About me
Specialist Women-Centred Counsellor
Hello, my name is Hannah Riches and I am passionate about women-centred counselling. Having worked as a midwife for over 15 years, I see counselling as a beautiful extension of that role. The word midwife means "with woman" and I see counselling as standing with you through life's highs, lows, changes and challenges. I truly believe that empowering women to tell their stories and make meaningful connections in their lives, is powerful and transformative. From our first steps into womanhood, through to the richness of later years - our stories as women can hold so much. Whether that includes loss, grief, trauma, antenatal or postnatal or general depression and/or anxiety, dealing with chronic illness, family life and balance, menopause, children leaving home, retirement, ADHD, neurodivergence and more; I want to work with you to find your voice and also find healing through our work together.
LQBTQ+ Affirming Practitioner
What I firmly believe, both personally and professionally, is that what it means to be a woman is wide-ranging and varied. As an open and inclusive professional, I actively welcome anyone who identifies as a woman, which includes those assigned female at birth, trans women, and those who consider themselves non-binary. I am passionately committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community. I recognise that alongside the universal challenges of being human, there can be unique dynamics shaped by identity, family systems, cultural pressures, faith, and experiences of discrimination or exclusion. Whether it’s exploring questions of belonging, navigating relationships, or working through the impact of prejudice and marginalisation, this is a space where all parts of you are welcome. My approach is to listen without judgement, honour your story, and support you in finding strength, self-acceptance, and connection on your own terms.
Counselling for Frontline Workers
I also have a particular passion for supporting frontline workers - nurses, doctors, midwives, police officers, and many others in demanding public-facing roles. Having spent 15 years working in the NHS as a midwife, I understand first-hand the pressures, hidden traumas, and emotional toll that these careers can bring. From exposure to crisis and loss, carrying the weight of responsibility and often working within overstretched systems, I recognise that the impact on wellbeing can be profound. That isn't even mentioning the impact of shift work! Too often, frontline professionals feel that their unique experiences aren’t fully understood in general counselling settings. Our work together will offer a space where those experiences are acknowledged, validated, and carefully worked through.
Working with Young People
Having worked with many young people, I understand the unique challenges that teenagers face in today's world. From social media pressures to bullying and self-esteem issues; the importance of providing a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their emotions and navigate life's complexities cannot be underestimated. Sometimes it's useful for someone external to their family, school or communities to journey alongside the young person so that they feel safe discussing and discovering themselves. As a parent, it's natural to want the best for your child. My teen counselling services aim to provide your teenager with the tools they need to cope with the challenges they're facing and to empower them to develop resilience and emotional well-being, to navigate the ups and downs of life.
About Me
Having had counselling myself at different stages of my life, I know both personally and professionally the lifelong positive impact it can have. I feel honoured and privileged to be in this role and to hear people's stories and journey alongside them. Hopefully when you meet me, it will soon become clear how much I love my job and the passion I have for connection, change and counselling.
As well as a midwife and counsellor, some other important roles in my life include being a wife, mother, friend, foodie, film lover and nap enthusiast. While I love being around people in many areas of my life, I also value solitude, rest, peace and quiet and a good book.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and Qualifications
- Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Adults and Children and Young People (CPCAB course accredited by the NCPS).
- CPCAB level 2 and level 3 in Counselling
- BSc in Midwifery - alongside further courses in perinatal mental health.
- Safeguarding Level 3
Experience
Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a midwife prior to training as a counsellor, I feel I bring a unique perspective to my practice, specialising in women's health, wellbeing, and perinatal care. I remain registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) to ensure I am up to date with current research and practices.
I also have extensive experience working with CYP having worked voluntarily for a local charity specialising in CYP counselling provision, as well as midwifery experience working with pregnant teenagers. I have an enhanced DBS certificate and attend regular safeguarding training.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I do have a limited number of sessions where I can offer concession rates for students, those on parental leave and for other exceptional circumstances assessed on a case by case basis.
**PLEASE NOTE - I often can't answer my phone due to being in sessions. Please do leave a voicemail and I will call you back ASAP. **
When I work
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I currently have a waiting list for evening sessions.
Further information
Issues We Can Work Through
Specialising in women's health, wellbeing, and perinatal care; I am committed to addressing a wide range of concerns. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or life transitions; I am here to provide empathetic and non-judgmental support. Your mental and emotional wellness is my priority, and I am dedicated to helping you heal and thrive.
Some of the things you may wish to discuss in counselling:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self Harm
- ADHD/ASC/Neurodivergence
- Self-esteem and body image
- Gender Identity
- Sexuality
- Antenatal or Postnatal depression
- Bereavement and grief
- Miscarriage and baby loss
- Fertility journeys
- Living with chronic illness
- Menopause
- Family dynamics
- Relationship dynamics
- Motherhood and parenting
- Trauma
- Spiritual trauma
- Your childhood
This is a very limited list of the issues that may come into the counselling room. Please do reach out if you are concerned that what you want to work through hasn't been mentioned, as I am sure it will be something we can explore together.
