I offer counselling (short term) and psychotherapy (long term) for individual adults (16+), and also couples, family and relationship therapy. 

 

I'm an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with over 3000 hours of client work, and I'm an Accredited member of the BACP and COSCA,  which means I've demonstrated that my practice meets a higher standard of competent, ethical practice.

 

​WHAT IS RALLENTANDO?

I chose the name Rallentando for my therapy practice because in musical notation it means slowing down. When we've experienced difficult events, our nervous systems can struggle and feel frazzled, meaning it's hard to find our breath and rhythm again.

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I have developed a centre in New Abbey, 15 minutes from Dumfries, from which I offer therapy but also rent space to others whose work aligns with the idea of slowing down, regulating the nervous system, relaxing. This enables a holistic approach to recovery from tough times be offered from one place. The centre website is www.rallentando-newabbey.co.uk if you'd like to take a look.

 

As you come into the village, you come along winding roads, inviting a gentler pace, as I hope you will find in sessions with me. There are beautiful walks locally and a tea room nearby, so opportunity to unwind and reflect after sessions. 

 

Coming for counselling takes guts, and to be able to face the painful and difficult aspects of life with courage and self-compassion is something precious.Letting the tough stuff become part of your growth can be lifechanging.

 

Slowing down, easing up, can really help us be able to reconnect with ourselves, to find our creativity, rythm and spark again.  

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​WHAT ARE THERAPY SESSIONS LIKE?

In therapy sessions, I offer a spacious listening to promote recovery and growth.

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Individual sessions last an hour, and cost £60. Couples/relationship sessions are 1.5 hours.​ and cost £75, a lower rate as a more recent training. I offer two reduced cost spaces where I can. 

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Although in a first session there are things I'm likely to ask you about, generally I'll ask you how you would like to use each session.

 

I trust that you have an understanding of what you need and what is troubling you. I bring to the table some good quality therapy training and experience, and you bring some quality expertise on your own life.

​Together we can explore the roots of what troubles you and its impact on your current thinking and feeling.

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Drawing on your strengths, interests and instinct for life, we work together as a team on your process of recovery and growth. ​If it's something that appeals to you, I can use the latest research in neuroscience, creativity or mindfulness to assist you in your exploration of yourself and to support you in your life going forward.

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In the case of couples/relationship therapy, I offer a space for you to hear each other differently; and to reflect on how you have got to a point where things feel this tough. Together we can work at those hurts that can be too easily unaddressed or swept away but which nonetheless impact your relationship, your view of each other or of yourself.

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WHAT ISSUE DO I WORK WITH?​

Areas I often work with are trauma, shame, self confidence, depression, anxiety, loss and grief, post traumatic growth, relationship with others and with self. 

I am generally happy to work with anyone on any difficulty though there are a few exceptions; Firstly if additional specialised input is needed, Second: if there would be a conflict of interest/dual relationship in my seeing you (which I wouldn't be able to explain to protect confidentiality), and thirdly I am unable to see anyone for individual therapy who I have seen for couples or family therapy., other than in the context of the couples/family work. This is standard practice for all counsellors and in all cases I would recommend someone whose approach would equally be suited to what you are looking for, or who has the additional specialist training needed.