Relating to…

…each other is where it all begins. The way you and I relate in our sessions can reflect how you connect with others in your life. It gives us a chance to notice patterns and gently experiment with new ways of being, in a space that’s safe and supportive. When you feel truly seen and understood, it becomes easier to explore, reflect, and grow.

…yourself

Therapy is also about learning to relate to yourself with curiosity and kindness. Many of us are harsher with ourselves than we’d ever be with someone we care about. By noticing and exploring those inner voices, you can discover a more compassionate way of being with yourself.

…others

Our relationships with friends, partners, family, and colleagues shape so much of how we feel day to day. Understanding the patterns you repeat, and where they come from, can help you build healthier connections, set clearer boundaries, and feel more confident in expressing your needs.

…the world

Sometimes life feels overwhelming or directionless, especially when society and current events make it hard to know which way to turn. Therapy can be a space to explore your place in the world, clarify what matters to you, and find a way forward that feels more authentic and meaningful.

Hello

Hi, I’m Jess (she/her). I’m an integrative counsellor based in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Whether you’re looking for a counsellor for yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to feel confident that whoever you choose is the right fit, so here’s a little about me to help you decide…

I’ve experienced a wide range of pressures and lifestyles, from the fast-paced world of advertising in central London to the slower rhythm of self-employment in a remote coastal village. Alongside some personal challenges and my own life-changing experience of counselling, these insights now shape how I understand and support the people I work with.My background as a graphic designer also influences my approach to life and therapy, where creativity, curiosity, and play are central to the way I work. Creativity, for me, is a way of listening differently to the symbols, images, and sensations that speak when words fall short. I’ve trained in therapeutic arts and wellbeing, as well as integrative counselling, and I’m currently completing a diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling.When I’m not in the therapy room, I can be found either on my yoga mat, running through forests, engrossed in a memoir, or geeking out over some design or tech rabbit hole. Those are the places where I feel most grounded and curious, and that’s the energy I bring into my work. I tend to have a calm, steady presence, and I’m direct but kind in my approach, gently naming things that might be hard to see alone. I bring humour and playfulness into our sessions as well, because connections aren’t only formed in the deep emotions, they also grow in the light, everyday moments between us.

How I work

Every therapist works a bit differently, here’s what my approach looks like…

Flexible and personalised

I use an integrative approach to counselling, which simply means I draw on ideas and techniques from different types of therapy, mainly Psychodynamic, Person-centred, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and combine them in a way that feels most helpful for you. I sometimes work with creative materials such as clay, paint, or collage which allow us to access parts of ourselves that lie beyond language, opening new possibilities for understanding and healing. By choosing the approach that makes the most sense for your needs, my goal is to create a way of working that feels personal, flexible, and supportive.

Inclusive support

I work with adults (18+) and have experience supporting people with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, and the effects of difficult relationships, domestic abuse, or bullying. I welcome the diversity of people’s identities and ways of experiencing the world, including those connected to neurodivergence and gender, sexual and relationship diversity.

Informed by experience

Alongside my private practice, I work for a charity counselling young people aged 11–25. This has deepened my understanding of how challenges often begin early in life and how they can continue to shape us as adults. My years as a Samaritans listening volunteer have also influenced the way I work. Listening to people in all kinds of situations showed me how powerful it can be simply to have someone really hear you, without judgement or rushing to fix.

Your space

Your sessions are your space. You’re free to ask questions, slow things down, change direction, or say if something doesn’t feel quite right. Therapy works best when you feel valued and able to speak openly, including about our relationship. I welcome that kind of honesty because it helps us stay connected to what you need. And if it ever turns out that someone else might be a better fit, I’ll support you in finding them.

What to expect

Whether you have a specific issue you’d like to work through, a general sense that something feels off, or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to support you in exploring what matters most to you. Here's what to expect when you get in touch.

1. Book a free call

We begin with a free 15-minute introductory phone call, giving you a chance to share what’s bringing you to counselling and ask any questions. This is an opportunity to get a feel for the process and see if it feels like the right fit for you.

2. Arrange a time

If you decide to continue, we’ll arrange regular 50-minute sessions, offered face-to-face in St Albans. I usually recommend meeting weekly, as this helps build trust and momentum, especially in the early stages of therapy.

3. The first session

In our first session, we’ll explore what’s brought you to therapy, what’s happening for you right now, and what you’d like to get from the sessions. I’ll also explain how we’ll work together so we can begin in a way that feels safe and helpful for you.

Experience

As well as being a good fit, it’s important that whoever you choose to work with is qualified, insured, and registered with a recognised professional body.

I’m a qualified Integrative Counsellor, fully insured, and a registered member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I follow the NCPS Code of Ethics, which emphasises integrity, respect, inclusivity, and keeping your needs at the heart of the work. Alongside my formal training, I’m a Samaritans listening volunteer and also work with a local counselling charity supporting teens and young adults. These experiences have shaped how I listen and respond to people in different situations. I continue to develop my practice through ongoing learning and reflection.

Training

• CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (in progress)
• CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
• CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
• CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
• CPCAB Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills
• Transpersonal Arts for Health & Wellbeing Training

Ready to talk?

If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s some practical information about sessions, fees, and locations to help you get in touch.

Sessions

Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £60. I also have a small number of concession spaces (£40) for counselling students and those on a low income, so you’re welcome to ask about this when you get in touch.

Location

Sessions take place in person at 23 Green Lane, St Albans, AL3 6HE.
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Accessibility

The space is step-free and on the ground floor, with plenty of free street parking close by. Please do not park on the driveway as regular access is needed to this space.

Contact

Email me at jess@relating.to to arrange your introductory call, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can to arrange a suitable time. I usually reply within 2–3 working days.Please note: I do not provide emergency or crisis support. If you are in crisis or at risk, please either contact your GP, call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, call NHS 111 option 2, or go to A&E.

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