My Unique Approach
The way I work is based on three core elements:
Commitment and Consistency – I have been working as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist for over 26 years – both in the NHS and private practice – and as an Executive Coach for almost 11 years. What I have found over my many years of practice is that commitment and regular, consistent appointments are the key to lasting results for my clients. For that reason, I only work with people who are ready to commit to at least three months of working on their healing or personal development. I offer bespoke programmes of 3, 6 and 12 months duration, with the option to continue at the end on a maintenance programme if needed. These robust and innovative programmes of support include an in-depth assessment, a number of 1:1 sessions and a high level of nurturing features and personalised attention to really support and care for my clients from the moment they start working with me.
Counselling and coaching – these are two different models that employ different processes, depending on the clients’ needs and end goals. Because of my training and experience in both, you get the best elements of both as my client. So no matter what issues may come up during my work with you or your child, I can tailor my support to provide exactly what you need – seamlessly integrating key elements of both models into my unique personal growth programmes – creating a powerful end result. During my many years of working with adults, children and young people, I have developed a host of proven processes and powerful techniques from both models to help bring about deep, lasting transformation.
Conducive conditions – I believe the environment in which we have therapy is crucially important and has a huge bearing on the outcome. We need to feel comfortable and safe in order to explore painful feelings and access our best thinking. Clients able to work with me in person can experience the homely environment and peaceful surroundings of Sunshine Barn, my rural therapy centre. Those too far away to work with me in person can access me via Zoom, a safe online meeting space, from the comfort and privacy of their own home or another safe space of their choice.
Find out more about the specialist programmes I offer for adults or children and young people below:
Getting started
I am very dedicated and focussed on getting the results you want, and I always schedule a free 30 minute ‘Clarity Call’ before accepting a new client. It’s a chance for me to get a sense of you or your child, what your needs are and how I can serve you best, and it’s a chance for you to ask me any questions you may have about working with me.
It isn’t therapy or coaching, just a chat with no obligation to work with me if we don’t feel we are a good match for each other. If that’s the case, I will make recommendations about alternative sources of support you may find more suited to you or your situation.
I do these calls on Mondays between 11am and 3pm. Please book your Clarity Call using my online booking system. This shows my availability and allows you to choose a time that suits you.
Appointments
Once clients are accepted for therapy, appointments for adults can be held either in person at Sunshine Barn in Osmaston, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1LX, or via Zoom – a free online video meeting service which has a very high standard of confidentiality and data security. (There’s no need to download any software or set up an account to use Zoom, just click on the link which will be sent to you when you book a Zoom appointment.)
Please note: Zoom appointments are only available for adults, not for children or young people.
Sessions normally last 50 minutes for adults, and 45 minutes for children and young people. The first session is always a ‘Clarity Consultation’ and this last 90 minutes.
For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.
~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
Booking appointments
At the start of our work together I will send you a link to my online appointment booking system. This shows my availability and allows you to choose a day and time to suit you. It also allows you to change and cancel appointments without the need to contact me in person.
Cancellations
I kindly request 48 hours notice to cancel or re-schedule an appointment. If clients fail to attend a session, or do not give the required notice of cancellation, then this session is forfeited from the overall number of sessions in the programme.
Late Arrivals
Late arrival will deprive you of your allocated time with me. As a courtesy to the client who has booked the next appointment, your session will still end at the original time scheduled.
Payment procedure
Payments are taken at the beginning of our work together. I accept all major cards or you can use Stripe or Paypal (you don’t need an account with either, just your email address and debit/credit card) or you or your employer can transfer funds directly to my bank account, whichever you prefer.
You will be issued with an invoice so if you wish to claim the cost through your own business or private medical insurer you can do so.
The practice of staying present will heal you. Obsessing about how the future will turn out creates anxiety. Replaying broken scenarios from the past causes anger or sadness. Stay here, in the moment.
~ S. McNutt
Where would you like to see me?
For clients able to attend in person, I offer face-to-face consultations at Sunshine Barn, my beautiful therapy centre set in the peaceful Derbyshire countryside just outside Ashbourne.
But I work with clients from all over the UK, and some from abroad, so if you live too far from Derbyshire to visit in person, don’t worry! Sessions can be held via Zoom in the comfort of your home or office (please note: Zoom sessions are only available for Adults at this time).
THE NEXT STEP
Are you ready to find out more about working with me? If you are interested in a high touch, specialist programme then let's have a chat . . .
Potential programme clients are always offered a free 30 minute telephone consultation with me, which can be booked by clicking the button below. It’s called a Clarity Call, and it is a chance for you to tell me more about yourself – or your child – and your situation, and it enables me to get a sense of you, or your child, what your needs are and how I can serve you best. If we feel like a good fit, I can explain more about the programmes I offer and you can ask me any questions you may have.