Everyone CAN benefit from therapy
One in four people struggle with mental health illness. 79% of which have improved mental…
Welcome to my website where you can find out more about me and how I can help you with any difficulties you are facing
The Counselling Relationship is like no other. It provides you with the opportunity to embrace all the parts of you no matter where you are in your life, how confused, challenged or unsure you may be feeling, in an environment that is completely free of judgement. The counselling relationship accepts you unconditionally which enables you to connect more deeply with yourself and feel safe to explore the things that are bothering you.
Counselling is a talking therapy that provides the opportunity for you to talk about anything that is troubling you in a confidential space. Exploring your problems can help you to understand your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Counselling does not provide advice but helps you to develop coping strategies and looking at different perspectives to help you in finding your own way to any solutions that help you live a more manageable life.
If you would like to talk to someone who will listen without judgement, offer you support and help you to understand your thoughts and feelings I am here to provide that safe space. The therapeutic journey can help you to make decisions and choices that bring about change and positive mindset and well-being.
My aim is to empower you to take back control of your own happiness. I believe that every person has the ability and right to live a healthy happy life and will work with you to find inner peace. You will be treated with respect and without judgement, you will be in charge of your own therapeutic journey, I will not tell you what to do but support you in choosing what is best for you.
Working holistically in my practice I will get to know you building a rapport which is essential for therapeutic change. I will look at the full picture of your life, the ways in which you cope with difficulties, how you’ve come to view yourself and what might help in moving forward. Using theory based modalities to ensure you get the very best support that is tailored to suit you and meet your individual needs.
There are many reasons people choose in-person therapy. It might be that you prefer face-to-face interaction, need a quiet space outside your home, or find it more beneficial to connect directly in a shared environment. Our counselling services are designed to provide the support you need in a one-to-one setting, offering a safe and comfortable space to work through your concerns.
In-person therapy is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, at St Albans Rooms, providing a welcoming and private space for your sessions.
One-to-one counselling sessions can be highly effective. Being in the same space as your therapist allows for deeper connection, clear communication, and a better understanding of non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions, which are integral to building trust and addressing your needs accurately.
The therapeutic journey is built on a trusting relationship. Good rapport with your therapist significantly improves the chances of a deeper, more positive outcome. It fosters trust, emotional comfort, and a sense of belonging, making it easier for you to open up and work through your challenges.
I do not provide email or chat counselling because I find it lacks the personal connection that is essential in therapy. Without being able to observe social cues or body language, it’s harder to ensure my responses align with your feelings. In-person therapy ensures these important elements are part of every session.
There’s a number of different reasons people choose to have therapy via video calling, this could be that you have a busy lifestyle, you may not be able to physically get to us, or it’s just more convenient for you to access Counselling in the comfort of your home. You can access our Counselling services regardless of where you are located!
In short yes online counselling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy. There are a few things to check prior to your session to make it more effective, such as checking your internet connection is working with high bandwidth, having sufficient drinks with you and tissues, and replicating the things you would have in the session.
I do not provide email/chat counselling because I feel it is impersonal, I am unable to read social cues, body language or facial expressions which can leave responses provided not fitting accurately with how you may be feeling. Video calling counselling eliminates these issues.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about an upcoming event or uncertain situation. It often involves physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and restlessness. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent feelings can interfere with daily life and may require support or treatment. Managing anxiety can involve self-care, lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication.
Attachment Disorder is a condition that stems from difficulties in forming healthy emotional bonds, often due to early experiences of neglect, trauma, or inconsistent caregiving. This disorder can lead to challenges in building trust and maintaining relationships, as affected individuals may struggle with feelings of insecurity or detachment. Symptoms vary but may include difficulty showing affection, fear of closeness, or withdrawal from social connections. Treatment typically involves therapy to help build healthy attachment patterns and emotional connections.
Anger Management involves learning techniques and strategies to recognise, control, and express anger in a healthy, constructive way. This process helps individuals understand the triggers of their anger and develop coping skills to manage intense emotions without resorting to aggression or harmful behaviours. Techniques often include relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring, and communication skills. Anger management can lead to better relationships, reduced stress, and improved emotional well-being.
