Welcome.
You don’t need to have a clear “reason” for seeking counselling — sometimes it’s enough to feel that something isn’t quite right.
You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, overwhelm, or difficulties in your relationships. You might feel stuck, uncertain, or simply tired of holding things together on your own.
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure what you need or where to begin. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s been difficult, at your own pace.
Counselling provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and begin to understand what may be shaping your thoughts, emotions and patterns. From there, we can work collaboratively towards steadier and more manageable ways of responding to life’s challenges.
If you’re considering counselling, you’re welcome to arrange a free 15-minute introductory conversation.
Joshua Gahonia · MBACP 409607
About me
I hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy and am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 409607).
My approach is integrative, drawing on person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and attachment-informed perspectives. In practice, this means I tailor the work to you rather than following a fixed model. I place particular importance on building a secure and trusting therapeutic relationship, as this forms the basis for meaningful and supportive work.
Before training as a counsellor, I volunteered as a listener with the Samaritans. This experience reinforced for me the importance of being heard without judgement, particularly during times of distress or uncertainty.
Alongside my clinical work, I have also worked in community and project-based roles within the mental health sector, including contributing to trauma-informed initiatives. This has informed my understanding of how personal difficulties are often shaped not only by individual experiences, but also by wider social and relational contexts.
My mixed English and Indian heritage has also influenced how I think about identity, belonging and family dynamics. I aim to approach each client with openness and curiosity towards the cultural and societal contexts that shape their experiences.
I attend regular supervision and undertake ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) to support safe, reflective and ethical practice.
How I work
Counselling is a collaborative process. In our sessions, you are free to bring whatever feels most important - whether that is something immediate and practical, or something more long-standing and difficult to articulate.
My integrative approach allows flexibility. Some sessions may focus on understanding patterns in relationships or exploring past experiences that continue to influence the present. At other times, we may consider practical strategies to help you manage anxiety, stress or low mood more effectively.
Assessment is an ongoing part of the work. Our first session will include time to explore what has brought you to counselling and whether private therapy feels appropriate for you at this time.
I offer weekly 50-minute sessions, in person and online. We will review the work periodically to ensure that it continues to feel helpful and aligned with your needs.
What can I help with
I work with adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Low mood and depression
- Stress and burnout
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Work-related pressures
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Feeling stuck or uncertain about direction
You don’t need to fit neatly into any category. Counselling can be helpful when something feels unsettled, even if it’s difficult to put into words.
If you’re unsure whether your situation would be suitable, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss this further.
Practice policies and professional info
Professional Standards
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.
My practice is guided by principles of respect, confidentiality, professional judgement, and ongoing reflection through supervision.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a central part of counselling and is taken very seriously.
Everything you share in counselling is treated as confidential. There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, including situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or to others, safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults, or where disclosure is required by law.
Wherever possible, I will aim to discuss this with you before taking any action. Only the minimum necessary information would be shared.
Further detail is available in the Confidentiality Policy.
Supervision
As part of ethical practice, my work is discussed in professional supervision.
Supervision supports safe, reflective, and effective counselling. Client identities are protected wherever possible, and supervisors are bound by confidentiality.
Record-keeping and data protection
I keep brief and appropriate professional records to support safe and ethical practice.
- Records are stored securely using password-protected electronic systems
- Secure cloud storage may be used
- Access to records is restricted to me
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller and comply with UK data protection law.
Full details are available in the Privacy Notice.
Safeguarding
I take safeguarding responsibilities seriously.
If there are concerns about serious risk or the safety of a vulnerable adult, I may need to share information to help protect those at risk. Such decisions are made carefully, proportionately, and with reference to professional guidance and supervision.
Safeguarding is always approached with respect for client autonomy wherever possible.
Complaints and concerns
If you have any concerns about the counselling or the way I am working, you are encouraged to raise these with me so they can be discussed openly.
If concerns cannot be resolved, you have the right to seek external guidance. As a BACP member, I am accountable to the BACP Ethical Framework, and clients can contact BACP for confidential guidance on what to do if they have concerns about counselling or a therapist.
A full Complaints Procedure is available on request.
Further information
Full versions of the following documents are available on request:
- Privacy Notice
- Client Agreement
- Confidentiality Policy
- Record-Keeping Policy
- Safeguarding Policy (Adults)
- Complaints Procedure
If you have any questions about how counselling works or about these policies, you are welcome to ask at any stage.
I aim to respond to all enquiries as promptly as possible.