Sally Hastings

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Hello,I am an experienced   Relate trained relationship and couples counsellor  with psychosexual training.

I am also a fully qualified general counsellor with many years experience of helping clients with  issues including  generalised anxiety disorder, bereavement, low self confidence and self esteem , depression and  panic attacks,  

In my view it takes a lot of courage for couples to finally decide to seek couples counselling. The tragedy is when it is left too late, and things have got too entrenched to resolve. However, it is very rare that this is the case.If couples do decide to separate, by improving their communications skills, they can often separate more amicably, with greater understanding. 

Sexual issues are often the most difficult subjects to discuss.

I offer  a quiet, calm space where couples are helped and encouraged to communicate. They are finally able to say the things that they want to each other, without it turning into an argument. They learn how to truly listen with the intention of understanding,taking responsibility for their own actions, rather than getting defensive and blaming one another. 

Whether couples or individuals I help clients  discover the roots of their problems,some stemming back to childhood.  Having gained understanding, and explored the issues we  move on to make a plan for more positive action.  

I will not tell people what to do, but I am trained to ask appropriate questions in a gentle, compassionate and caring way,  to help clients reflect and work things out for themselves. 

 Not all counselling is about the making or breaking of relationships.For many  Lockdown and the current political and economic climate is  hugely stressful, often creating difficult family issues, anxiety and depression. Clients report feelings of sadness and a genaralised feeling of permanent deep anxiety.  Many struggle with the grief and loss of sudden bereavement, some had no proper closure, or opportunity to sit with their loved ones as they died, or lean on the  comfort of a supportive family funeral, due to Covid restrictions.

Therapy, where you can express your deepest feelings , and finally let out your grief can often be the first steps on the path to healing. 

Most of us like clear goals and  gudelines in our life. We need to know where we are heading. Anything less can bring about feelings of anxiety, anger,  sadness and depression. Panic attacks.

I  have wide  experience in bereavement counselling, post traumatic stress disorder and stress related issues.I can help individuals explore their fears.I have training and experience in a variety of different approaches, including CBT .

Listen With the Intent to Listen - Not to Reply  - Stephen Covey

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.