choices and how to be stronger enough to make the right one for me."*
"You have been very patient with me and really understand my struggles thank you Ruth "
Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or ethnic origin, you are welcome into my service.
All genders can find therapy very helpful and positive as sometimes friends and relatives are too close to help with your struggles and challenges. You may feel they will not listen to you or understand you, you may feel they will judge you and this might spoil the relationship.
All genders can find therapy very helpful and positive as sometimes friends and relatives are too close to help with your struggles and challenges. You may feel they will not listen to you or understand you, you may feel they will judge you and this might spoil the relationship.
Examples of what kind of challenges I can help you with
Counselling for Domestic Abuse/Violence
I have a deep understanding the enormous impact of living in an abusive/violent relationship, when staying seems the only option, as leaving seems almost impossible. An abusive relationship is where any person exerts power and control over another person. This abuse does not have to include violence as power and control can be exerted via a range of behaviours, some extremely subtle that outsiders may not even see and certainly might not recognise. The detrimental effect on the victim can be horrendous, ongoing and long lasting, even once they are out of the relationship. Post separation abuse is so common and where there are children involved, the use of abuse is not the exception but it is almost a routine.I will never tell you or advise you to leave your relationship nor will I tell you to stay. Together we can look at what is going on for you, try to understand the dynamics of your relationship and then explore your choices even when your situation feels overwhelming. My hope is I can work alongside you to enable you to feel more in control of your life, whatever that may look like for you. If you do decide to leave (and only if you decide) we can look at safety planning. Remember the most dangerous time is when a victim leaves the relationship and that leaving the relationship does not mean the abuse ends. For more about my domestic violence and abuse trauma led counselling practise in Bromley, Beckenham and the south east of London please click here .
" When I left the relationship I felt alone, depressed and very anxious. You were there, alongside me and helped me understand what had happened to me. Your support during the family court system was excellent. Therapy has been difficult for me but not nearly as difficult as living in the abusive relationship. Thank you for your understanding, your kindness and support. "*
"I cant believe I did not see the manipulation, thank you for helping me to understand what domestic abuse really is."*
Working through the Coronavirus situation
I am offering face to face session following covid safe guidelines but I am also still offering Zoom, Whatsapp, Facetime and telephone session. My private practise is situated within easy walking distance of central Bromley so accessible from all of the Borough including Hayes, Shortlands, West Wickham, Beckenham, Orpington and most of South East London.I offer both short and long term counselling depending on your needs. For some clients, 6 sessions or less may be sufficient and for other clients an open ended therapy is more appropriate. Either way we can agree to a number of sessions initially and then review this on a regular basis to make sure your needs are being met; your views around this matter are vital and you can end therapy at anytime you want too.
Please contact me by phone on 07715 933 824 click here to email me if you would like an informal chat, have any questions about my service or to arrange an initial session.
I am sorry if I am unavailable to take your call but please do leave a message with your details and if it is safe for me to get back to you then I will return your call as soon as possible. If you can only be contacted at certain times please let me know that I will only return the call during those time. For safety reasons I do not ring back numbers unless you have left a message. Thank you
Fee: £50 for a 50 minute session. click here for further information (concessions for students)
Whether you live in Bromley, Beckenham, Hayes, Shortlands, West Wickham, Petts Wood, Orpington, South East London or other surrounding areas, this accessible, flexible and affordable counselling service is available for you.
*Quote taken from the client and with their permission."
I am sorry if I am unavailable to take your call but please do leave a message with your details and if it is safe for me to get back to you then I will return your call as soon as possible. If you can only be contacted at certain times please let me know that I will only return the call during those time. For safety reasons I do not ring back numbers unless you have left a message. Thank you
Fee: £50 for a 50 minute session. click here for further information (concessions for students)
Whether you live in Bromley, Beckenham, Hayes, Shortlands, West Wickham, Petts Wood, Orpington, South East London or other surrounding areas, this accessible, flexible and affordable counselling service is available for you.
*Quote taken from the client and with their permission."
