"When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mould you, it feels damn good". - Carl Rogers
Counselling can offer a safe and supportive relationship to attend to your mental health and wellbeing
If you're struggling with your mental health, I hope to be someone you feel you can contact - on my practice mobile 07729 193629 or by email.
I offer non-judgemental and compassionate support that values and empowers you.
Mental health struggles can be wide-ranging, yet you may be battling depression/prolonged low mood, anxiety, panic or fear or feelings of low self-confidence, anger, shame or worthlessness.
Or you may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, a sense of helplessness or despair or perhaps troubling voices, beliefs or memories.
Or you may be feeling impacted by relationship issues or changes, the Covid pandemic, sexual or domestic abuse, carer or work stress, health or money concerns or feelings of loss and grief.
Whatever you're experiencing, I'm here for you.
I can work with you for as long as you need.
I can help you find relief or feel more in control of your feelings, develop confidence and trust in yourself and move towards increased wellbeing.
We can work together online or over the phone. Secure platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp are used for online sessions.
If finances are a concern for you - perhaps you're on a low income, I can usually offer a reduced fee for sessions, so please do ask me about this.
I have been counselling since 2011 and volunteering for Rethink Mental Illness since 2015. In the past, I have been a Support Time Recovery Worker for Together for Mental Wellbeing and a Support Worker for female inpatients of an NHS psychiatric Hospital. I have also volunteered for the charity Solent Mind.
While I hold professional knowledge of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, I trust you're the expert on your own experiences and what feels best for you.
I also trust that you can find your sense of healing, recovery or increased wellbeing - working together can support this process.
Counselling can feel scary - especially for the first time, yet I am a down-to-earth counsellor and easy to talk to, so I can put you at ease.
In the counselling space, you will be welcome as you are - I won't judge or tell you what to do.
As a person-centred counsellor, I can help you feel part of a safe and trusting relationship.
We can explore and reflect at your pace to help relieve confusion, distress or stress and develop your awareness, confidence and self-esteem.
Offering attentive listening, compassion and acceptance, you can feel genuinely valued, heard and understood - perhaps for the first time.
Creativity, such as using art materials (or other mediums) in session, can help you access and explore your feelings and emotions. I can facilitate this process if it's of interest to you.
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, exploring them together can bring some relief. We can work to help you regain a sense of control and perhaps rediscover feelings of hope.
I understand that life experiences can trigger mental health issues and also contribute to them, so we can explore experiences that may be impacting you - if you would like to, including:
Working together can nurture confidence and trust in yourself (and others) and help you make choices or changes that support your wellbeing.
If you'd like to book a free consultation or ask questions before taking that step, please email me through this site or call or text 07729 193629.
Coping in a crisis
I am trained in crisis counselling and can offer you support in sessions, yet if you are feeling overwhelmed now, you can call or text a helpline, use the StayAlive app or contact an NHS service.
You do matter.
Talking can help.
Being listened to can make a real difference.
There is hope.
Samaritans
The Samaritans offer confidential emotional support 24 hours a day. You can call 116123 free of charge and also use their Self-Help app.
www.samaritans.org/
Shout
Shout offers a confidential text service 24 hours a day. You can text SHOUT to 85258.
giveusashout.org/
SignHealth
SignHealth is the 24-hour crisis text line for deaf people. You can text DEAF to 85258.
signhealth.org.uk/
StayAlive app
Stay Alive is a confidential suicide prevention resource for you or someone you know.
www.stayalive.app/
NHS Services
The NHS Advice Line is available 24 hours a day. You can call 111 and press option 2 for mental health support. In a life-threatening emergency, go to A & E or call 999.
111.nhs.uk/
Papyrus Hopeline UK
Papyrus offers a confidential helpline for young people (under 35's). You can call 0800 068 4141.
www.papyrus-uk.org/
Suicide Prevention UK (SPUK)
SPUK offers a supportive listening service. You can call 0800 689 5652 in confidence.
www.spuk.org.uk/
Switchboard LGBT+
Switchboard runs a confidential helpline for LGBT+ people. You can call 0300 330 0630.
switchboard.lgbt/
