Counselling in Dorset, at your kitchen table
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to who isn’t part of it all. I’m Mark, and I offer counselling in your own home across Dorset, a calm, non-judgemental space to say what’s really going on and work out what to do next.
Free 30-minute phone chat, then sessions from £75 in your own home.
What counselling is, and isn’t
Counselling is time set aside just for you, to talk openly with someone trained to listen properly. I won’t judge you, rush you or tell you how you should feel. Instead, I’ll help you untangle what’s going on, notice the patterns that keep catching you out and find a way forward that makes sense for your life.
It isn’t about lying on a couch and talking about your childhood for years, unless that’s what you need. Some people come for a handful of sessions to get through something specific. Others like having a regular space to keep on top of things. We’ll decide together, and I’ll never book you sessions you don’t need.
There are lots of styles of talk therapy, and I don’t believe one size fits all. I draw on several, and we’ll find the one that suits you. If it would help, we can also bring in hypnotherapy or EMDR alongside our conversations.
What people talk to me about
You don’t need a label or a crisis to have counselling. Feeling stuck, flat or not quite yourself is reason enough. Not sure? Just ask.
What working with me is like
Somewhere you feel safe
We meet in your own home, or at work if you prefer. No waiting room, no car park, no one wondering where you’ve been.
Honest, not just nice
I’ll be kind, but I’ll also be straight with you. Clients tell me I say what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.
Tools you keep
Alongside the talking, I’ll share practical ways to handle the hard moments, so you carry on feeling the benefit between sessions and after we finish.
How counselling with me works
A free chat on the phone
Up to 30 minutes to tell me a little about what’s going on and ask anything you like. There’s no obligation to book.
Our first session
I come to you. We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what you’d like to be different, and how you’d like to work.
Talking it through
Each session is an hour. You lead, and I help you make sense of things, spot what keeps you stuck and try out new ways of responding.
Checking in as we go
We keep an eye on how you’re doing and adjust. When you feel ready to stop, we stop.
Simple, honest fees
The same fair prices wherever you are in Dorset.
- Freefirst chat by phone
- £75one-hour session
- £300block of five
What clients say about working with Mark
Mark exceeded all my expectations and was brilliant in the way he encouraged me to communicate, and with considerable care and thought addressed the issues I raised. I will keep in touch with him and seriously recommend him to anyone else needing help.
Questions about counselling
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It depends on you and what you’re dealing with. Some people feel a real shift after a few sessions, others prefer ongoing support. We’ll review things as we go, and I’ll never book sessions you don’t need.
What’s the difference between counselling and hypnotherapy?
Counselling is talking: making sense of what’s going on and finding a way forward. Hypnotherapy uses a deeply relaxed, focused state to work on habits, anxiety and unhelpful beliefs. Many people have a blend of both, and we can decide together what suits you.
Do I have to talk about things I’m not ready to?
No. You set the pace, and you can always say “not today”. Plenty of people start with what feels manageable and find the rest comes when it’s ready.
Can I have counselling over the phone?
Yes. Half-hour telephone sessions are £30 and available wherever you live. They’re handy for check-ins, busy weeks or if a home visit isn’t practical.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between us. The only exception is the rare case where there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.
Need help urgently?
I’m not an emergency service. If you’re in crisis, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can also call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here
Call or text me for a free, no-pressure chat, or drop me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.