Claire Kerby

Hello - my name is Claire, welcome to my counselling page.

If there is something affecting you or someone close to you, you don't need to handle it all on your own. I'm very happy to talk and share some of the load. 

My expertise has focused primarily on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and loss (whether that's bereavement, financial loss or so forth). I also specialise in counselling those who may be affected by long term health conditions, having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2018. and understand the importance of having a counsellor who has similar lived experiences to you. 

Who do I support? I support anyone who just needs a professional to talk to. Whether you're feeling mildly depressed by work, uncertain in your relationship, or you've heard that you or a family member is facing a terminal illness, we can ALL value from talking to someone outside our normal lives. Ultimately there are more similarities between us than differences. All of us want and deserve a sense of fulfilment, enjoyment and joy in our lives. We all need self-compassion and kindness and these are the values that underpin my work.

How does it work? My counselling sessions are mostly online and last 50 minutes. Alternatively, if you live in or near Hereford I can offer in-person sessions if you prefer.
 
I always suggest that we have an initial phone conversation (free of charge) lasting 10- 20 minutes so that we can introduce ourselves to each other, and begin to understand what support might be beneficial for you.

What's my approach? My personal experience of loss and survival is extensive and this makes me highly empathic, sensitive and non judgemental towards whatever may be bothering you. Maybe you've undergone, or are anticipating a major life-change: this can give rise to all sorts of issues which may be hard to talk about with a partner, family or friends. Maybe you've lost a sense of direction or purpose: it's not showing weakness to seek help.
 
In addition to my core practice, I provide individual counselling and support for people exposed to chronic health conditions. Being diagnosed with a chronic health condition can be a shock and it may impact every aspect of your life. What’s especially hard is accepting the ‘new you’, coming to terms with it, and learning to manage it and its unpredictability in ways that still allow for pleasure and joy for you and those close to you. Often it's those close to you who also need support in that their life too may have been turned upside down.

Want to know more about my approach?

You can read my article about managing anxiety here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/embrace-your-anxiety

My article about loss here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/bereavement-doesnt-need-a-death

And my article about counselling for chronic health conditions here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/counselling-for-people-with-chronic-health-conditions

 
Take that first step and text or call me so we can have an initial chat about how best I can support you.

You can also find out more about me via my website: 

https://wyetalkcounselling.co.uk/

An initial 10-20 minute phone conversation is suggested for which no charge is made.

After this, my charge ranges from £40 to £70 per 50 minute session. Please say if cost is an issue and we can try to make something work.