Your therapist in St Albans
Charly Dale Counselling offers warm, professional therapy for anyone dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and more.
Whether you're working through something specific or just feel like things aren't right, I'm here to help you make sense of it - at your own pace, in a safe and confidential space.
Face-to-face sessions close to St Albans town centre, or online from wherever suits you.
Charly DaleBACP registered
“You have really helped change my life and I will forever be thankful for you being there with me on this journey”
Hi, I'm Charly
Hi, I'm Charly (she/her), a registered BACP counsellor in St Albans with over a decade of experience working in mental health settings. I specialise in trauma-informed therapy, supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse to find their path towards healing and positive change.
My approach is built on creating a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, current challenges, or simply feeling stuck, I'm here to work collaboratively with you, drawing on proven therapeutic techniques to help you move forward. My experience spans clinical, custodial, and community settings, giving me a deep understanding of the diverse ways trauma can impact our lives and relationships.
Originally from Brighton
Trans-inclusive feminist
ADHD brain
Interactive therapeutic tools
Therapy that fits around your life
I offer private face-to-face, video and telephone therapy sessions so you can choose the option that works best for you. Every session is 50 minutes, and every approach gets the same level of care and attention. There's no difference in quality, just in how we connect.
Face-to-face counselling
We meet in a private therapy room near St Albans town centre. Some people find it easier to open up when they're in the same room, and that's what this option is for.
Read More about face to face counsellingOnline video counselling
We meet over a secure video call, so you can have your session from home or wherever feels comfortable. It works just as well as being in the room together.
Read More about video counsellingTelephone counselling
If you'd rather not be on camera, we can work over the phone. Some clients prefer it, and the sessions are just as focused and productive.
Read More about telephone counselling
A safe space to be heard
I take an integrative approach to counselling, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic techniques rather than sticking rigidly to one model. Psychodynamic, humanistic, person-centred, gestalt, CBT-informed - I use what's most helpful for you, not what fits neatly into a box. Every person is different and therapy should reflect that.
What stays consistent is the space itself. Whether you see me in St Albans or online, my sessions are warm, non-judgmental and completely confidential. You don't need to have the right words or know exactly what's wrong. You just need to show up.
What my clients say
I always felt heard, I felt I could say anything without being judged. It was such a safe space, and you just really got me. I will always be thankful for that.
Your sessions have helped more than I can express. Thank you for all your help and support through what I hope is the worst part of my life. I can truly see a huge difference in myself and a large part of that is due to your support.
I want to thank you for being there for me in such desperate times, and helping me feel hopeful again.
What I can help with
I work with adults and young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- OCD
- Eating disorders
- Grief and bereavement
- Relationship difficulties
- Behavioural issues
- Panic attacks
- Stress and burnout
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Life transitions
This isn't an exhaustive list. If you're unsure whether what you're going through is something I can help with, get in touch and we can have a conversation about it.
Common questions about therapy
There's no checklist you need to tick. Some people come to therapy with a clear issue - anxiety, a bereavement, a relationship breakdown. Others just feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like something isn't right, but they can't put their finger on it. Both are equally valid reasons to reach out. If you're thinking about talking to a counsellor, that's usually a good sign it could help.
Before we meet, I'll ask you to sign a short agreement that sets out how we'll work together. The first session itself is about getting to know each other. I'll ask some questions about what's brought you to therapy, but there's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. It's as much about you getting a feel for me as it is the other way around.
It depends on what you're working through. Some clients find that 6-12 sessions gives them what they need. Others prefer longer-term, open-ended therapy. We'll check in regularly so you always feel in control of the process. There's no fixed commitment and you can stop whenever you're ready.
Yes. I offer video and telephone sessions alongside face-to-face appointments. Many of my clients choose online counselling for the flexibility it offers. The quality of the session is the same regardless of how we connect.
Yes. Everything discussed in our sessions stays between us. There are a small number of exceptions to this, which are standard across the profession, and I'll explain these clearly before we start. Confidentiality is the foundation of everything I do.
Full details and pricing are on my services page. I also offer a limited number of low-cost sessions for those who need them. Get in touch if cost is a concern and we can talk about it.
- View full FAQ
Ready to take the first step?
If you're looking for a therapist in St Albans, or you'd prefer to work with me online, getting in touch doesn't commit you to anything. Whether you have a specific question or you'd just like to find out more, I'd love to hear from you.