Christina Kirby

Please get in touch to discuss my availability.

I offer psychodynamic counselling to adults and young adults.

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you are not quite sure what is wrong or where to begin. You may be feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed or stuck. Perhaps something in a relationship is troubling you, you are going through a period of change or loss, or you have started to notice patterns in your life that you would like to understand better.

I work in a warm, thoughtful and curious way. I will listen carefully to what you bring and give you space to talk freely, without feeling that you need to have everything worked out before you come.

My psychodynamic approach means that, alongside what is happening in your life now, we may also think about how earlier experiences and relationships have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to other people and cope with difficult feelings. Sometimes simply beginning to notice these patterns can bring a sense of relief and greater understanding.

I do not see counselling as being about giving advice or telling you what you should do. Instead, I see it as a process we work through together. I may gently notice things, ask questions or make connections that help you look at your experience in a different way.

I know that it can take time to feel comfortable talking openly, so I would not expect you to share more than feels manageable. My hope is that, over time, counselling can help you feel more understood, more connected to yourself and clearer about the choices you want to make in your life.

My approach is psychodynamic, which means that as well as thinking about what is happening in your life now, we may also explore how earlier experiences and relationships have influenced the way you feel about yourself, relate to others and respond to difficult situations.

I believe that understanding these patterns can help make sense of feelings or reactions that may otherwise seem confusing. Sometimes we repeat ways of coping or relating that once helped us but no longer feel helpful. Counselling can give us the time and space to notice these patterns and think about them together.

I work collaboratively and at a pace that feels manageable for you. I will listen carefully to what you bring, but I may also gently ask questions, reflect something back or notice connections that could help you see your experience from a different perspective. There is no expectation that you should know exactly what to talk about, and nothing has to be presented in a particular way.

The relationship between us is an important part of the work. I aim to provide a warm, respectful and thoughtful space where you can be honest about what you are feeling, including things that may be difficult to talk about elsewhere.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Hertford and Stevenage, as well as online sessions. Sessions last 50 minutes and take place weekly at the same time. At the beginning, we will talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like from our work together and any questions you may have about the process.

I am a Registered Member of BACP and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

I offer a free 15-minute telephone call before you book a first session. This is a chance for you to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.

If you decide to go ahead, our first session gives us time to talk more fully about what you would like help with and what you are hoping to get from counselling. I may ask a few questions to help me understand your current situation and background, but there is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable.

We can also talk through how I work, confidentiality and the practical arrangements for sessions