Trish Benson

I offer a free 10- 15-minute initial telephone consultation so we can decide together if I may be able to help.

Appointments are usually Mon - Thursday between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm

I try to accommodate individual needs and circumstances where possible.

I'm a professional, qualified therapeutic counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I've been counselling for 23 years and working privately with clients for 18 of those years, offering both short-term and longer-term therapy. 

I work with adults and couples, providing a compassionate space where you can explore what matters most to you. I am to understand your experience, not judge this, helping you to slow down unhelpful patterns, make sense of recurring thoughts and feelings, and find new ways of relating to yourself and others. Through curious conversation and attentive listening, we explore beliefs and narratives you've held, including ones that might have once helped but no longer serve.

I believe one of the most important questions in counselling isn't "what's wrong?", but what has happened to you, because understanding your story often helps you find relief, clarity and meaning.

At this time, I'm offering primarily remote appointments via Telephone, Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp. I am mindful that remote work may feel different from in-person sessions, but it can still be possible to offer a private, supportive therapeutic space. If you prefer face-to-face work, I keep a waiting list and will be opening in - person sessions again once my therapy room is in place after a pending move which I hope will be completed in the spring of 2026. 

My practice provides a confidential space just for you to talk about what's on your mind, your concerns, discomforts, and experiences you've been managing or perhaps understandably avoiding.

Counselling offers time and space for things that might feel too difficult to talk about elsewhere.

I aim to create an atmosphere of acceptance so you can feel genuinely heard. You set the pace and focus, bringing what feels important, and we explore this together.

The therapeutic relationship is central. Feeling comfortable and safe is essential, so I always welcome questions and open discussion about what your sessions may look like, as well as your hopes or concerns about the process.

If, during our time together, it feels like we are not a tight fit or the support isn't what you feel you need, I'll do my best to help you find alternative options or help find other services. 

Counselling can help you with a wide range of issues, including emotional overwhelm, anxiety, loss, depression, relationship struggles, self-esteem issues and life transitions. We work together collaboratively to understand patterns to increase awareness and support you in finding ways to live more meaningfully and authentically 

Our first meeting generally begins with a conversation to explore whether counselling might be helpful for you and whether we feel comfortable working together. I aim to offer a warm, supportive, and confidential discussion where you can share what's been happening in your life, what's troubling you and what has brought you to counselling at this time.

In these first sessions, I'll do my best to answer any questions you have about the counselling process, my approach, or practical arrangements, such as the frequency of sessions and fees. It's important to me that you feel heard and that you have clarity about what counselling involves before deciding to continue, should you wish to do so, after our first meeting.

Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision and can feel daunting, especially when reaching out for the first time, but it's worth taking the time to connect with someone you feel you can build trust with.