Gillian Bales

My client hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm – Monday to Thursday

Whatever has brought you here, you've taken the first step in deciding to embark on counselling, the next step is to find the right therapist for you.

As a Person-centred practitioner, I hold the belief that we are all the experts on ourselves and therefore have within us the answers we are seeking. Sometimes however, it may be very difficult – especially when struggling with problems and challenging life events – to see a way forward. Whilst sharing worries with friends or family may be a valuable support, talking therapies can offer the necessary time and space to talk things through in a more open way and at a deeper level – helping you to view things differently, enabling you to let go of the past and allowing you to move forward.

The underpinning principles of the Person-centred approach are focused on the counsellor being empathic, open, honest and non-judgmental – whilst allowing the client to lead and set the pace of therapy. I aim to offer these conditions as best as I can during our relationship.

We will work together, focusing on whatever you bring to the sessions in order to help you make sense of your difficulties.

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes in duration and arranged for a mutually agreed regular time. There is no fixed number of  sessions as we work at a pace and direction that suits you – change occurs as the therapeutic relationship develops, so it is worth considering that this may take time. Progress and the need for further sessions is reviewed on a regular basis.

Sessions can be accessed either face-to-face in person, or remotely online (it is up to you to decide what you think you’d feel most comfortable with).

Choosing the right counsellor for you is an important decision. It is essential to find someone with whom you feel you can connect, someone who enables you to feel safe, relaxed and has the skills, understanding and experience to help you gain the most from your sessions.

I offer a free 30 minute initial meeting, where I will explain what you can expect from counselling and you will have the opportunity to tell me a little about yourself; to ask any questions you may have and to experience first hand how it might be for us to work together. At the end of the meeting, if you decide that you’d like to proceed, we would then arrange an assessment session, (where we can discuss your circumstances in greater detail).