Meet Claire
I am a qualified and experienced counsellor with over 7 years experience and over 5 years working within the NHS.
Before retraining as a counsellor, I spent many years working as a commercial lawyer in London. This means I understand high pressure environments and what the personal cost can be of holding things together for too long. My analytical skills developed while working in the legal field bring a helpful approach to my work.
Difficult periods in life don’t have to be faced alone.
Counselling offers a space to pause, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and gradually find your own way forward.
Rather than fighting the current, therapy can help you regain your sense of direction, strength, and balance.
My approach is integrative, drawing on several therapeutic models while being grounded in the humanistic belief that people have an innate capacity for growth when they are met with empathy, understanding and acceptance.
Before retraining as a counsellor, I spent many years working as a commercial lawyer in London. This means I understand high pressure environments and what the personal cost can be of holding things together for too long. My analytical skills developed while working in the legal field bring a helpful approach to my work.
If you’d like to see whether counselling with me feels right for you, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory call.
Qualifications
The Principles Behind My Work
Professional Integrity
I approach every interaction with empathy and respect, honoring your unique experiences without judgment.
Building Your Confidence
I believe you can find your own solutions and build the skills to create healthy, lasting relationships.
Clear Direction
I provide clear, practical guidance to help you identify, communicate, and honor your needs with confidence and clarity.
Mental & Emotional Health
Your mental and emotional health comes first. We focus on understanding your needs and building lasting balance.
Compassionate Support
Compassion guides everything I do, toward you and the parts of yourself that are hardest to face.
Professional Integrity
Clear boundaries, confidentiality, and safety create the trust needed for meaningful work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the first session?
It’s really natural to feel nervous about attending your first session. Many clients feel this way. Understanding what to expect can help:
I will explain how the sessions work, how I work with clients and if you feel ready, you can tell me a bit more about what is troubling you. You go at your own pace and you don’t have to share anymore than feels ok for you. You might also share what you hope to get out of counselling and we can explore how we might work together. You can ask any questions you have about the counselling process. Often just explaining a little about what is going on for you, and being listened to, can help you relax a bit.
How many sessions will I need?
Clients often ask this at the start. The reality is this varies from client to client. I would suggest at least 6 sessions to start, with some clients finding this enough for now and others discovering that they would like to continue into longer term therapy where you explore things on a deeper level. The decision rests with you and you are free to decide what feels right for you
Is it confidential?
Yes what you tell me is confidential apart from a few situations where I may be obliged to disclose things by law and I will explain this to you in person.
I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work in accordance with its ethical framework.
How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?
Finding the right counsellor is important, and a personal choice for everyone. I offer a free 15 minute introductory consultation to help you work out if I am a good fit for you.