The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
– C.G. Jung
Counselling and Psychotherapy - What to Expect
I offer both counselling and psychotherapy sessions, and you may be wondering what the differences are between the two.
Counselling is generally for shorter term issues or problems that have arisen recently, such as a job loss or bereavement. Counselling may require fewer sessions than psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is for more long-standing issues or issues that have arisen recently but stem from repressed feelings, adverse childhood experiences or difficulties in your past.
In practice, the two very often overlap. Counselling may lead on to psychotherapy. As you begin to talk and explore your feelings you may realise there is a lot more to unravel.
During our weekly sessions I will be there to support, encourage and gently challenge you with warmth, empathy and respect for your journey.
My aim is to work with you for as long as is useful and we will regularly review how the sessions are going.
Endings are really important and we would plan for this together. I will always respect your thoughts on ending whilst keeping your best interests in mind.
“The client knows what hurts, which direction to go, what problems are crucial and what experiences have been deeply buried.”
— Carl Rogers
My approach
My training was in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and I was taught many different ways of working, including person centred, sand tray therapy, transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, art, music and drama therapy.
I was mainly drawn to person-centred therapy, which means we work together as equals to explore whatever is on your mind, past, present or future. I will also incorporate the other approaches I’ve mentioned, where appropriate.
You may feel that talking is the most useful way to express your feelings, or you may wish to work more creatively, which you are welcome to do.
I will always do my best to offer a calm, safe and containing space in which we can explore overwhelming or problematic feelings together.
Sessions will ideally be weekly and it’s important to attend consistently in order to build up the therapeutic relationship and sense of containment.
It’s normal to feel anxious before starting therapy sessions but we will always work at a pace that feels right for you. I am here to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard and fully understood.
Do keep an eye on my blog for more information about how I work.
To find out more about sessions, fees and confidentiality please go to the Useful Information page, or get in touch with me and I can answer your questions.
What people say…
“I immediately felt comfortable with Charlotte at our first session & have found her very supportive whilst dealing with my anxiety issues. Charlotte is very patient and knows how to interpret the things that arise from our sessions. I feel more positive since seeing Charlotte and I am better equipped to identify & deal with the times when I am struggling. Taking the step to go and see Charlotte was definitely a good one”
“It is testament to the support and assistance I have had from you in the years preceding that I am in such good emotional shape as the space you held for me over that time gave me an invaluable resource whereby I could work through the grief and guilt over the circumstances of my Mother's passing as well as clear a way forward for me to bring to an end an extremely toxic relationship and process the emotional fallout. You have my deepest gratitude.”
“Since my first session with Charlotte I have felt comfortable and heard, as an individual. She has helped me talk though things I haven't ever been able to. I would recommend her to anyone seeking help in this field.”
“I would like to say a huge thank you for continuing to show me so much empathy, compassion, self-awareness, kindness and love. I no longer feel as though I'm drowning out at sea but far more able to ride the waves of life. Thank you for helping me heal and realise I have value and worth in the world.”
“When I saw Charlotte for an initial assessment session I felt very quickly that she would be supportive and understanding and I didn't hesitate to start weekly sessions with her. Charlotte was very kind and patient with me as I got used to the idea of talking about myself in our sessions, which I initially found difficult.
I found Charlotte to be very good at drawing out key themes from my life experiences that were perhaps giving rise to my feelings of sadness and negativity. She suggested a number of ways of working that we could use to further my understanding and acceptance of things that had happened to me and this has brought me a great deal of comfort.
Other positive outcomes of working with Charlotte over several months include a more positive and relaxed relationship with my daughter, who is much happier herself now, vastly improved relationships with my parents, reduced self-criticism and negative thoughts and the resolution of the feelings of grief and loss relating to the death of my sibling. I would recommend Charlotte unreservedly to anyone seeking therapy or counselling.”
Issues and difficult feelings you may be dealing with:
Adverse childhood experiences
Trauma
Sexual, emotional or physical abuse
Feeling lost, stuck or generally unhappy with where you are in your life
Difficulty in maintaining relationships
Anxiety
Shame
Depression
Self harm or suicidal thoughts
Bereavement and loss
Neurodivergence
Emotions can be overwhelming and difficult to manage, manifesting themselves in many ways that cannot all be listed here.
Therapy can help with a wide range of issues so please do get in touch to find out more about how we can work together.
