Bay Whitaker

I co-founded a successful private group practice in 2008, Sheffield Central Counselling.  I love this job because I am genuinely interested in my clients' experiences, and I know that counselling can transform people's lives.  It has been my privilege to be a small part of that process for hundreds of clients in Sheffield.  My aim is to open the door to change for my clients, perhaps by helping them find a new perspective on their issues, perhaps by just listening, perhaps by offering a little bit of theory.

One of my specialisms is working with clients who have alternative sexualities, especially BDSM.  I am a kink-knowledgeable counsellor and work in a non-pathologsing way with varieties of sexual and gender difference.

In addition I am experienced in work with trauma and abuse, depression and relationship difficulties.  Over the years, I've worked with most life problems, from work-related stress, mid-life crisis, infidelity, empty-nest syndrome to simple boredom and anger issues.

Here is what some of my recent clients have said about our work together:

‘I sought counselling because my interest in kink had led me into real danger. I found that part of me an alien threat. Together Bay and I didn’t just eliminate a threat- we turned that part of me into an asset I now embrace. Our work also supported me successfully through one of the major battles of my life in my employment. I am very pleased with the work we did and it has helped me to enrich my life and my relationships.’

'I just wanted to say an absolutely heartfelt thank you for everything you've done.  I'm in a hugely improved place now, and a large part of that has come from the insight and technique I've learned in our sessions.'