You are not the voice of your inner critic
Never quite good enough. Always braced for getting it wrong. If a harsh inner voice narrates your days, counselling offers something different: a relationship where you are met with genuine warmth — and slowly learn to offer the same to yourself.
Kindness is a skill. It can be learned.
Where the critic comes from
Self-criticism usually starts as protection. Somewhere along the way, being hard on yourself felt safer than being caught out, rejected or disappointing someone. The critic is a part of you that's been working overtime — often for years.
We approach that part with curiosity rather than war. Parts work and compassion-focused approaches help you understand what it's trying to do, and find better ways to feel safe.
The paradox at the heart of change
Carl Rogers put it best: "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." Acceptance isn't giving up — it's the soil change actually grows in.
In our sessions you'll experience being genuinely accepted, without performance or pretence. Over time, many people find that experience starts to live inside them, too.
Especially for the capable ones
Low self-worth often hides behind competence. Many of my clients achieve, care and deliver — while privately feeling like an impostor. You can be impressive and exhausted at the same time. Both deserve attention.
Where and how we'd work
Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £55, with concessions sometimes available. We can meet in person in a peaceful farm setting near Ash in East Kent (between Canterbury and Sandwich, easy to reach from Deal, Dover and Thanet), at Lighthouse43 in Folkestone, or online, wherever you are. It always starts with a free, no-pressure 20-minute call.