About Encompassing Therapy and Counselling

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a therapist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and non-judgmental.

Psychotherapy can take different forms including cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal and Existential Therapy. They’re all useful in their own way, but some might be more suitable for your needs than others. So take the time to explore your options.

In medical terminology, “psycho” refers to the mind and psychotherapy is a treatment that uses psychological means to address mental health conditions. Many psychotherapists build their practice around this model – similar to GPs treating physical symptoms.

But I take a different approach with Existential Therapy.

Stepping back in time, the term “psycho” in psychotherapy comes from the Ancient Greek word psyche, which means “breath, spirit, soul” – elements that drive one’s entire being, rather than a specific body part like the mind. 

Psychotherapy, for me, offers ways for individuals to learn about themselves, to make sense of their psyche.

Just as you’d go to the gym or for yoga classes regularly to support your physical health, Existential Therapy with me offers a space for you to take time for your mental health.

You don’t have to wait until your mental health is tested to start. 

If Existential Therapy is something you’re exploring or curious about – welcome. My hope is that this FAQ helps you with deciding if Existential Therapy can serve your needs.

People seek psychotherapy for many reasons – from navigating divorce, new beginnings or loss, imposter syndrome or being tired of living life on someone else’s terms.

They may also seek guidance from other sources like self-improvement books, podcasts, conversations with friends, yoga, spiritual retreats, coaching and more. We are fortunate to have access to more resources – with therapy being one of the many options. 

So I invite you to reflect on your current needs and what prompted you to consider professional support.

From my experience, therapy might be for you if:

• Other options you’ve explored aren’t helping. With therapy, you get to talk to someone who is trained to listen, ask questions and work on specific issues.
• Dialogue helps you process thoughts and emotions. If you, like me, are the kind of person who gains insights or get ideas by talking things through – therapy could be a helpful space for reflection and self-discovery.

There are many therapeutic options and it’s tough to know where to start. Most websites you’ve explored tick the right boxes – the therapists have the right credentials and specialise in helping you to address your issues.

But it feels like walking down a row of GPs and not knowing what makes one different from the other.

You continue to do research. You ask friends for recommendations. You review profiles on Psychology Today. And still, you don’t have answers.

You’re not alone. Many clients and friends have shared similar frustrations – which is one of the reasons I created the ebook How to Find the Right Therapist for You with 3 simple steps you can take.

We are all unique and have different experiences, needs and expectations. While research is important, it’s essential to first explore what you need and what care looks like to you. 

Just as people date or view many open houses before making a commitment, it’s important to shop for a therapist. Each therapist, even those within the same field like Existential Therapy, has different styles. Shopping gives you the chance to find the therapist who’s a good match for you and your unique style. 

You might understandably want to skip this step (screening and speaking with different therapists) and jump straight to addressing your problems. But I urge you to take the time. This intentional step will be the first of many on your journey. 

Take some time to explore your needs and what care looks like to you. Try answering the questions in my ebook How to Find the Right Therapist for You.

When you have a clearer idea, read these FAQs and my blog. It’s the best way to get a glimpse of my work and how we could engage in conversation to discover insights for growth.

If you don’t think we’re a good fit, that’s okay. You have options as clients and I hope you find a therapist that can support you the way you need.

If you feel my approach and Existential Therapy could be a good fit for your needs, book a Chemistry Session.

Like in dating, you could feel a strong connection with someone from their profile and short chats. But you won’t start building a more meaningful connection until you meet, until both of you understand each other better. 

That’s what the Chemistry Session is for – a first date of sorts to help you decide if I could be the therapist for you.

I don’t have a specific number and I’ll explain why. 

My work is anchored in Existential Therapy. One of the main differences from other forms of therapy is: I don’t offer solutions. Instead, I believe the answers already exist within you, even if they aren’t clear yet.

These answers are of course different from client to client because each of you have your unique expectations, values, world views and what you deem important.

My goal, as your therapist, is to support you in discovering what’s best for you.

These answers unfold over time in therapy, much like life – which is why I don’t have a specific number for you.

But as part of helping you decide how you could invest in your therapeutic journey (in terms of time, money, and emotional energy), here’s how I typically work with clients.

That’s a big question. And to be honest, it’s one I’m still exploring myself—even as a therapist.

Existential therapy does work with meaning. But not in a way that gives you clear, final answers. I can’t hand you the meaning of your life. I’m not here to tell you what it all should mean.

What I can do is sit with you in the questions. Help you notice what feels meaningful now—and what’s asking for your attention.

It helps to separate purpose from meaning—because they’re not the same, even though they often get tangled up.

Here’s a simple example:
You’re sitting in a restaurant, looking at a menu.
The purpose of the menu is clear—it helps you choose what to eat.

But the meaning of the menu depends on your understanding of it.
If it’s in a language you don’t understand, the menu still has purpose—but it holds no meaning for you. If you can read it but can’t afford the food, it might carry meaning—but feel purposeless.

That’s often how life feels when we’re stuck. You might be trying to “figure out your meaning,” but feel like you’re getting nowhere. Because meaning doesn’t usually arrive on command. It tends to show up after we’ve taken steps—not before.

The truth is, hindsight is always 20/20. You make a choice, live through something, and then begin to understand why it mattered. Meaning is revealed, not designed.
That’s why purpose matters just as much. It’s more concrete. It’s the next step you choose, the thing you commit to—even when you’re unsure where it will lead.

In existential therapy, we’ll explore what feels meaningful to you. But we won’t stay in the realm of reflection alone. You need movement. Real life. Trial and error. That’s where meaning begins to take shape.

So no—I can’t give you the meaning of life.
But I can help you notice what matters right now.
And support you in taking your next purposeful step.

And maybe, down the road, you’ll look back and say:
“Oh. That’s what it meant.”

If we work together, I won’t give you answers.
But I’ll walk beside you as you start moving.
And I’d be honoured to walk with you for part of the way.

You are the ultimate expert on yourself. If you need some guidance with answering this question, use the 3 steps in my ebook How to Find the Right Therapist for You.

You’ll get more clarity on why you’re exploring therapy to begin with. What are you hoping to address? What are you willing and able to commit to this journey? 

Also, by going through the steps, you’ve already started getting ready. 

That’s perfectly okay. You may know that you need therapy, but it doesn’t mean you need it now.

Therapy is hard work – during and beyond our sessions together. It requires time, energy and money that you may not have just yet. If you’re prioritising other areas of your life (which could be just as important as working on yourself), it’s understandable that you aren’t realistically able to commit. 

So write down the reasons you don’t feel ready. Get some clarity into what ‘being ready’ looks like. When that time comes, take the first step to start.