About me
A little about my journey and experience.
I’m delighted you’ve found your way here. If you’re looking for a counsellor who truly listens, understands, and brings warmth and empathy to conversations, you’re in the right place.
My journey to becoming a counsellor has taken me through many different professional roles, each of which has helped shape my understanding of people and the challenges they face.
My very first job was as a dental nurse. In this role I offered a calm and reassuring presence for anxious patients, I helped them feel comfortable and relaxed during dental treatment.
From being a dental nurse, I moved onto the ambulance service, where I assisted patients during some of the most difficult and stressful moments of their lives. I found real meaning in being alongside people in their moment of need.
I also spent time managing a pub, which gave me the opportunity to meet and listen to many different people and their stories. I created a warm and welcoming space where people could feel comfortable, listened to and looked after.
Later I returned to dentistry, as a practice manager, leading a large team, supporting both staff and patients, ensuring things ran smoothly, while keeping people at the heart of what I did.
An influential role in my career path was working as a funeral arranger, a deeply meaningful position. Here I supported families through grief and loss with compassion, understanding and care.
These jobs all shared a common thread – caring for, helping and supporting people. Through each role, I developed skills in listening, empathy, compassion, communication and being alongside others during challenging times, skills essential for counselling. This ultimately led me to pursue counselling as a career.
“The diverse roles I have undertaken throughout my life have shaped my ability to listen deeply, learn openly, and support others with care.”
– Isobel Salmon
Qualifications and Counselling Training
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor with a Certificate in Counselling Studies, a Post-Graduate Diploma, and a Master’s degree (MA) in Counselling from the University of East Anglia. I have also completed additional training in Couples Counselling, Counselling Supervision, training on supporting survivors of sexual abuse and trauma.
In recent years, I have expanded my practice to include online counselling, earning a Certificate in this area to ensure I can support clients whether they prefer to meet face-to-face or talk from the comfort of their own home or other private space.
I recently completed Adult ADHD+ training and gained a certificate in this area. This has strengthened my understanding of adult ADHD and supports my work with clients in a creative, collaborative, and holistic way.
All my training supports my person-centred counselling approach by helping me offer therapy that is compassionate, flexible, and tailored to each person’s unique experience.
My learning never stands still, ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of my work, helping me to make sure my counselling practice current, thoughtful, and effective and ensuring that the support I offer remains current and effective.
Experience That Matters
Beyond formal qualifications, I have had the privilege of supporting people in a range of settings. Before qualifying as a counsellor, I volunteered as a Samaritan listener, supporting people experiencing emotional distress, difficult times or suicidal thoughts. This strengthened my ability to listen with empathy and offer compassionate support, which I have carried into my counselling work.
Whilst studying at the University of East Anglia, I completed a placement at the University’s Wellbeing Service, offering counselling to students. This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges many students may face, including stress, anxiety, depression, questions around gender identity and concerns about academic study.
For several years, I also volunteered as a counsellor at The Sue Lambert Trust, a Norfolk charity supporting people who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault or violence. This work deepened my understanding of trauma and strengthened my ability to offer sensitive, safe and compassionate support.
Across all my roles, I have aimed to offer empathic, safe and non-judgemental support. These experiences have deepened my understanding that every person’s story is unique, and it is a privilege to walk alongside them as they share it.
How I’ll Work with You
I offer a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe to be yourself and talk openly, without judgement. My person-centred approach is rooted in empathy, acceptance, and genuineness, giving you the space to explore whatever is on your mind at your own pace. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just in need of someone to listen, I am here to work with you, to enable you to make choices, decisions & changes which are right for you.
Professional Standards and Membership
I am proud to be an Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I work within a recognised ethical framework and keep your wellbeing at the centre of everything I do. Confidentiality, respect and integrity are cornerstones of my practice so you can relax, knowing you’re in safe professional hands.
