Carol Sacker

One to one counselling provides a therapeutic relationship in which a person is supported in order to experience and reflect on their own inner feelings and thoughts.  All too often inner feelings and thoughts can be overwhelming and debilitating to such an extent that it can damage lives and relationships.

I offer person centred counselling that which ensures the that the therapeutic relationship  is non-judgemental, support and valued with the person being at the centre of the counselling process.

I offer a safe and confidential environment in which to explore feelings and thoughts that may be causing disturbance and distress.

I particularly offer counselling to Older People who may be undergoing changes to their lives who may be feeling lost when facing challenging issues such as declining mental health such as dementia or general health.  Counselling may help with the onset of dementia or even later stages and the loss and change that is often associated with this condition.

I also offer counselling to those families and carers of people who are facing major challenges with those dear to them who are experiencing and living failing memory, change and loss.  Feelings of guilt and grief can often arise when a loved one enters a care home or who are faced with the challenges of caring for someone who mental health is declining.  I work alongside the person and offer support and have an empathic approach when dealing with what can often be quite traumatic feelings.

I offer counselling to those who wish to make changes to their lives but are often held back by feelings of rejection and loss of confidence but who wish to move forward with living life as it should be lived.

I have a varied history of working with Older People and their families for over 30 years.  This has included working as social worker in Adult services,  Adult safeguarding and Human rights for Older People in residential care homes.  I have vast experience of working in the care sector and in dealing with the health service, mental health services and all agencies associated with Adult care.

Older People mental health is an issue that is currently high on the agenda.  Older people are more likely to experience changes to their lives, sudden loss of loved ones, illnesses, bereavement or changes to their mental health. Isolation and loneliness are topics that are particularly highlighted along with a diagnosis of dementia.

Counselling can help with changes which Older People encounter in later life. Counselling can explore feelings and anxieties that are often associated with these sorts of changes.  Talking can highlight issues and anxieties that impede on every day life.

Older People's families and carers often experience loss and change when family members undergo changes. Grief, bereavement and entering into a care home or nursing home can highlight feelings of guilt and confusion. Talking out these feelings can help with coming to terms with what is happening and can help ease the pain of loss when change occur.  This can lead to a more meaningful relationship with those loved ones that are undergoing changes to their lives.

This is a time of unprecedented crisis and as time goes on we may be feeling isolated and depressed from remaining in doors.  Please ring for personal phone sessions - it sometimes helps to speak about how we are feeling at this time of change and anxiety. 

Please ring and leave a message and your call will be answered. 

Low cost counselling sliding scale available from £10 an hour - negotiable

Throughout our lives we often encounter change, loss and the associated feelings that goes with such life challenging experiences. I offer either short term counselling or longer term counselling should this be necessary. I am guided by the person and offer empathy and support at those times of distress.

Counselling is a process which involves skills of listening and prompting within a valued caring therapeutic relationship that is built over the sessions. A counsellor will be supportive during the session to enable the individual to develop insights into their problems and issues.

Through talking and sharing the person is able to explore their thoughts, and difficult or painful feelings and related behaviours and thereby reach a clearer self understanding.

Longer term counselling tends to deal with more deep seated personal issues. In the process of therapy the person is able to explore their past and how it may be affecting their current relationships and issues. 

This exploration helps increase awareness and understanding of current patterns and behaviours and in so doing leads to possible change and self growth.  This can be carried out by various therapeutic methods such as a Person Centred therapy which is a non directive way of working. 

Integrative approach which is a humanistic way of working, in which the counsellor adapts the approach to the most effective use for the individual's specific issues.

This can include psycho-dynamic approach which explores the inner world off the person by increasing awareness of linking past and present experiences and Person centred therapeutic Art work.  All these methods are used as a powerful and effective means of self exploration, self discovery and personal growth.

I am based in Harwich but can offer services at nearby Colchester or Ipswich.