Welcome
We can all find ourselves at a point in our lives where things feel difficult. Sometimes our problems can grow so that we cannot see a way past them. I can offer you a safe space, free of judgment, to explore the things you are finding hard. Together, we can work to identify things you may want to change, or I can support you to work towards acceptance of things you may not be able to change.
Ruth Allen, Counsellor (MBACP)
If you would like to explore working with me, please get in touch, and we can arrange a free, confidential, 20 minute phone conversation. Here you can tell me about what you are looking for help with, and I can tell you about my approach, to establish whether working with me will be the right thing for you.
About me
I am a fully qualified, integrative counsellor, which means that I draw upon different approaches to counselling to be adaptable in the way that I work with you. I think at its heart, counselling is about two people having a conversation, in which one person is trying to understand the other. If you choose to work with me, I will listen carefully and try to understand the things you are finding difficult in your life. In the process of helping me to understand, it may be that you come to understand some things differently yourself or identify things you would like to think and talk about more. By supporting you in this way to explore your challenges and difficulties I can help you work towards a deeper understanding, a feeling of self-acceptance and a sense of empowerment in your life.
I work with adults and young people from all backgrounds, with issues such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, addiction, OCD, trauma, abuse and relationships. As a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I am committed to meeting their quality standards. I also undertake regular Continuous Professional Development so I am always working to enhance and build on my skills and knowledge. As well as working in private practice, I also work in the charity sector for counselling services in Hampshire and Dorset.
What to expect from therapy
Initially we can have a free, confidential, 20 minute phone conversation where you can tell me a bit about what you are looking for help with, and I can tell you about me as a counsellor to establish whether working with me will be the right thing for you.
If you decide you would like to work with me, in our first session we can talk about the things you are finding it hard to deal with, and look to find a way of working together where you feel supported as you work to understand things.
If we decide to work together I will offer you a regular appointment, at the same time each week. I can offer face-to-face sessions, or we can have our sessions online via Zoom. My fee is £50, and the session lasts for 50 minutes. This booking is reserved for you for the duration of your counselling with me. I can work with you on a short or long-term basis, depending on what you feel is best for you.
Professional Qualifications
Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
CPCAB Level 5 Certificate Working with Young People
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma Therapeutic Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate Counselling Skills
AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate Counselling Skills
Get in touch
If you would like to explore working with me, please book a free, confidential, 20-minute phone call to talk about how we might work together.
Alternatively, please submit this form to contact me via email and I will be in touch.