Anita Knight

Are you looking for a supervisor to support your work?

I'd like to make you aware that whilst I am happy to meet people for an initial assessment, my practice is currently full so there would be a short wait until a space becomes available. Thank you. (Updated 19.1.22).

Are you or your child feeling overly anxious, worried, depressed or sad? Does every day feel like a challenge or are you having difficulties as a couple in your relationship? Do things seem to keep going wrong or feel overwhelming? Are you struggling with the way you or your child react towards things? Would you like to understand or change how you think or feel?

I am lucky because I have my own cosy room at SY5 for face to face sessions so am able to ensure that my counselling environment is fully cleaned between clients to ensure your safety. I am also fully trained with Relate to work remotely so offer sessions for people aged over 13 years (*if appropriate for your needs) by web cam using a secure online platform or by telephone for people aged 16 years and above. 

Couple or relationship counselling:

Are you arguing frequently? Do you feel like you're not being heard or understood? Do things in your relationship feel unbalanced or unfair? Do you feel confused about what's going on? Has one or both of you behaved in ways that feel hurtful or upsetting? Problems in relationships often occur due to communication differences, but we all bring our own 'stuff' into relationships and over time things can change so that our experiences from the past begin to affect how we are with our partner. 

How does it work?: 

Couple counselling isn't about blaming one or the other person for any problems, it's about exploring what processes are playing out between two people so that you can begin to understand how and why things are feeling uncomfortable and difficult. Once this has been possible we can think together about any changes you might like to make, what you both might need and how things might match up now and in the future. 

Individual counselling and psychotherapy: 

Services available by age:

Sessions for people over the age of 16 years can usually be face to face, by web cam or on the telephone, depending on individual needs.

Sessions for young people and children under the age of 13 years will generally need to happen in person at my room (SY5). In some circumstances (this would need to be assessed for suitability) I can work via webcam or face to face with your child in their school.

In all face to face sessions there are a variety of resources that can be used during sessions. There are individual boxes of toys and resources and some share items which are cleaned fully between clients. 

Setting up:

For web cam sessions, I would send you a link to a platform that is encrypted to military level and you would need to create an account. You would then log on in time for your session and I would call you. 

For face to face sessions, we would have a quick chat to decide which location might be the most suitable for your needs, then arrange a date and time for us to meet.

Adults (and over 16s) Initial session: To begin, we would arrange a meeting together, to determine whether who I am, and the services I have to offer, match up with your needs. In this session we will have the opportunity to ask each other questions and I will share more details about my ways of working with you.  You can tell me anything you want to about how things are for you too. There is no obligation following this session, so there is no need to feel any pressure.

Ongoing sessions: If you come and see me again, then how much or little you choose to share or explore will be up to you. In sessions, we will go at a speed that is comfortable for you. I might ask you some questions so that we can explore how things are for you and there may be times when I will highlight if things aren't quite adding up or making sense. This exploration will help us gain understanding about how you're feeling, any processes that might be playing out and why. Hopefully, over time, you will become more aware of when and how things are affecting you and together we will explore ways that you might manage things differently to work towards whatever goals you might have. Please see my Google page to view feedback from previous clients. 

I am also able to support parents of young children via webcam, telephone or face to face.  

Many younger people or adolescents express themselves through activities in 1:1 sessions but others find it easier just to talk about their thoughts and feelings. It really is about what works for each individual. I understand that this is an awkward, uncomfortable and frustrating stage of life where you are probably having thoughts, ideas and behaviours that differ from those your parents or carers are expecting of you, but you still need to follow the rules that adults set because you still need them to be there for you. It's both exciting and scary growing up and suddenly things that didn't bother you now do... sounding familiar? 

You can talk about your experiences and I will listen, we can think together about things that feel right for you and things that don't! Maybe you want to consider ways you can communicate things differently? Perhaps you feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed about things you've done and you need to offload in private? Maybe you feel confused about who you are or what you want? I think I've just about seen and heard everything so please don't worry, I am unlikely to be phased out by anything you choose to share with me. 

Younger children generally find it difficult to understand or express emotions using words so I offer therapy in play to enable them to share and process how they are feeling in a safe but comfortable way. I always have a variety of toys, art and craft materials available during our sessions and I will try and match the way I play up with your child's interests and way of being to help them to engage more easily.  I have adapted my way of working so that the way we now play is in accordance with Government guidelines for working in a Coronavirus - safe way. Please ask me for more information on this.