Hello

I'm Pauline, a fully qualified and experienced counsellor and counselling supervisor.

Having recently relocated to the Skye and Lochalsh area of the West Highlands I am now enjoying living and working in North Skye.

Welcome to my website. I hope you will find some useful information here about counselling in general and online counselling using email and instant messaging.

Counselling online has been in existence for some years now but is growing and developing all the time. As we live in an increasingly technological world and many goods and services are delivered through the Internet, counselling and psychotherapy online offers you more choice and more flexibility as well as complete privacy and confidentiality.

Counselling is often referred to as a talking therapy because it involves talking with someone who does not know you or anything about you. This frees both the client and the counsellor to be open and honest, particularly about feelings. It is often difficult to talk to those nearest to us as they may be affected by what we say, or they may be part of the problem! Counselling is a relationship that is professional, caring and has specific boundaries in place. This creates a safe environment where problems can be explored and emotional growth can take place.

People seek counselling for a variety of reasons including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of direction
• Relationship problems
• Problems at work
• Bereavement

And many more….

My approach to therapy is that we will work together to explore whatever is troubling you and together look at ways to resolve issues and help you to move forward positively in life. I see my role as a therapist as being alongside you, not leading or guiding you, or giving advice.

Online counselling allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings from your own space, in your own time. You do not need to be an expert in computer technology, but you will need Internet access and I would encourage you to use a free Safe-mail account so that our work together is encrypted.

People choose to have counselling online for a variety of reasons:

• You may be unable to commit to regular face to face sessions
  
  
• You might not be able to get away from home due to responsibilities to others; such as caring for children
  
  
• You may have a disability or are not well enough to leave your home to attend appointments
  
  
• You may simply not feel comfortable with seeing someone face to face and online counselling offers you a degree of anonymity
  
  
• Writing can be helpful in allowing you time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings; you will also have time to reflect on my responses as we exchange e-mails.

I have had over ten years experience as a counsellor in the NHS and I am a Registered Independent Counsellor/Psychotherapist. The next page will tell you more about me and my experience as a counsellor but you can also check out my credentials here:

• UK Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists

Remember if you are in immediate crisis seek help straight away www.samaritans.org