Irene Johnston

Availability

I am available for online counselling sessions via Zoom on the following days:

• Monday: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

• Tuesday: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

• Wednesday: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a suitable appointment within these times.

I work from a person-centred approach, offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and the challenges you may be facing.

My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and respect. I will listen carefully and work alongside you, helping you to feel heard and understood without pressure or expectation. Rather than giving advice or directing you, I aim to support you in finding your own answers and making sense of your experiences in a way that feels right for you.

I have experience working with individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence, as well as those facing challenges related to addiction. I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and in control, particularly when working with sensitive or complex experiences.

I offer online sessions via Zoom, creating a flexible and accessible space for us to work together. I currently have availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 9pm.

Our work together can be short or longer term, depending on your needs, and we will regularly review how the process is working for you. My aim is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable to bring whatever is important to you.

I offer a person-centred counselling approach, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I will work alongside you with empathy, honesty, and respect, supporting you to better understand yourself and your experiences.

I have over four years’ experience in private practice, working with a range of issues including addiction, domestic violence, and sexual violence. Alongside this, I have worked as a counselling service manager within a homeless charity, supporting individuals facing complex challenges such as trauma, instability, and substance misuse. This has given me a deeper understanding of how life experiences, relationships, and environment can impact wellbeing.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs. I do not offer advice or judgement, but instead aim to help you find your own clarity, resilience, and direction. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, so I prioritise building a trusting relationship where you feel safe and in control.

I offer online sessions via Zoom, with availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. We can work together short or long term, reviewing regularly to ensure the process feels helpful and supportive for you

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other in a relaxed and supportive environment. I will invite you to complete a short initial form, which helps me understand a little about you and what has brought you to counselling.

We will spend time talking about what you would like support with, your expectations of therapy, and any goals you may have. There is no pressure to share everything at once—you can go at your own pace.

I will also explain how I work, including confidentiality and the counselling agreement, and you will have the chance to ask any questions. This session is as much about you getting a feel for working with me as it is about beginning to explore what has brought you here.

Many people know that they want to speak with a therapist but are afraid that their 'stuff' might shock or hurt them. PLEASE trust me - I do understand how awful life can be, how cruel some people can be, how we do things to survive that we wish we hadn't. Try me - you will find that I am not going to be shocked or hurt, and that I can listen with understanding and warmth without judgement, for as long as it takes for you to put demons to rest and move on with your life. 

Whatever life is throwing at you, rest assured, I can offer you a warm safe and confidential space for you to explore any thoughts or feelings, where you will feel genuinely listened to in a non judgmental way.

I offer long or short term counselling.  I use a person-centered approach and this means I am client led, the sessions are your sessions, directed by you but I am there to guide and walk a long side you. 

Sometimes our thoughts can be so muddled it can be difficult to make the right decisions, talking through these thoughts can help you process and see things more clearly and come to terms with any problems you maybe struggling with.

I offer online counselling session, providing a flexible and accessible way to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space. Online sessions can help reduce travel time and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule. while maintaining a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. This formal allows you to access consistent therapeutic support , regardless of location, and particularly beneficial for those who may feel more comfortable speaking from home or have mobility constraints.

Sessions are conducted via secure, confidential video platforms, ensuring privacy and maintaining the same person-centred, trauma informed approach I use in my in -person work.

During the initial session, I focus on understanding the client's current challenges and the reasons behind seeking counseling. It's crucial to explore the client's background and their current life situation. I also delve into any past therapy experiences to identify effective strategies. If both parties agree to proceed with therapy, we schedule convenient session times and days for future meetings. 

I currently have availably to take on new clients as have added extra days to my diary.

Currently available:

Wednesdays - Afternoon/Evenings

Fridays -  Afternoons/Evenings

Online appointments by arrangement.

Many people know that they want to speak with a therapist but are afraid that their 'stuff' might shock or hurt them. PLEASE trust me - I do understand how awful life can be, how cruel some people can be, how we do things to survive that we wish we hadn't. Try me - you will find that I am not going to be shocked or hurt, and that I can listen with understanding and warmth without judgement, for as long as it takes for you to put demons to rest and move on with your life.

Whatever life is throwing at you, rest assured, I can offer you a warm safe and confidential space for you to explore any thoughts or feelings, where you will feel genuinely listened to in a non judgmental way.

I offer long or short term counselling. I use a person-centred approach and this means I am client led, the sessions are your sessions, directed by you but I am there to guide and walk a long side you.

Sometimes our thoughts can be so muddled it can be difficult to make the right decisions, talking through these thoughts can help you process and see things more clearly and come to terms with any problems you maybe struggling with.

As a counsellor, I go at your pace, providing a space in which we can get to know one another in a safe and non-judgemental space. 

I have had the privilege of working extensively within Substance Misuse Services, supporting individuals battling addiction and with their families. My experience in Bereavement and as a Cruse Trained professional,  has further enriched my journey in this field. Currently, I proudly serve as the Manager for a Counselling Service at a Homeless Charity, where I also provide direct client support.

Additionally, I offer my expertise as a sessional counsellor for Survivors of sexual violence, contributing to their healing process. My involvement in Criminal Justice as an Appropriate Adult has taught me the impact of decision-making and the potential for positive change. 

During the initial session, I focus on understanding  current challenges for the reasons behind seeking counselling. It's crucial to explore the background in your current life situation. I also delve into any past therapy experiences to identify effective strategies. If both parties agree to proceed with therapy, we schedule convenient session times and days for future meetings. These goals may evolve over time, but we will review progress regularly together and adapt accordingly.