Kirsty Payne

I offer a range of online, face to face and telephone appointments. Appointment availability and times can be discussed during the initial consultation. 

I would like to use this space to share my personal interpretation of counselling and what I offer, allowing you to decide as to whether I may be the right counsellor for you. If you feel would like to ask some more questions about how I work, before committing to any sessions, I offer a 20 minute chat over zoom or the telephone, free of charge.

For me, most simple explanation of counselling is to provide a safe space to speak and to be heard; a foundation of being able to speak freely and for those words to be heard, held, respected, and explored.

When starting the counselling process, someone is starting that journey of being curious of who they are and why they are the way they are. This journey does not have a finish line, so I do not sit in the counsellor’s chair as an expert or as someone who has completed the work. I sit there as an advocate for the process and true believer in the change that can be achieved.

I hold a certificate in person centre counselling where the belief is the client is the expert in themselves. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has their own answers, and we will work together to find them. I see myself besides you as we move forwards – not out in front leading the way. I do not offer advice or pass judgment on the topic of our work.

I have been working in the field of trauma counselling which has allowed me to develop the ability to experience and hold varying types of presenting issues. I do not allow the story of one’s past or present to discriminate against their right to counselling. Within the trauma work, I am more directive than an average person-centred counsellor – this may look like me asking open questions, offering solutions to help with trauma symptoms and working towards a realistic, achievable goal.

Maybe you know specifically what you would like to work on. Maybe you just need space to offload. I work in a way that will allow us to tailor the counselling experience to the individual. Short-term, long-term, goal focused, taking it week by week. The counselling experience is as unique as the person engaging in it.

I offer a free 20 minute phone/video call initial consultation to discuss the aims of the therapy, answer any questions and ultimately decide if i am the right counsellor for you. 

Should we move forward - the first full session will include a more in depth conversation about what brings you to therapy, how you are currently feeling in your day to day life and what you hope to gain from the process.