A little about me

Hello, I’m Gemma.

I’m Gemma, a qualified counsellor with training in Transactional Analysis (TA), alongside over 20 years of experience as a yoga teacher and bodywork practitioner.

My counselling work is grounded in the belief that our experiences, relationships and early life patterns can shape how we see ourselves and navigate the world.

I offer a warm, compassionate and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you, at your own pace.

Alongside my counselling training, I have also gained experience working therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma, abuse and sexual abuse. This has deepened my understanding of the importance of safety, trust, boundaries and working at a pace that feels right for each individual.

My approach is informed by Transactional Analysis, which can help us understand recurring patterns, develop greater self-awareness and discover new ways of relating to ourselves and others.

I understand that talking about difficult experiences can feel daunting. You don’t have to arrive knowing exactly what you want to say.

We can start where you are.

A whole-person approach

I believe counselling is a collaborative process.

You are the expert in your own experience. My role is not to tell you what to do or to fix you, but to offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore what is happening for you.

My counselling training is grounded in Humanistic Counselling and Transactional Analysis (TA). TA can help us understand some of the patterns we develop through our early experiences and relationships, and how these can continue to influence the way we think, feel and relate to ourselves and others.

My background in yoga and bodywork has shaped my appreciation of the connection between our physical and emotional experiences.

While counselling focuses on your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences, I also recognise that our emotional wellbeing can influence how we experience our bodies.

This perspective informs my work, while counselling remains a distinct therapeutic space centred on you and what you need.

Trauma, relationships and finding yourself again

Our experiences can shape the way we relate to ourselves, our bodies and other people.

When someone has experienced trauma or abuse, it can affect their sense of safety, trust, boundaries and self-worth. Sometimes the impact can continue long after the original experience.

My experience of working with people affected by trauma and sexual abuse has strengthened my belief in the importance of creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel listened to, respected and in control of what you choose to explore.

Counselling can be a place to begin making sense of your experiences, understand patterns that may have developed as ways of coping, and explore what you might want for yourself now.

The mind–body connection

For more than 20 years, yoga has taught me the importance of slowing down, becoming aware and listening to what is happening within us.

Our emotional experiences can influence how we experience our bodies, while physical changes and challenges can affect our emotional wellbeing.

I bring this awareness into my counselling work whilst Counselling remains a distinct therapeutic space centred on you, your experiences and what you need.

Who I can support

You may be considering counselling because you are experiencing:

• Anxiety, panic or low mood

• The effects of trauma or abuse

• Experiences of sexual abuse

• Difficult or recurring relationship patterns

• Challenges with boundaries

• Low self-esteem or self-acceptance

• Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions

• Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected

• Changes around pregnancy, birth or motherhood

• A significant transition or change in your life

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to work on.

Sometimes there is simply a feeling that something isn’t quite right and a desire to understand yourself better.

Work with me

In-person or online counselling

I offer counselling in person or online via Zoom, depending on what feels most comfortable and accessible for you.

In-person sessions offer the opportunity to meet in a calm, private therapeutic space, while online counselling can provide flexibility and the comfort of being in your own surroundings.

Whichever you choose, the counselling relationship remains the same: a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space where we can work together at your pace.

Session length

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes, giving us dedicated time to focus on what feels important to you.

We would usually meet weekly, as regular sessions can help provide continuity and a sense of safety within the therapeutic relationship. However, we can talk together about what feels appropriate for your circumstances.

First step

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision, and it can be helpful to have a conversation before deciding whether counselling feels right for you.

I offer a free 20-minute phone or Zoom call.

This gives you the opportunity to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and get a sense of how I work.

There is no obligation to continue.

Request a free 20-minute call (contact form)

Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation.

Fees

50-minute sessions are £55.