Compassionate Private Counselling In Swindon, Wiltshire and Online.
Are you finding yourself feeling more worried or anxious than usual? Feeling stuck and unable to move forward? Maybe you need to talk about something but are scared it might not make sense or wouldn’t be understood by your family or friends. Your current situation & feelings left you dazed or confused. Not able to turn things around alone. Wishing life could be different, wanting things to change or start feeling better about yourself but not knowing where to start. What happened in the past does not need to define who you are now or stop you from being the best version of yourself.
Talking about your feelings or what happened may seem embarrassing or difficult. I am patient and kind, open-minded and respectful. Working at a pace you feel comfortable with. I won’t tell you what you should do or give you advice, my role is to listen to your story and hear what it is like for you. Feeling comfortable with my personality and the way I work is essential. I offer all potential clients a free no-obligation 20-minute telephone call to discuss what you would like to achieve from counselling.
Click here to book.
We will discuss how we will review progress towards your goals and plan a number of sessions. This is also your opportunity to ask me any questions you may have. Then you can book an initial session face-to-face, via online video or by telephone. By establishing a good relationship with your counsellor, we can create a space that allows you to be completely honest about your thoughts and feelings.
My Experience
I am an experienced and qualified counsellor and registered member of the BACP. I hold the 2-year CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Person-Centred Therapeutic Counselling complemented by a Level 5 Diploma integrating Attachment Based Psychotherapy into clinical practice. Level 1 & 2 Complex Trauma Certification Training.
I work with clients on improving low mood, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, resilience and confidence. I am open-minded and non-judgemental of clients’ personal choices, experiences and feelings about identity, gender and sexuality. I have undertaken further training in Complex Trauma to support clients struggling with the daily effects of PTSD, trauma, sexual abuse, shame, and negative childhood experiences. I also work with clients’ reactions and feelings following recent diagnoses and ill health, including those caring for children/partners on the Autistic Spectrum ASC/Asperger’s. I also work with student counsellors.
Sessions
I offer Face-to-face sessions in North Swindon near Tadpole Village Gardens and The Orbital SN25. Mobile and online video counselling is available to clients further away.
Beginning counselling requires a regular commitment to making time for yourself and sessions. Ideally, starting with 6 weekly sessions (I can offer a discounted rate for block bookings). How many appointments you have will depend on your circumstances and is something we review together. You can send me an email at [email protected] or leave a message, text or Whatsapp on 07536 989448. To see my live availability click here to Book an introductory session
There may be times when I am unable to take on new clients but offer a waiting list.
Registrations
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and their Ethical Framework and commitment to clients shape my practice. To read more click here BACP I have a working Online and Telephone Counselling Certificate (BACP and ACTO competence framework accredited).
I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for GDPR purposes and I am insured for both public and professional liability.
Qualifications
- Level 5 CPCAB Diploma Integrating Attachment-based Psychotherapy into Clinical Practice. (2024)
- Level 4 CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. 2021
- Level 3 CPCAB in Counselling Theory. 2019
- Level 2 CPCAB Counselling Skills. 2018
- Level 6 BSc Open Degree studying the exploration and application of Psychology. (Child Development, Attachment Styles, Social Psychology.) 2013
- Working Online and Telephone Counselling Certificate (BACP and ACTO competence framework accredited) 2021
- Janina Fisher’s Certified, Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 (CCTP) Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma 2022
- Janina Fisher’s Certified, Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 2 (CCTPII) Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders 2023
- Volunteer Counsellor roles include working with young people’s mental health in SBC OnTrak and with Adult Clients at Cotswold Counselling.
People seek counselling for many reasons.
Counselling is a place to explore and express how you are feeling now, at your pace and work out what you need to move towards feeling better. You may want to talk to me because you have noticed a change in your mood that just won’t lift. Daily stresses and irritations are becoming harder to manage. You may have noticed you no longer find joy in things you used to. Life and tasks can become overwhelming. You may find yourself being more closed around people or snappy with loved ones. Wishing things could be different, seeing others make things look so easy. Wanting to change but not knowing where to start? Being unable to move forward with your life makes you feel stuck. It can feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders leaving you tired and exhausted. You may store your emotions up and feel them rising like a volcano ready to burst if just one more thing happens!
Often people come for counselling when they have experienced a significant loss, the death of a partner, parent, friend or beloved pet. A sudden loss of a relationship, job or home. If you or someone close to you has been recently diagnosed with a life-changing health condition or illness. It can be a shock and can leave you with a sense that life will never be the same again. It’s ok to feel confused, sad, angry, bitter and fearful of what the future will be like.
Counselling can help support you through a crisis and manage the changes together. Our identity is a statement about who we are and how we want to be seen by others. Counselling can be helpful when people are having issues relating to identity, gender or sexuality. I am an open and accepting counsellor who values individuality and respects personal choice. Low self-esteem is felt by many but some people are better at disguising it than others. Comparing ourselves and our life with others can leave us feeling not good enough and thinking negative thoughts. This can eat at our inner confidence about who we are and feeling others are judging us. Over time counselling can help strengthen resilience to criticism and improve your self-confidence.
Counselling can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings. You may have experienced a negative childhood, a relationship enduring neglect, violence or sexual assault or abuse and many years later suddenly find yourself experiencing symptoms PTSD or having flashbacks. You may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to talk out loud about it, the step to reach out for counselling, can feel the most difficult but you can do it. Healing the invisible hurt and scars we can unknowingly carry around with us.