Abuse can take many forms, including sexual, emotional, psychological, and physical harm, each profoundly impacting an individual’s well-being and sense of safety.
•Sexual abuse involves unwanted or forced sexual activity, often leaving lasting emotional scars and trust issues.
•Emotional abuse manipulates feelings through verbal attacks, rejection, or isolation, undermining self-worth and confidence.
•Psychological abuse includes tactics that distort reality or instil fear, such as gaslighting, leaving victims confused or anxious.
•Physical abuse inflicts bodily harm or pain and often leaves visible and emotional wounds, affecting both physical and mental health.
Recognising and addressing these forms of abuse through support and intervention is crucial for healing and recovery.
Bullying is aggressive behaviour that involves an imbalance of power, where someone repeatedly harms, intimidates, or manipulates another person. It can take various forms, including physical, verbal, social, or cyberbullying, and often leads to significant emotional and psychological distress for the victim. Bullying can damage self-esteem, create lasting feelings of fear or isolation, and impact mental health. Addressing bullying requires awareness, intervention, and support systems to promote a safe and respectful environment.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behaviours within an intimate relationship, where one partner seeks to control or harm the other. This abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial, often leaving the victim isolated, fearful, and traumatised. Domestic violence impacts not only the direct victim but also family members, particularly children, who may witness or experience secondary trauma. Support services, legal protections, and counselling are essential for those affected to break the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives.
Family issues refer to conflicts, misunderstandings, or challenges that arise within family relationships, often affecting the overall harmony and well-being of its members. These issues can stem from communication breakdowns, financial stress, differing values, or major life changes, such as divorce or loss. Family problems may impact individual mental health, create tension, or lead to emotional distress. Resolving family issues often involves open communication, empathy, and sometimes professional support to restore balance and strengthen relationships.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, or urges that can be disturbing, distressing, or unsettling. These thoughts often seem to appear out of nowhere and may involve fears, worries, or ideas that go against one’s values or desires. While intrusive thoughts are common and usually harmless, they can become overwhelming if they occur frequently or cause anxiety. Learning to manage these thoughts through mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural strategies, or therapy can help reduce their impact and promote mental well-being.
Low self-esteem is characterised by a lack of confidence and a negative view of oneself, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and insecurity. People with low self-esteem may struggle to accept compliments, fear failure, or overly criticise themselves, impacting their personal and professional relationships. This mindset can hinder one’s ability to pursue goals or take risks. Building self-esteem often involves challenging negative self-beliefs, practising self-compassion, and focusing on personal strengths and accomplishments.
Low confidence is a state of lacking belief in one’s abilities, often resulting in hesitation, self-doubt, and avoidance of challenges or new experiences. Individuals with low confidence may feel unsure about their decisions, fear judgment, or struggle to assert themselves in social or professional situations. This can impact personal growth and limit opportunities for success. Boosting confidence involves setting achievable goals, practising self-affirmation, and gradually stepping out of comfort zones to build trust in one’s capabilities.
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, a deeply emotional and often physically painful experience for many. It can result from various medical or genetic factors, though sometimes the cause remains unknown. Miscarriage often brings feelings of grief, sadness, and guilt, affecting both the individual and their partner. Support, understanding, and, when needed, counselling are essential to help cope with the emotional impact and aid in the healing process.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety. Common obsessions may include fears of contamination, harm, or the need for symmetry, while compulsions often involve actions like excessive cleaning, checking, or arranging. OCD can be distressing and time-consuming, interfering with daily life and routines. Treatment usually involves cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), sometimes combined with medication, to help manage symptoms and reduce the impact on daily functioning.
Parenting is the process of raising and nurturing children, guiding their physical, emotional, and social development from infancy through adulthood. It involves teaching values, setting boundaries, and providing support to help children grow into well-adjusted, responsible individuals. Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, as it requires patience, adaptability, and a balance between love and discipline. Effective parenting fosters a strong, healthy bond and creates a foundation for a child’s confidence, resilience, and success in life.
