Hi my name is Emma. I have a non medicalised approach to counselling which means I see mental wellbeing - how we think, feel and behave - as being the result of people's life experiences [What's happened to you?] rather than as a medical diagnosis [What's wrong with you?].
My background of working at the BBC and being a writer means I have a lot of experience of putting people at ease and developing a good rapport. I aim to offer a warm, friendly approach to counselling, which most importantly includes listening without judging.
So whatever you are struggling with - stress, low mood, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship issues, loss, anger, trauma - I will support you in exploring what is going on, help you work out what you would like to change, and work with you to find ways to make those changes.
Because I believe information and understanding can go a long way to resolving problems I often use 'psycho-education' which can help you to understand the natural ['Monkey brain'] responses we have when life has been, or is, difficult. To this end I've developed a series of mind maps to help explain common issues eg anxiety, depression and low self esteem, common problems eg sleep issues, and which also identifies potentially useful solutions for you to try out.
Potentially useful solutions include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [which is about recognising and challenging unhelpful thinking], mindfulness [which is about being in the here and now / accepting thoughts], breathing techniques, and writing exercises - these are just some examples - really it's just a question of finding what works for you.
I have specialist experience and knowledge of disability, health, carer, student and gender dysphoria issues, and lived experience of carer issues and rare disability. If you have a hearing impairment we can use captions on Zoom. Please just get in touch if you have any other access requirements.
Finally, I'm experienced in doing long and short term work - even one off sessions - having worked in a variety of different settings including in the NHS taking referrals from the local Depression and Anxiety service, for an NHS Specialist Gender Identity Clinic [for individuals thinking about, or in the process of, transitioning], and at the University of Exeter, as well as counselling GPs and trainee doctors [via Employee Assistance Programmes], and private individuals.
NB Please message me if you'd like a session on a day/time that doesn't look available on my calendar because I could have availability and/or I can create a session slot for you.
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