Counselling can help you find relief from the effects of mental health issues
Having a mental health issue or issues is not a sign of weakness or failure or something you need to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about - we all face struggles in life, and anyone can experience mental health issues.
Mental health issues can be challenging, whether it's a recent experience for you or something you have felt or lived with for a while. You can experience troubling and confusing thoughts and feelings that come and go, arise in certain situations or that last for weeks or months at a time.
Getting the right support may feel challenging too. There might be a lengthy wait for therapy on the NHS or a lack of choice about what's available, or you might not want or feel able to talk to friends or family.
I have worked with adults experiencing mental health issues for many years - my former roles include Support Time Recovery Worker, Support Worker and Appropriate Adult, and I can be alongside you in a nurturing way.
I can support you in your struggles with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, borderline personality disorder, perinatal or postnatal depression, and with life events and situations such as:
Whatever you're experiencing, it matters, and I will not judge or define you by any diagnosis or diagnoses you may have.
I'm committed to creating and providing an environment where you feel genuinely safe, accepted, valued and understood.
Counselling sessions are your time, so you can explore what feels important to you. If you have specific goals or aims, we can work towards those together.
I can work creatively using art and or writing - sometimes, it's hard to put thoughts and feelings into spoken words. You may prefer to express yourself in this way or wish to try out these mediums.
I am also familiar with practices such as meditation and mindfulness, and I can support you if you wish to try out or develop this practice for yourself.
An introductory session can help us establish if I'm the right counsellor for you, and you're very welcome to contact me about this.
Getting urgent support
I will aim to see you as quickly as possible for an introductory session, yet if you feel in crisis, unable to cope or keep yourself safe, you can contact the following organisations.
Samaritans
Call 116 123 (24 hours)
Email [email protected]
www.samaritans.org.
HopelineUK (under 35s)
Call 0800 068 41 41
Email [email protected]
Text 07860 039967
papyrus-uk.org.
Shout (crisis text line)
Text Shout to 85258 (24 hours)
www.giveusashout.org.
You can also call 111 for the NHS advice line or 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Couples counselling can help you cope with mental health issues together
Partners and family members can be affected by mental health issues too.
Mental health issues may become the focus of your relationship, evoke additional stress and worry or change the way you are together.
I can offer you a safe space to develop your relationship, increase your understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, and find ways of coping with them together.
An introductory session can help us establish if couples counselling is the best way forward, and if I am the right counsellor for you.
You can contact me to book an introductory session or to ask any questions you may have
I can offer online or phone sessions through Zoom, Facetime or Skype, or see you at my practice in Eastleigh, which is near to Winchester and Southampton.
If you feel that counselling with me might benefit you, please get in touch to arrange an introductory session. I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have. You can call 07729 193629 or submit the contact form on this website.
