So you've made that step to bravely consider counselling and now you're faced with lists of counsellors with different skills and all the jargon to work through... where do you even start? And how do you know who's the right person for you? My name is Emma. I'm 34, and I'm an integrative counsellor. I know I'm young, I know that often potential clients wonder "what does she know?" - the truth is, I've been through a lot in my life, had a lot of counselling myself, and it massively informs my practice. I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed, to feel lost, to feel like a burden to others, and to believe that there's something wrong with you.

My job is to show you that these (often very loud and convincing) narratives, are not the entire picture of you. You are so much more than the difficulties you are facing, but it's hard to see that when you're 'in it'. I know how utterly terrifying it can be to talk about things you don't even like to think about, or have pushed away. I also know what it feels like when you find the right counsellor, and you have a safe space where you can be brave enough to tentatively explore parts of yourself, your life and how you see the world.

I'm qualified in person-centred counselling and am passionate about continued professional development. I'm currently undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, with additional training in trauma, shame, attachment, suicide and self harm, safeguarding and mental health awareness. I have a degree in Psychology and I read, attend conferences and training, watch TED talks and listen to podcasts extensively to continue to develop my knowledge.

I am LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse friendly, influenced not only by psychology and counselling knowledge and theories, but by nature, spirituality and religion, financial wellness, physical wellness and always work with the diversity and complexity of human experience in mind. It's a huge privilege that I might be the person that you trust to share things with, which is why I focus so much on you feeling safe to explore who you are - often by me being as 'me' as I can be, with you. I'm not a counsellor who will just sit session after session and listen, nodding my head and 'hmmm' ing. I'm here to change lives. It sounds big and impressive, but I firmly believe that counselling has that power, in fact, I know it does, because I've done it myself, and I've seen it with my clients.