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that provoke overwhelming anxiety, often leading to avoidance behaviour. Common phobias include fears of heights, spiders, enclosed spaces, or flying, but they can extend to virtually anything. Even though those affected often recognise that their fear is excessive, it can still disrupt daily life and limit experiences. Treatment, such as exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy, can help individuals gradually confront and manage their phobias, reducing their impact.
Self-exploration is the process of gaining deeper understanding of one’s own thoughts, emotions, values, and goals. It involves introspection and reflection, allowing individuals to identify their strengths, areas for growth, and true passions. Through practices like journaling, meditation, or therapy, self-exploration helps people make informed life choices and fosters personal growth. This journey of discovery can lead to increased self-awareness, a clearer sense of purpose, and greater fulfilment in life.
Suicidal thoughts involve thinking about or planning self-harm or ending one’s life, often stemming from feelings of hopelessness, intense emotional pain, or a sense of being overwhelmed. These thoughts can arise in response to various factors, such as mental health issues, trauma, isolation, or significant life stress. Experiencing suicidal thoughts is a serious matter, and reaching out for support, whether through friends, family, mental health professionals, or helplines, can provide relief and open pathways to coping and recovery. With proper help, individuals can find hope and rediscover reasons to continue living.
Self-harm is the act of intentionally causing physical pain or injury to oneself, often as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or feelings of numbness. It may involve behaviours like cutting, burning, or hitting oneself, typically done in private and often accompanied by feelings of shame or guilt. While self-harm can bring temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying issues and can lead to further emotional and physical harm. Support from mental health professionals, along with compassionate understanding from loved ones, is essential to help individuals find healthier coping strategies and begin the healing process.
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging or demanding situations, triggering physical, emotional, and mental reactions. It can arise from various sources, such as work pressures, personal relationships, financial concerns, or significant life changes. While short-term stress can be motivating, prolonged or chronic stress can lead to fatigue, irritability, and health problems. Managing stress effectively involves relaxation techniques, regular exercise, time management, and support from friends or professionals to maintain balance and well-being.
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences, such as accidents, abuse, loss, or witnessing violence. Trauma can affect individuals on many levels, potentially leading to symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional numbness. These reactions may persist long after the event, impacting mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. Healing from trauma often involves therapy, support systems, and self-care practices to process the experience, regain a sense of safety, and foster resilience.
Work-related stress is a response to pressures or demands in the workplace that exceed an individual’s ability to cope. It can stem from various factors, such as high workloads, tight deadlines, lack of control, or conflicts with colleagues or supervisors. Persistent work-related stress can lead to burnout, fatigue, decreased productivity, and health issues like anxiety or depression. Managing this stress often involves setting boundaries, practising time management, seeking support, and, if needed, discussing concerns with supervisors to create a healthier work environment.
Take the first step by booking an appointment with Vicky. Simply schedule a time that suits you, and she will guide you through the rest of the process.
During the consultation, Vicky will take the time to understand your concerns and needs. This is where she will assess the situation and discuss the best course of action tailored to you.
Once Vicky has established a plan, the therapy or counselling sessions will begin. These are designed to support and guide you towards a resolution, providing personalised care along the way.
At the end of the process, you’ll experience the positive outcomes from the tailored support. Vicky’s goal is to help you achieve the results you’ve been seeking.
Vicky is a fantastic therapist from our very first meeting I felt comfortable. Vicky helped me to understand my feelings at a very difficult point in my life and managed to help me see a light through a very dark tunnel for that I will be forever grateful again thank you so much ❤
Thanks to Vicky’s compassionate approach, I finally feel like I’m on a path to healing. She helped me understand my feelings in a way I never thought possible.
I was feeling lost, but Vicky provided a safe space to explore my challenges. Her support has been life-changing.
I’m grateful for Vicky’s guidance and patience. Each session brought me closer to a healthier mindset.
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