The First Step Counselling Kent

02/11/2025

I'm excited to announce that I have a new location! A delightful room, right opposite the canal in Hythe. 😊

02/09/2025

On Sunday 7th September at 3pm, there will be a Nationwide Emergency Alert Test. The alert will send a loud siren, message and vibration to mobile phones, even if they're on silent.

If you're a victim-survivor of domestic abuse with a secret or secondary phone, the alert could reveal your hidden device.

🧷 Stay safe by opting out of the alert in your phone's settings:
iPhone: open settings, tap notifications, scroll to the bottom of notifications, toggle off Extreme and Severe Alerts under the heading Emergency Alerts.
Android: Search 'Emergency Alerts' in settings, select Turn off Severe and Emergency Alerts.

I received this from

21/08/2025

🎊To my teenage clients

Good luck with your exam results today!
Whatever the outcome, please remember: your grades don’t define who you are. You’re so much more than a number on a page. And if things don’t go as planned, it’s never too late to try again—at any age, in any way. Life has plenty of paths, and you get to choose yours. You've got this 💪

29/05/2025

Hello everyone, just a quick update on availability. I have one evening space available and also daytime spaces either face to face or via video. 🙂

11/03/2025

🧠Thinking about counselling for yourself or someone else?

I have a few daytime spaces that have become available. Please contact me to arrange your free 30 minute, no obligation, introduction call. I work with adults, young people and children.

17/09/2024

I take Safeguarding very serious and it's that time of year to do a refresher. Although safeguarding certificates do not expire, it's important to refresh the old brain cells at least every couple of years🎓

11/09/2024

❤️

10/09/2024

TW**** SU***DE
Today, is world su***de prevention day.

How to talk to someone who has suicidal thoughts and feelings:
1) Ask open questions. "How have you been feeling?" or "What happened next?" These questions really help people to open up.
2) Give them time. You might feel anxious to hear their answers, but it helps if you let them take all the time they need.
3)Take them seriously. People who talk about su***de do sometimes act on their feelings. It's a myth that they don't.
4)Try not to judge, this isn't about you. You may feel shocked, upset or frightened, but it's important not to blame the person for their feelings or how they're feeling. They may have taken a big step in confiding in you.
5)Don't skirt around the topic. There's still a taboo around su***de. This can make it even harder for people to open up and feel understood. Try asking direst questions like "Are you feeling suicidal, are you having suicidal thoughts?" or "Have you felt like you want to end your life?" This can help them talk about their feelings. If you are worried someone is feeling suicidal, asking them directly won't make them act on it. It can encourage them to be honest about how they're feeling. Many people feel relieved and less isolated when they're asked.
6) Ask them who their protective factors are. These are people and pets etc that mean something to them. For example a dog, cat, children, partner, parents.
7) Look after yourself. Having these conversations can be really hard. So take care of yourself too. It may help to talk about your feelings afterwards, or get support from someone who has gone through the same experience, or talk to a qualified BACP/NCS therapist.
If you are worried someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life:
Stay with them.
Get emergency help by calling 999 or take them to A&E

03/09/2024

For your piece of mind, please check out some of my client's reviews, I feel incredibly privileged to work with the most amazing people.

Send a message to learn more

03/09/2024

Evening slots available!
Tuesday's at 6pm
Friday's at 5pm
Both times available as of now, face to face. Be quick though, as these rarely come up! Great for adults working full time or adolescents after school. 🙂