Emma-Jane Laroche

Hello and thank you very much for stopping by my profile.

Have you decided it’s time to talk to someone who can just listen to you and your point of view? Perhaps speak with someone who won’t judge or tell you what you should or shouldn’t and just hear how difficult things have been for you? I will give you the space to share your fears, your confusion and your own thoughts or emotions in a safe and confidential place.

My particular areas of expertise include:

* Living with ADHD
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Trauma
* Relationship problems
* Grief and loss including pet bereavement. 

During my counselling sessions I give you the opportunity to talk confidentially about your worries and anxieties now and of the future.

I use and teach a variety of techniques within the sessions to help you with your difficulties.

Sometimes we don't know why we feel the way we do and through exploration, compassion and acceptance you can begin to understand what has impacted you in your life. Perhaps it’s because of friends, family and work you find yourself needing therapy. You may be a victim of domestic abuse or coercive control.

In some situations we may explore your past to help you to understand how past coping mechanisms may not be useful in the present. You may be finding it difficult to change these conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviour.

ADHD

Living with ADHD can bring its own unique set of challenges and it's impact is very individual. 

There has been a significant rise in the diagnosis of ADHD and in particular women as symptoms can be different from those seen in men. 

Perhaps you have a fear of being diagnosed with ADHD or not! You may also have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and may be experiencing feelings of loss and confusion.

Counselling can give you the opportunity to talk about your emotions and the challenges ADHD has had on your life, family, work and relationships in a safe, non judgemental and accepting environment. Together we look at how we can build your confidence and explore ways in how to make life and relationships much easier for you. 

Please be aware that this isn't a diagnosis. Diagnosis can only be done through a specialist Psychiatrist or someone specifically trained in diagnosing ADHD. First port of call should be to see your GP for advice and referral for diagnosis.

About my counselling sessions

Together we discuss what is important to you. Providing a space where you are listened to and heard, where what you say counts and is important!

Counselling allows you the time and space to make sense of your worries and find a solution to make the changes you need to carry on and feel confident in your life.

I particularly enjoy helping people identify repeated patterns of negative behaviour and feelings.

Many people may not be aware this is happening but by talking with me we start to gain a picture of those ongoing negative feelings. Through some psycho education I can teach you the skills to identify what's happening and explore ways of how to stop these cycles.

The issues I deal with

As well as helping individuals with Anxiety and Depression, some of the other areas I have particular experience and expertise in are listed below.

• Relationships- marriage difficulties, communicating problems with work colleagues, family or friends, bullying, domestic abuse.

• Stress-pressure of work, family, money or just life in general.

• Life changing events- bereavement, redundancy, children leaving home,  menopause, illness, pet loss.
• Trouble with feelings- loneliness, feeling suicidal, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, feelings of negativity towards yourself or others, self-harm

You can contact me either by e-mail or phone to arrange our first meeting. Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes and in the initial meeting we talk about what has brought you to counselling. I will also ask some questions and then explain how the counselling process works. It will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any worries and concerns you may have and then between us we agree to the frequency and time that these sessions will take place.

How I work

My approach is Humanistic which provides you with a safe, non-judgemental, confidential and accepting environment giving you the chance to talk through your personal worries, loss and concerns.

Perhaps you've noticed negative repetitive patterns of behaviour in your relationships whether with friends, partners, family or work colleagues. You may find you get stuck in a spiral and can see no way out and that these behaviours hold you back from reaching your full potential. I work with you to understand what is holding you back from making the important changes to help you to move forward.

• My purpose is to provide a confidential space where you can talk and be heard without being judged or criticised.
• Together we look at what may be causing you difficulties and identify solutions to help you make the changes in your life you need to move forward.
• I use a variety of therapeutic tools which are tailored to meet your individual requirements. This may include some psycho education where you are able to learn more about who you are and identify negative repeated patterns of behaviour which may be preventing you from change.

Counselling is:

- Confidential
- Supportive
- Caring
- Non-judgemental
- Understanding
- Empathic
- Respectful

Counselling also helps with:

- Understanding more about who you are
- Self development
- Self awareness.
- Exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviour
- Creating personal choice
- Making positive changes in your life

I provide a non-judgemental, compassionate and supportive environment. I am happy to offer you a free 10 minute initial phone conversation to discuss whether I can be of any help. Times and days of the week are flexible so please feel free to contact me to arrange an appointment.

Pet Bereavement

Many pet owners form strong attachments to their animals and indeed animals are becoming much more involved in our lives compared say to 30 years ago.

for some pet owners its hard to find family and friends who fully appreciate the strong emotional tie that this relationship brings. Dogs in particular are accepting, unconditional and non-judgemental.

Grieving for the death or loss of a pet is perfectly normal. having an attachment and bond with a pet with whom you may have been closer to than a human being or who has been there for you through tough times can bring strong emotional feelings.

losing a pet through theft or accident can be particularly difficulty and bring its own emotional complications such as guilt and anger.

Sometimes tough decisions have to me made such as decisions about Euthanasia and this cane difficult o discuss with friends and family.

Talking to a counsellor can help bring more clarity and offer the time and space needed to help process this grief.

Along with a colleague we have successfully delivered workshops for pet professionals ant pet owners, including professional dog walkers, animal behaviourists, rescue volunteers and veterinary staff etc. In September 2019 we were invited to hold a workshop at Glasgow University Veterinary Department where we spoke about the impact of loss both on the client and also its effects on Veterinary professionals.

My way of working is to increase your confidence and empower you to make positive decisions that can make a real difference to your life.