Susan Hulley

Whilst I am available for face to face supervision, counselling, psychosexual therapy, narrative therapy or psychotherapy, the office is only open from 9-5 weekdays.  However I have more flexibility online and can do some evening appointments.  I have availability in Barnard Castle and Online for all my therapeutic work. My sessions tend to be 50 minutes, though narrative therapy can be longer. I don't usually work weekends.

I see individuals and couples for therapeutic work using approaches drawn from humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural methodologies. That may seem somewhat jargonistic whereas in reality most sessions move across all the above, so they are not rigidly applied.

I also work with clients who wish to explore issues from a more creative perspective using narrative therapy or story telling, sometimes known as transformational writing.  These sessions tend to be a bit longer to process the writing, though writing will also take place at home.

If we are meeting face to face in Barnard Castle, for instance, we will meet in reception and move to a comfortable therapy room. Then we look at what you are hoping to gain from the sessions with the aim of becoming comfortable to talk about the issues which have brought you.  During this conversation we will establish what type of therapy may be most helpful to you. I make brief notes which you can see if you wish to clarify any points.

If we meet online, it is usually via zoom or whats app and would need to take place somewhere that can be confidential and with limited distractions.

The first session will vary a little depending on the type of therapy you are looking for.  My aim is to put you at your ease and answer any questions you might have.

All first sessions will focus on what brings you to therapy and from this we will establish a contract.  This contract will contain contact information as well as include details of confidentiality and boundaries of the work.  If the work is psycho sexual, you will see me make notes as part of an assessment and depending on the issue, I might suggest exercises and blood tests  taken before the next session to ascertain any physiological reasons for difficulties.  Both partners have the opportunity to talk about their experiences in the relationship so we can work out how to move forward in a helpful way.

Payment can be made in cash at the time of the appointment or by bank transfer prior to the session.  Part of the contract will include cancellation terms. Initial sessions are charged at the same rate as following sessions.  There may be some concessions available but this will be discussed during the making of the first appointment.