Claudette Burch

Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, low confidence, relationship difficulties or a sense that you've lost your way. You might be someone others rely on — capable, thoughtful, outwardly coping — while privately feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or worn down by holding everything together.

You may have spent years putting other people first, trying to meet expectations or being the one who copes, yet find yourself feeling exhausted, stuck or unsure of who you are.

Life can bring challenges at any stage. Relationships change, family dynamics can be difficult, and experiences from the past can continue to affect how we feel about ourselves and others. For some people, periods of transition — including midlife, perimenopause and menopause — can bring their own questions about identity, confidence and what comes next.

Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

I offer a warm, accepting and collaborative space where you can explore what's happening in your life, make sense of your feelings and begin to find a way forward that feels right for you.

My approach:

I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic ideas and approaches to suit your individual needs, rather than expecting one way of working to fit everyone.

My approach is grounded in person-centred and humanistic values. I believe that feeling genuinely heard, accepted and understood can be an important starting point for change.

I see counselling as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to work alongside you with warmth, curiosity and compassion. I won't judge you, tell you how you should feel or assume that I know what's best for you.

Depending on what feels helpful, we might explore your feelings and experiences, look at patterns in your relationships, or consider different ways of understanding and responding to the challenges you're facing.

There is no pressure to share everything at once. We can take things at your pace, with space for uncertainty, difficult feelings and the things that may be hard to put into words.

How I may be able to help:

I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety, low mood, stress and emotional exhaustion
• Low self-esteem, self-doubt and lack of confidence
• People-pleasing, boundaries and difficulty putting yourself first
• Perimenopause, menopause and midlife transitions
• Changes in identity, loss of direction and uncertainty about the future
• Difficult family relationships and the lasting impact of childhood experiences
• Relationship difficulties and recurring patterns
• Neurodiversity, including challenges relating to your own or a family member's neurodivergence

My approach may be right for you if…

• You would like a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly without feeling judged.
• You spend a lot of time looking after others but find it difficult to prioritise your own needs.
• You struggle with self-doubt, anxiety or feeling that you are somehow not enough.
• You want to understand how past experiences may be influencing the way you feel or relate to others today.
• You are navigating a change in your life, identity, relationships or sense of self.
• You would like to explore your experiences at your own pace, with someone who will listen and work alongside you rather than tell you what to do.

You don't need to recognise yourself in every point on this list. And you don't need to arrive with a clear explanation of what's troubling you. Sometimes, simply knowing that something doesn't feel right is enough of a starting point.

Client feedback:

“The work we have done together has genuinely changed my life. I am better able to respond in stressful situations, more self-aware, and I've learnt tools which will help me throughout the rest of my life.”

“Working with Claudette was immensely helpful. I came to counselling with intense anxiety and struggles around independence, but through our sessions my confidence grew and my anxiety reduced significantly. As an autistic person, I appreciated Claudette's understanding and respectful approach. She was honest and direct when needed, while always remaining compassionate. I now feel happier, more confident, and better able to face life's challenges. I'm incredibly grateful and would happily recommend Claudette to anyone seeking counselling.”

Online, telephone, and face-to-face counselling available

I offer counselling online, by telephone and face-to-face, giving you some flexibility to choose a format that feels comfortable and practical for you.

Whichever format you choose, my aim is to create a space where you feel comfortable enough to explore what's happening for you.

Taking the next step:

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you've never spoken to a counsellor before. You might feel nervous, unsure what to expect, or wonder whether your difficulties are significant enough to seek support.

You don't need to have all the answers before getting in touch.

I offer a free 20-minute introductory telephone or online conversation. This gives us an opportunity to talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you may have, and consider whether we might be a good fit for working together.

There is no obligation to continue after this conversation. Finding someone you feel comfortable with matters, and it's important that you have the space to make the right decision for you.

If you'd like to find out more, you're very welcome to get in touch.

Sessions last 50 minutes. My fees are £50 per online session and £60 per in-person session. 

I hold a small number of concessionary spaces for those who may be struggling financially. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - I’ll do my best to help.

I usually work online with clients over a course of several weeks or months but can also offer short-term counselling including one-off sessions, face-to-face, telephone/WhatsApp, and walk and talk appointments depending on your location. 

I offer flexible appointment times including some evenings and weekends.

I invite you to take the next step and contact me to book an initial FREE 20-minute telephone call; the call is your chance to tell me about what brings you to counselling, what you would like to achieve from sessions, and see whether we are a good fit.