Gail Knowles

Verified Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

MBACP, FdSc, Dip.Hyp-Psych, GQHP
Warrington WA1 & Widnes WA8

About me

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or simply in need of someone to talk to?
Reaching out for support can feel like one of the hardest steps to take. You may have been carrying things on your own for a long time, wondering whether counselling could help or feeling unsure about where to begin.

You don't have to face life's challenges alone.

Hello, I'm Gail, 

My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and confidential space where you can feel safe to talk openly, without fear of judgement. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, grief, relationship difficulties or simply feeling overwhelmed, I will work alongside you with compassion, understanding and respect.

Many of my clients tell me they felt comfortable talking to me from our very first session. They often describe me as easy to talk to, welcoming, approachable, knowledgeable and someone who provides a safe, supportive environment where they can truly be themselves.

I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is at the heart of successful therapy. Whether this is your first experience of counselling or you've had therapy before, I will work alongside you at a pace that feels right for you.

I am a fully qualified and insured Integrative Counsellor and Hypno-Psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience supporting adults and couples through life's challenges.

Alongside my private practice, I currently work within the NHS and have extensive experience supporting both individuals and professionals across a wide range of organisations, including the Police, Prison Service, NHS, emergency services and many other public and private sector workplaces.

How I Work
Every person has their own story, experiences and challenges. That's why I believe therapy should be as individual as the person sitting in front of me.

As an Integrative Counsellor, I draw upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy. By combining these approaches, I tailor counselling to meet your individual needs, helping you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies and move towards meaningful, lasting change.

Above all, I offer a genuine, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted.

Couples Counselling
Relationships naturally experience challenges throughout life. Whether you're struggling with communication, trust, conflict, life transitions or feeling disconnected from one another, I provide a safe, impartial and supportive environment where both partners can openly explore their concerns.

Together, we'll work towards improving understanding, communication and strengthening your relationship.

Areas I Can Help With
I support people experiencing a wide variety of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

Anxiety
Depression
Stress and burnout
Low self-esteem and confidence
Bereavement and grief
Pregnancy and baby loss
Relationship difficulties
Workplace stress
Trauma
Life transitions
Emotional wellbeing
And many other personal challenges.
If you're unsure whether counselling could help with your situation, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to answer your questions.

Pregnancy and Baby Loss Support
Experiencing the loss of a baby at any stage can be devastating and deeply personal.

I have undertaken specialist training in pregnancy and infant loss and understand the complex emotions that often accompany this experience. I offer compassionate support to parents, partners and wider family members, providing a safe and understanding space to process grief at your own pace.

Supporting Emergency Services and High-Pressure Professions
Having worked extensively with members of the emergency services and other demanding professions, I understand the unique pressures, responsibilities and emotional impact these careers can bring.

I have experience supporting clients working within the Police, Fire & Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, NHS, Prison Service, Probation Service, Education, Local Authorities, Retail, Motor Trade, Funeral Services, the Travel Industry, Mental Health Services, the wider Public Sector and many other professions.

As a thank you for your service, I am pleased to offer a discounted rate to emergency service personnel upon presentation of valid identification.

Flexible Therapy Options
Life doesn't always make it easy to attend face-to-face appointments, which is why I offer flexible ways to access counselling.

Sessions are available via:

Online video
Telephone
Email
Instant messaging
Online therapy allows you to access professional support from the comfort, privacy and familiarity of your own home. Choosing to begin counselling takes courage.

Whatever has brought you here, you will always receive a warm welcome, empathy and respect. My role isn't to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as you make sense of your experiences, recognise your strengths and work towards the life you want to create.

Everything discussed within our sessions is treated with the highest level of confidentiality, allowing you the freedom to speak openly in a safe and supportive environment.

Finding the Right Counsellor
Choosing a counsellor is an important and personal decision. It's essential that you feel comfortable with the person you choose, as a trusting therapeutic relationship is often the foundation for meaningful change.

If you're unsure whether I'm the right therapist for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to answer any questions before you decide to book a session. There is no pressure or obligation—it's simply an opportunity for us to discuss what you're looking for and whether I can offer the support you need.

Many people tell me that reaching out was the hardest step. Once you've made that first contact, we'll work together at a pace that feels right for you, in a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental environment where you can feel safe to explore whatever is on your mind.

Whether you're experiencing anxiety, stress, loss, relationship difficulties, low mood or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, you don't have to face them alone.

When you're ready, I'll be here to listen, support and help you move forward.

Please note: If you contact me by email, my reply may occasionally be filtered into your junk or spam folder. If you include a mobile telephone number with your enquiry, I will send you a text message to let you know that I have responded.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Level 6 Certificate in Supervision
  • FdSc in Counselling
  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling
  • Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
  • Level 3 Certificate in Online Counselling
  • Experience of working in an EAP setting
  • CISD trained
  • Experience of infant and baby loss with CPD completed in this field
  • Diploma in Gastric Band Hypnosis
  • Couples Counselling

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Online Hypnotherapy for weight loss/management, smoking, healthy eating, phobias, relaxation, confidence building.

Online Gastric band Hypnosis - Full package details available on request.

The following services will be added shortly:

  • Hypnobirthing
  • Smoking cessation

Fees

£40.00 - £70.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

  • Online/Remote counselling from £40 per hour
  • Couples Counselling £70 per hour

I do offer concessions so please get in touch to discuss these.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Warrington, Cheshire, WA1

Type of session

Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

One location is on the ground floor but is not wheelchair accessible. One location does have a stair lift if needed. I offer online counselling so you can access support from the comfort of your own home.

Online platforms

Zoom
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams

Supervision

Online
Phone

Hi, I'm Gail and qualified Integrative therapist who has been working with clients for over 10 years and as a supervisor since 2021.

View supervision profile

Social