Counselling for adults who are used to coping
Face-to-face counselling in Brentwood, based in Shenfield, Essex
Work, relationships, family responsibilities, loss or major changes can leave you anxious, irritable, emotionally disconnected or unsure what you want. From my practice in Shenfield, I offer face-to-face counselling for adults from Brentwood and the surrounding area, helping you understand what is happening and find a way forward that feels more authentically you.
You may be looking for help with:
anxiety, persistent worry or overthinking;
work, family or caring pressures;
relationship tensions and difficult conversations;
bereavement, loss or life after caring;
low mood, self-criticism or emotional disconnection;
redundancy, retirement, separation or another major change.
You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of what is wrong. It is enough to know that something is affecting your wellbeing, choices or relationships.
When it becomes difficult to know what you need
You may be accustomed to putting other people first, keeping feelings private or trying to prevent conflict and disappointment. You might agree when you want to say no, carefully monitor how you come across or avoid a conversation until resentment has built.
Over time, it can become difficult to recognise what you think, feel or need – or to express it without guilt, anxiety or fear of another person’s reaction. Counselling can help you notice these patterns and develop greater choice in how you respond.
When criticism feels like a verdict on who you are
A criticism, disagreement, mistake or disappointed look can sometimes affect you with surprising force. You may go quiet, withdraw, explain yourself repeatedly, try urgently to put things right or react with anger.
In these moments, it can feel as though you have not simply done something wrong or upset somebody. It may feel as though you have been exposed as inadequate, selfish, weak or fundamentally wrong.
This is not the explanation for every difficulty. Where it is relevant, counselling can help us slow the moment down and understand what happens before you automatically disappear, give way, defend yourself or fight back.
Areas of particular experience
You may be seeking help because of stress, anger, grief, relationship problems or emotional distance rather than because you want to “talk about feelings”. You do not need to know what to say before coming to counselling.
Professionals and leaders under pressure
Responsibility, feedback, conflict, redundancy or retirement can affect confidence, identity and relationships. My previous career in business and senior leadership gives me direct understanding of organisational pressure without turning counselling into coaching.
I have several years of hospice bereavement experience. I work with recent, anticipatory and long-standing grief, including sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, relief and changes in role or identity.
What it may be like to work with me
My approach is calm, relational and engaged. I will listen carefully, but I will not simply sit in silence or repeat your words back to you. Where it may be useful, I may notice a pattern, contradiction or change in how we are relating and invite us to explore it together.
I originally trained in person-centred counselling and continue advanced postgraduate training in Gestalt psychotherapy. I have completed more than 800 supervised counselling hours across private practice, hospice bereavement counselling and community work. Before retraining, I spent approximately 35 years in business, finance and senior leadership.
I work with women and men from varied backgrounds, professions and life circumstances.
Sessions and taking the next step
I offer weekly 50-minute sessions face to face in a private counselling room in Shenfield and online across the UK. Sessions cost £70, with a limited number of concessionary places subject to availability.
You are welcome to arrange a free 20-minute telephone conversation. It is an opportunity to tell me briefly what has prompted you to consider counselling, ask questions and decide whether meeting might feel appropriate. The call does not commit you to beginning counselling.