Trish Benson

Working together at this time

I am now based in the Long Sutton area of South Holland, Lincolnshire. At present, I offer counselling online via secure Zoom or telephone.

I understand that working remotely may not feel like the right fit for everyone. Although the experience may differ from sitting together in person, online counselling can still provide a private, containing and supportive space in which to explore whatever has brought you to counselling.

I hope to resume face-to-face counselling in the future, although I cannot yet confirm the arrangements or timescale. If you would prefer to work face-to-face, you are very welcome to contact me and register your interest. I would be happy to get in touch when further details become available.

In the meantime, I warmly welcome new enquiries from adults who would like to consider working together online.

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

Appointments are usually available Monday to Thursday, between 8.30 am and 6.30pm.

I try to accommodate individual needs and circumstances wherever possible.

I am a professionally qualified therapeutic counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have been counselling for over 23 years and working privately with clients for 19 of those years, offering both short-term and longer-term therapy.

I work with adults and couples, providing a compassionate space in which you can explore what matters most to you. I aim to understand your experiences without judgement, helping you to make sense of recurring thoughts, feelings and patterns, and to consider new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Through curious conversation and attentive listening, we can explore the beliefs and narratives you have carried with you, including those that may once have helped you to cope but no longer support you in the same way.

I believe that one of the most important questions in counselling is not “What’s wrong with you?” but “What has happened to you?” Understanding your story can often help you find greater relief, clarity and meaning.

I offer a confidential therapeutic space in which you can talk about what is on your mind, including concerns, difficult feelings and experiences you may have been managing—or perhaps understandably avoiding.

Counselling offers time and space for things that may feel too difficult to talk about elsewhere. I aim to create an atmosphere of acceptance in which you can feel genuinely heard and understood.

You set the pace and bring what feels important to you, and together we explore what may be happening beneath the surface. The therapeutic relationship is central to this work. Feeling comfortable and safe with your counsellor is important, so I always welcome questions and open conversations about what your sessions may look like, as well as any hopes or concerns you have about the counselling process.

If, during our time together, it feels as though we are not the right fit, or that the support I offer is not what you need, I will do my best to help you consider other options or signpost you towards a more appropriate service.

Counselling can support you with a wide range of experiences, including emotional overwhelm, anxiety, loss, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and life transitions. We work collaboratively to understand recurring patterns, develop greater awareness and help you find ways of living with greater meaning and authenticity.

Our first meeting begins with a conversation to explore whether counselling might be helpful for you and whether working together feels right for us both.

I aim to offer a warm, supportive and confidential space in which you can share what has been happening in your life, what may be troubling you and what has brought you to counselling at this time.

During our first session, I will do my best to answer any questions you may have about the counselling process, my approach or practical arrangements, including the frequency and cost of sessions. It is important to me that you feel heard and have a clear understanding of what counselling may involve before deciding whether you would like to continue.

Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision and reaching out for the first time can feel daunting. It is worth taking the time to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and able to build a trusting therapeutic relationship.