The First Step Counselling
The First Step Counselling services, supporting your mental health through talking therapy.
The First Step Counselling
The First Step Counselling services, supporting your mental health through talking therapy.
About The First Step Counselling
The Therapeutic Relationship
To me, the core of counselling is the therapeutic relationship. Clients and potential clients, require a safe, supportive space to express their authentic selves, and share thoughts they've never voiced before.
For this, absolute trust in the therapist is crucial- a judgement free zone where they can speak freely, away from scrutiny and outside opinions. My goal is for this professional relationship to evolve into such a space over time. This relies on the counsellor's empathy, authenticity, reliability, and unconditional positive regard.
Talking therapy can truly make a difference, and it might just be the right path for you.
Our Mission
At The First Step Counselling, our mission is to deliver compassionate and professional counselling services. We believe in empowering individuals, providing them with the tools and support needed to navigate life's challenges, and ultimately achieve a state of emotional well-being. I counsel adults, young people and children.
With over 23 years of experience working in education, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and pressures that individuals face in their daily lives. These experiences, coupled with my own personal journey through life's ups and downs, have given me a deep understanding of resilience and the strength needed to overcome adversity.
Born and raised in Folkestone, I have lived here all of my life and feel an immense sense of pride in how our little town is developing and growing.
As a mother to three children and a stepmother to one, I bring a unique perspective and empathy to my work, recognising the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of nurturing support.
My advocacy and passion for supporting adolescents stem from a profound awareness of the constant demands they encounter, whether in education, social relationships, or personal growth. This drives my commitment to creating a space where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their challenges with confidence.
My promise to you.
I'm here to support you every step of the way in your counselling journey. Together, we'll work through your struggles, find healing from your pain, and guide you towards the life you aspire to lead.
How do I work?
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
As an intregrative counsellor, I tailor my approach to each unique individual. Believing that one method doesn't fit all, I draw from various theories like person-centred therapy, transactional analysis, solution-focused therapy cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Person Centred Approach
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
Person-centred counselling, founded by Carl Rogers in the 1940's, believes in each person's potential for self-actualisation. Counsellors provide unconditional positive regard, congruence, and empathetic understanding, encouraging clients to guide their own sessions, and explore their own unique challenges.
Ethical bodies and confidentiality
What is an integrative counsellor and what do they do?
Ethical bodies and confidentiality
I belong to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), an organisation dedicated to promoting and regulating standards within the counselling profession.
Being on the BACP register means I've met the essential standards of training, supervision, continuous professional development and ethical practice. This ensures clients receive competent and ethical support. Plus, I adhere to the BACP's confidentiality framework for all client interactions.