Taking the First Step: My Journey as a Counsellor & How Therapy Can Help You

The Courage to Begin

Starting therapy is a big step. It’s one that many people hesitate to take, not because they don’t need support, but because the unknown can feel overwhelming. What will it be like? Will it actually help? Can I really open up to someone? These are all questions I hear often.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own journey into counselling, it’s that transformation begins the moment we allow ourselves to be heard. That’s what I strive to offer, a space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without fear, judgment, or pressure.

Why I Chose Counselling

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t linear. It wasn’t something I always knew I wanted to do. Instead, it was shaped by life experiences, the people I met, and the realisation that mental health support is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

From working with young people navigating identity and anxiety, to supporting students through overwhelming academic pressures, I saw firsthand how powerful therapy can be. In my work at The What? Centre, Wolverhampton LGBT+, and Birmingham and Solihull NHS Foundation Trust, I met individuals at some of their most vulnerable moments. Each session reinforced what I already knew, people don’t need to have all the answers, they just need someone who will listen.

Balancing It All…Just Like You

Outside of my private practice, I juggle multiple roles. I work as an Academy Counsellor & Pastoral Support Manager at BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy, providing students with mental health support during one of the most pivotal times of their lives. I also dedicate time to my own professional development, because therapy, just like life is a constant process of learning and growth.

And, like many of my clients, I understand the struggle of balancing responsibilities. Whether it’s family, work, personal goals, or mental well-being, there’s always something demanding our attention. Often, the last thing we prioritise is ourselves.

That’s why I emphasise self-compassion and balance in my sessions. You don’t have to "have it all together" to deserve support. You just need to take the first step.

What I Offer as an Integrative Counsellor

I take an integrative approach to therapy, blending Person-Centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis (TA), and Gestalt techniques to suit each client’s needs. Every person is different, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to healing.

I work with individuals facing:
✔️ Anxiety & overthinking – Helping you break the cycle of constant worry.
✔️ Low self-esteem & self-doubt – Learning to embrace self-worth and confidence.
✔️ Burnout & stress – Finding balance in a world that never slows down.
✔️ Relationship challenges – Understanding patterns and improving communication.
✔️ Identity & LGBTQ+ issues – Providing a safe space for exploration and self-acceptance.

I offer remote therapy, ensuring that support is accessible no matter where you are.

You Are Not Alone

If you’re reading this and wondering whether therapy is for you, I want you to know this: you are not alone. The fear of taking that first step is normal. Change is scary, but so is staying stuck in a place that doesn’t feel right.

My role as a counsellor is not to “fix” you, because you are not broken. My role is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strength, your resilience, and your ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Let’s Talk

If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to listen. Visit my website www.integrativecounsellingbirmingham.co.uk to learn more or book a session.

Because your mental health matters. And you deserve the space to heal. 💙