Welcome

Welcome and thank you for visiting my page. I’m Gayle and I work therapeutically with couples, adults and children. I also support other counsellors and professionals as a clinical supervisor.

Originally from Scotland I moved to the south of England in 2004. Having grown up in a small Scottish town, I learned the importance of community. That ethos of helping others and looking out for others has always been a part of my life and my nature.

When I moved south I had a period of isolation, not knowing many people and the challenges of resettling, it was at this time and after the birth of my first child that I sought counselling for myself. This was to be the beginning of my first chapter in the counselling world and I wanted to offer that kind of support to others.

I commenced my initial counselling training in 2010 and have been practicing since 2013.

I am passionate about supporting you to feel unburdened and begin to consider what you need to live the life that you deserve. At the heart of this work is the authentic, safe and supportive therapeutic relationship that we build in our work together.

Now over a decade on from moving to Hertfordshire, I have a thriving practice with a team of therapists driven by an ethos of warmth and high quality counselling for adults, couples and children.

Stack of seven psychology and therapy books on a white table, with a blue box and blurred background.
Logo with the text "NCPS" and certification badges indicating accreditation from professional standards authority.

Experience & Qualifications

I began my counselling journey on placement, supporting parents in a family centre and working within the cancer sector. These early experiences gave me the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Much of this work centred around anxiety, loss, trauma, and the impact these challenges have on relationships.

After completing my Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, I went on to study for a Level 5 Psychotherapeutic Diploma, which allowed me to deepen my knowledge and offer longer-term therapy. In 2015, I began training as a child and family therapist, completing a Diploma in Creative Therapy with Children and Families.

In 2016, I founded Circle Therapy Ltd, a counselling practice supporting both adults and children. What began as a small service has since grown into a warm and dedicated team of ten clinical counsellors and psychotherapists.

Alongside my therapy work, I am a qualified clinical supervisor, providing guidance and support to both trainee and qualified therapists in their clinical practice.

I am committed to ongoing learning, regular training, and reflective supervision, ensuring that my practice continues to grow and respond to the needs of my clients. As an accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society), I work in line with their ethical guidelines to ensure safe and professional practice.

Close-up of blue plumbago flowers with green foliage in background.

My Approach

Warmth & Acceptance

I meet you with warmth, curiosity and an open mind. It is so important to feel at ease with your therapist and to know that you will not be judged or your feelings minimised in any way.

Building our relationship

The relationship between client and therapist is a unique one, you may be sharing things that you have never told anyone before and this may feel vulnerable and courageous. Our relationship is built on trust, acceptance and emotional safety. I will go at your pace as you may not know where to start and being gentle and patient with yourself is important.

Working Flexibly?

We all need different things at different times, I recognise that one approach does not fit all and each of us need to find what works best for us, my approach is integrative for this reason which means that I will draw on different ways and theories in our work to help you.

Online or In Person Sessions?

I want your therapy to be manageable and comfortable for you, this may be in person or online depending on your circumstances and preferences. I currently see clients both online and in person and support individuals online throughout the uk, as south as Cornwall and as north as Scotland!

Frequently asked questions

1. What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to meet and explore what’s bringing you to therapy. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and get a feel for whether I’m the right fit for you. There’s no pressure to commit beyond this session.

 
2. How long is each session?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes long or 60 minutes for couples.

 
3. How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation. Some clients benefit from short-term work (12-15  sessions), while others prefer longer-term support. We’ll review this together as therapy progresses.

 
4. Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, I offer online therapy via secure video platform. During our initial assessment, we’ll explore whether online sessions are appropriate for your needs.

 
5. Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is kept confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions (such as risk of harm to yourself or others). I’ll explain confidentiality clearly at our first meeting.

 
6. Do you work with children and families?
Yes. I work with children aged 4 and above, and I also support parents, families, and couples. 

 
7. What issues do you specialise in?
I work with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, neurodivergence (ADHD, autism), grief, trauma, and life transitions such as menopause or parenthood. I have a particular interest in couples work and developmental trauma.

 
8. What qualifications and experience do you have?
I’m a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor with over 10 years’ experience post-qualification and 30+ years in helping professions. I hold postgraduate training in clinical supervision, couples counselling, and therapy with children and families. I also supervise and teach other therapists.

 

Person holding a white mug filled with coffee, with pink nail polish and bracelet, sitting on a chair with a black and white checkered cloth.