Every journey begins with a single step
Providing dedicated, expert support and counselling to help you move through difficult times with confidence.
Welcome.
Taking the first step toward counselling can feel daunting, but you do not have to navigate life's challenges alone.
Whether you are seeking clarity, processing a major life transition or looking for a safe space to understand your unique way of experiencing the world, I am here to offer expert, compassionate support. My approach is completely collaborative, tailored entirely to your individual needs so that you always feel heard, respected and valued. Together, we can explore what you are experiencing and work toward finding your way forward.
A compassionate and dedicated counsellor, I am committed to supporting the emotional well-being and growth of my clients.
I work face to face in Helensburgh, online, by phone and outdoors.
Find out more about me, Paola, my qualifications, my approach and my experience here or feel free to get in touch.
How can I help you?
Stress and anxiety are common experiences, and they can show up as feeling constantly on edge, worrying a lot, or finding hard to sleep and relax. Over time these feelings can begin to affect your mood, leading to feelings of low motivation, sadness, or even depression, everyone’s minds work differently, which is why it is very important to remember to be kind to ourselves.
People with ADHD and neurodiversity experience the world in a different way, a way that is unique, it can have both strengths and challenges, such as difficulty concentrating or managing emotions, but also creativity and a different way of thinking. Fostering a sense of well-being and nurturing ourselves can lead to greater resilience in hard times.
Experiences of loss, whether through bereavement, relationship changes, or life transitions can intensify these emotional struggles, and may bring up grief, confusion, loneliness and even anger. Which is why it is important to take time to process and take care of our emotional wellbeing.
For those in the LGBTQIA+ community, additional pressures such as identity acceptance, discrimination, or lack of support can further impact mental health. In these situations, being heard, supported and understood that your feelings are valid can be a crucial way towards healing.
What is counselling and how can it help me?
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgement. It can help you understand yourself better and develop healthier ways of coping with challenges such as stress, anxiety, low mood, loss, or life transitions.
Some more FAQs:
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Yes. Everything you share in counselling is treated with strict confidentiality. The only exceptions are if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. This will be explained to you clearly at the beginning of counselling sessions so you feel safe and informed.
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Sessions typically last 50 minutes, this provides enough time to explore your thoughts and feelings at a comfortable pace.
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This varies from person to person. Some people find it a few sessions helpful for a specific issue, while others benefit from longer periods of time support. We will review regularly though and work together at a pace that suit you.
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The first session is an opportunity to get to know each other. You can talk about what brought you to counselling, and decide if it is the right fit for you. There is no pressure to share everything straight away.
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I work face to face in Helensburgh Argyll & Bute, online by video call (Teams), phone and outdoors.
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I use a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours, Gestalt Therapy to build awareness of the present moment, Existential therapy to explore meaning and values and psychodynamic approaches to understand how past experiences may influence current feelings. Even though I am a person-centred counsellor, I use all these mentioned ‘tools’ to allow me support you depending on your specific needs.
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No. you don’t need to have a diagnosis. People come to counselling for many different reasons, including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, neurodiversity, loss, relationship issues, or simply wanting to understand themselves better.
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Yes. Counselling can be adapted to suit different ways of thinking, processing, and communicating. Sessions will be tailored to support your strengths as well as any challenges you may experience.
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Absolutely. Counselling is an inclusive, respectful, and affirming space where you can explore your identity and experiences in a safe manner, without judgement.
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Each 50 minute session is £50.
I also offer a concessionary rate of £40 for 50 minutes for students and OAPs.
Ready to take the first step?
If you are ready to take the first step towards positive change, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you achieve your therapeutic goals.
I offer concession rates for OAP’s, trainee counsellors and students. If you want more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.