Jenny Hodsdon

If you are struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, being self critical or have a tendency towards overthinking or perfectionism then I may be the counsellor to help you. These are issues I am very familiar with. I can help you to find a sense of calm, confidence and freedom.

I offer an initial introductory session at a reduced fee as I am committed to helping you find the right counsellor for you.

I have been counselling for over ten years and for a number of issues. I also have a lot of 'life experience' and wisdom to offer as well. 

I became a counsellor because I had spent years struggling in life and not fully knowing why and having counselling really helped me to understand why. 

Perhaps you can't put our finger on why you are struggling? Do you find you are ruled by your emotions, often feel overwhelmed or are struggling with your relationships. Sometimes we know we're not happy or getting the most out of life but don't know why and that's where counselling can help.

Overthinking things or worrying a lot may keep you awake at night, make it difficult to sleep and generally affect your mood. 

Counselling can help you to work out why you may feel this way. Once you know that, it's easier to find a way that works better and you can start to make changes.

Counselling can help by identifying unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behaviour, that once you are aware exist, you can change.

Sometimes we think we have to be perfect and be able to do a lot in order to feel worthy. Years ago, I often felt unsure of myself and I frequently piled my 'life' plate too high, partly through not being able to say no and this resulted in overwhelm and anxiety. Perhaps this is you too? 

Perhaps you criticise yourself and talk to yourself in a way you wouldn't dream of saying to others? Being self critical can really affect our self esteem.

For me personally, having counselling was an eye opener from the very first session. It helped me be more decisive, choose to make changes and become less of a 'people-pleaser'.

It's a real privilege for me to be able to offer that kind of help now to others, due to my training, my counselling experience and my life experience. 

If you are struggling with your relationship, I can offer couples counselling to help you find what the problem is and work together to improve it. Whether it's problems with arguing and not communicating, loss of intimacy or your relationship is no longer fulfilling, I can help you get clear on where to focus on improving it.

Why not take that first step to get access to insight into why you are struggling right now and more importantly, how to change it.

Therapy can also help with the following:-

Work worries (workload pressure, stressful environment, bullying, harassment, HR issues).

Problems arising from a difficult childhood (neglect, dysfunctional family, estrangement).

Difficulties in relationships (with partner or family).

Grief & Loss.

I have been told that as a person I am friendly, warm and wise. I always aim to be professional and ethical.

I would describe my way of working as supportive without being overbearing, inquisitive whilst still respecting your boundaries, very observant but also encouraging. I am highly resilient and able to hold whatever you wish to tell me. 

Therapy works best when there is a genuine connection between us; when you feel safe and able to share how you think and feel.

I am passionate about helping you to cope with life's challenges and fully committed to you finding some joy in your life. I do appreciate that you feeling better about yourself may seem impossible from where you are stood right now but help is just an email away!

Anxiety-related issues can be due to a variety of causes, in fact anything in the list above can cause us anxiety temporarily, but sometimes it sticks around and causes bigger problems. I have a great deal of experience, knowledge and training in this area.

In addition, I see clients for grief following the death of a person or pet whenever the loss happened, be it months or years since they died. 

My considerable personal experience of non-death loss means I am particularly drawn to working with you if you are losing a person due to a life-limiting illness, cancer or dementia. Non-death loss also includes loss of your health, loss of career, loss of your job, your livelihood and/or loss of the future you had imagined for yourself.

Anxiety Help

If you are looking for help because you are struggling with the effects of stress for example panic attacks, suffering with anxiety (with any cause), work-related stress or work/life balance issues then you are in the right place. I work by helping you to find the root cause (or causes) of your anxiety and then build a backpack of techniques that you can draw upon when you are feeling anxiety is taking over. The aim is to help you to feel more in control and therefore calmer.

Anxiety can result if you you feel frequently overwhelmed with everything you have to cope with in life, be that work (stressful work environment, too much work), difficulties with relationships (your partner, family, or work colleagues), caring responsibilities or are going through lots of changes at once.

Booking a session with me could be the first step to bringing those really unpleasant anxiety symptoms, such as feelings of dread, feeling faint or wanting to run, under control.

I will work closely with you in an honest, calm and supportive way, so if the prospect of therapy makes you feel anxious, rest assured I will put you at ease. 

Counselling for Loss

Loss is an inevitable part of life but knowing that doesn't make it easier to bear.

For one thing, some types of loss and grief are not recognised by others. If you are losing someone bit by bit, you are already grieving, but this is often not acknowledged. You may feel people are dismissive of how you feel, especially if it has been some time since your loss. I can tell you that it doesn't matter how long it has been, it matters to you and that makes it important to me.

Some aspects of loss can be difficult to talk about, you may have felt unable to confide in friends or family for fear of their reaction. This can be especially true if you are caring for someone as they are dying, or their decline is very slow, distressing or complicated by a difficult relationship.

The work we do will include looking at your wellbeing, coping strategies to sustain you and of course acknowledging your grieving process and validating what you are going through.

A bit about me (the person without my counselling hat on!):

I was a healthcare scientist for many years.

I still love science but the brain and mind-body connection is where my interest lies now, rather than anatomy.

I have enjoyed embracing my creativity, mainly through multi media art.

I enjoy walking and spending time in nature, my favourite place being Lyme Park.

I love music and enjoy most genres. I learned to play drum kit some years back.

I also love dance and have trained in most styles, so I will be watching Strictly.

I love dogs but sadly don't currently own one.

Why not take the first step and drop me an email today?

How to get in touch

Use the Contact form to send me an email. I will reply as soon as possible (usually within one working day). 

My charges
£50 by BACs transfer, SumUp card reader or cash. 

• Anxiety & Panic Attacks
• Women's issues
• Low self esteem
• Low mood
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Work/Life balance
• Harassment at work
• Bullying
• Chronic illness

Charges are:-
I offer a reduced fee of £30 for the first session. My normal fee is £50 per session (one full hour). Couples £70

Payment Methods Accepted
BACS, SUM UP Card reader, cash.

LGBTQ Ally, Face to face, one hour sessions for individuals. Quiet, confidential counselling room within easy reach of Hyde, Stockport, Marple, Bredbury.