Contacting Vita Nova Counselling
Taking the first step
Reaching out for counselling can feel like a significant moment, especially if you have been holding things together for a long time.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected in your relationship, caught in recurring arguments, grieving a loss, or trying to make sense of a life change that has left you feeling unlike yourself. You do not need to explain everything perfectly in your first message. A few lines about what is bringing you here is enough.
A thoughtful beginning
I do not offer free introductory calls. This is intentional.
For many people, especially couples, fifteen minutes is rarely enough time to understand what is really happening. Relationship difficulties, anxiety, grief, infidelity, menopause, trauma, ADHD, ASD and major life transitions often have layers beneath the surface. I believe the work deserves more care than a rushed conversation can usually offer.
The first session gives us proper time to begin. It allows me to listen carefully, notice the patterns that may be shaping your experience, and understand whether working together feels right for you.
If, after the first session, you do not feel that I am the right therapist for you, that is completely okay. The relationship between therapist and client matters, and it is important that you feel able to work with someone in a way that feels right for you. Therapists do not take this personally; finding the right fit is part of the process. There is no pressure to continue if it does not feel 'right'.
Where to find Vita Nova Counselling
I have two clinics where counselling sessions take place in person:
Bristol - The Old Co-op, 38 Chelsea Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AF - a quiet, first-floor space with free parking on Chelsea Road and all adjacent roads, 24 hours a day. What3Words - ///elbow.saying.sport
Easily accessible from Lawrence Hill train station (10 minute walk), Stapleton Road train station (7 minutes walk) or Kilburn Street bus stop (3 minute walk). I am also within easy reach of the M32.
Clevedon - Domus House, 28 Old Street, Clevedon, BS21 6BY - with free parking. What3Words - ///cabin.supper.year
Your individual counselling session will last 50 minutes and a couples counselling session lasts an hour. I see clients Monday to Thursday, with longer days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Individual sessions are 50 minutes; couples sessions are one hour.
Fees are structured to reflect your situation and are on a sliding scale based on income:
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Individual sessions: £60 / £65
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Couples sessions: £80 / £90
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Key worker rate: £45 for individual sessions (NHS, social care, education, emergency services and local government - proof required). Standard fee applies for couples therapy session.
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Private health insurance referrals are subject to separate fee arrangements. Please contact me directly to discuss this further.