Joy White

My Availability & Session Information

I’m pleased to share my current availability and session details.

Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday, with:

First appointment: 9:30am

Last appointment: 5:30pm

Session length: 1 hour

Session fee: £65

I do not work weekends, so appointments are available Tuesday through Friday only.

Please note that I will be unavailable from 22nd to 29th September 2026, and no sessions will be taking place during this period.

If you’d like to arrange an appointment, please get in touch to discuss availability and find a time that works for you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

About My Counselling Practice

Are you looking for a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can explore the challenges you are facing and begin to make meaningful changes in your life? Are you finding it difficult to communicate your feelings to others? Do you have low self esteem which holds you back? Did you experience trauma as a child that hasn't been addressed yet? Are you experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse? Or are you simply looking to improve your life? There are many reasons why we may reach out for counselling but the first step can always be the hardest, but in doing so you will have initiated that change. 

With more than fifteen years’ experience as a counsellor, I have supported people experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties. I have a particular background in trauma-informed work, including domestic and childhood sexual abuse, and am committed to creating an environment where you feel heard, understood, respected and empowered throughout your counselling journey.

My Experience

For over ten years, I worked as a counsellor with Women’s Aid, supporting women affected by domestic abuse, including both physical and emotional abuse, as well as women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. I would also like to add that men too, can be subject to domestic abuse and require support. 

A Personalised Approach to Counselling

When was the last time you felt truly heard? Often these feelings can get 'pushed down' but may be the underlying reasons why you may be feeling how you do right now. I endeavour to provide a safe space for you to 'unpack' and process anything you feel may be getting in the way or preventing you becoming your true self. We are all different, and there is no single 'approach' that works for everyone. Our sessions will therefore be shaped around you, your experiences and what you would like to achieve from counselling.

Have you had counselling before or is this your first time in reaching out?  Often, people can sometimes have a particular idea of what counselling will be like. You may imagine that you will simply sit and talk while someone listens, or perhaps you have concerns about what you will be expected to discuss. I understand that taking the first step can feel daunting, and part of my role is to help you feel comfortable and to challenge some of the common misconceptions about counselling.

My approach prioritises safety, choice and empowerment. I believe it is important that you remain in control of your counselling experience and that we work at a pace that feels right for you. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.

A Safe Space to Be Yourself

My goal is to provide an environment where you can feel comfortable, accepted and free from judgement. Counselling can provide an opportunity to say things that you may not feel able to share elsewhere, and you don't need to worry about being judged or having to say things in a particular way.

I believe that having someone genuinely listen and understand can be incredibly valuable, but counselling can also be about developing new perspectives, building self-awareness and discovering ways to support yourself beyond the therapy room.

Where appropriate, I enjoy sharing useful information, resources and practical ideas with my clients. My hope is that these will complement our sessions and help you continue your personal development between appointments.

Taking the First Step

Deciding to start counselling can feel like a big step. You may have been thinking about it for some time, or  something has happened recently that has made you realise you would like some support.

You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. You don't need to know exactly what you want to talk about, and you don't need to know whether counselling will work for you!

What Happens in the First Session?

During our first session, we will spend some time talking about what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from our work together.

We will discuss your initial goals and what you would like to work towards. These goals are not fixed; and as therapy progresses, we can review and adapt them to reflect your changing needs and priorities.

I will also ask you some questions to help me understand your circumstances and how best to support you. This will include completing a short assessment form and may include questions about your medical history and any significant or traumatic experiences you may have experienced.

You are always encouraged to ask questions too. The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and for you to decide whether counselling feels right for you.

Your Counselling Agreement

As part of beginning counselling, we will go through a client agreement together. This sets out the terms and conditions of our sessions and helps establish clear boundaries and expectations for our work together.

The agreement is signed by both of us so that we are clear about how we will work together from the outset.

Any notes and forms relating to your counselling are stored securely on the 'Kiku' software platform and are password protected, helping to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your information. I governed by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy's Ethical Framework, and also a member of the Information Commissioner’s Office Group Data Protection [number ZA78153] and I strive to maintain the highest standards for client confidentiality and safety.

Flexibility in length of sessions

My fee is a standard £65.00 per session, which includes your first session, and will be for one hour. If you do feel you need a longer session at any point, I also offer 90 minute sessions at £90.00.