There are several ways to get started. My contact page has my email address so you could write me an email. My phone number is there for text messages or a phone call. There is also a contact form which will generate an email direct to me with your message.

Alternatively click on the button to book a free intro call with me. This is a gentle, non-committal chat to see if I am right for you. I will ask you what has brought you to counselling and you can ask me any questions you may have. If, after this, you decide to go in another direction this is absolutely fine, it is important that you feel comfortable with whoever you choose as your therapist.

After an initial chat, if you choose to continue I will send you a form to fill out which will ask you about contact details and other questions regarding your situation. After that we will decide on a day and time that suits both of us and I will send a contract for you to sign.

You can reach me by email at charlotte@charlottedagless.co.uk or phone 07503197982.

Another way is via the contact form on the Contact page of this website which generates an email to me. Alternatively you can book an informal chat for free with me using the button in the Introductory Call section on the fees page above.

My counselling style is very warm and receptive. I want you to feel completely at ease in my presence and able to speak about whatever you wish. My nature is to be accepting and to see the good in everyone. I also deeply appreciate that we are all individuals and what feels right for one person may land differently for another. I embrace all facets of the human condition and uphold the utmost in respect for my clients.

Counselling can support you through a wide range of challenges. It can help if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed or experiencing low mood. It’s also beneficial if you’re facing difficulties in relationships whether this is with family, friends or colleagues, or if you’re trying to better understand yourself and your place in the world.

Counselling can help you build self-confidence and self-worth, especially if you tend to undervalue yourself or struggle with self-criticism. It’s also a safe space to explore life transitions, grief, stress, or any ongoing emotional struggles. Even if you’re unsure exactly what’s bothering you, counselling can help you gain clarity, coping strategies, and a sense of balance in your life.

Counselling is a process where we focus on your inner life together. Through our conversations, I support you in gaining clarity about why you think, feel, and behave the way you do. I may help you notice patterns in your life or ask gentle questions that encourage deeper insight and help you see yourself from a fresh perspective. Through this process, you may begin to experience meaningful changes in how you understand yourself and your place in the world.

I will listen carefully to you which will help me to understand who you are and what has shaped your experiences. In the first session, I may ask what has brought you to counselling so we can begin to form a direction for our work together. I might reflect back what I hear so you can hear your own words in another voice, which can help to bring new awareness.

I may also ask open questions that invite you to pause and reflect more deeply on your thoughts and feelings. This can help you develop a greater understanding of the motivations behind your behaviour and the patterns in your life.

Throughout our work together, I aim to treat you with the utmost respect and to recognise your strengths and abilities. I bring a non-judgemental approach and work to build trust through honesty and being genuine. Kindness and warmth are central to how I work, and at times, where appropriate, humour can also help create a comfortable and supportive therapeutic relationship.

It is hard to say how long you might need to be in therapy. It is entirely up to you to decide whether you feel ready to go on with your life without the extra support. Sometimes therapy can be just one stepping stone on your path to meaningful change.

An example might be six weeks in therapy which could give you some relief. You could also gain practical ways of helping yourself in those challenging moments. This would be more cost effective but it would take work on your behalf to ensure desired change is ongoing.

Longer term therapy can lead to a deeper exploration, which increases the likelihood of sustainable change. Through repetition of similar ideas across months or years, you may begin to internalise new perspectives and ways of understanding yourself, allowing these changes to become more natural and lasting.

I am an accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) which means that I uphold a standard of ethics. This includes strict guidelines on maintaining your privacy.

Outside of criminal issues where I would have a legal obligation to report certain information, I would not talk to anyone outside of our sessions about what is discussed between you and me. The only exception would be that I have a supervisor who assesses my work. I may discuss your material but your identity would be kept anonymous and the counsellor/supervisor relationship is also confidential.

Your circumstances might dictate that you find the cost of counselling too much to access and this means that you are not be able to receive valuable support. I would be happy to consider reducing my rate on a case-by-case basis.

I am sorry that you were unable to find an answer in the FAQ’s. If you would like to email me with you enquiry I would be very happy to respond and hopefully set your mind at ease. charlotte@charlottedagless.co.uk