Hilary Sims

About me

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or simply exhausted from trying to cope on your own, you’re in the right place. Life can become incredibly heavy, and reaching out for support is a brave and important step.

I’m an experienced counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I offer a warm, calm, and confidential space where you can talk openly without judgement, and begin to make sense of what you’re going through.

My approach is gentle, grounded, and collaborative. I believe you already have strengths within you.  Together, we uncover them so you can move forward with more clarity, confidence, and emotional balance.

Face‑to‑face sessions are available.

How I Can Help

People come to me when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to cope. You may be dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, self‑esteem issues, sexuality, trauma, or simply a sense that something isn’t right.

In our sessions, you will have the space to:

• understand your thoughts and feelings
• explore what’s been weighing you down 
• break unhelpful patterns 
• develop healthier ways of coping
• rebuild confidence and emotional resilience

You don’t have to face things alone. Support is here.

What You Can Expect

Your first session is a gentle, relaxed conversation where we explore what you’re experiencing and what you need. There is no pressure to share anything before you’re ready.

Together, we will:

• talk about what brings you to counselling
• explore what you want to change
• decide which therapeutic approach suits you best
• agree on how we will work together

Some people benefit from short‑term support; others prefer longer‑term therapy. We will decide this together based on your needs.

Where We Meet

You can meet with me in my private therapy room in Stourbridge.  A peaceful, confidential space designed to help you feel safe and at ease.

If you prefer, I can also visit you at home if you have a suitable private space.

Therapies I Offer

You don’t need to know which approach you want,  we will explore this together.

Humanistic Counselling (Person‑Centred)
A gentle, exploratory approach that helps you understand yourself more deeply and reconnect with your strengths.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured, practical therapy is often used for anxiety and depression. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns and develop new ways of thinking and behaving.

Solution‑Focused Therapy (SFT)
A short‑term, goal‑oriented approach that helps you find practical solutions to specific problems.

Who I Work With

I have experience supporting:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Men’s mental health
• Self‑harm
• Bereavement and loss
• Relationship issues
• Sexuality
• Young people

I also work with businesses offering Employee Assistance Programmes.

• Training, Qualifications & Experience
• AQA Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Certificate in Counselling Young People
• Certificate in Clinical Supervision
• Certificate in Couples and Family Counselling Skills
• Mental Health Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse – Social/Trauma Model
• Self‑Harm Training
• Mental Health First Aid Awareness (MHFA)
• Beyond Homophobia: Contemporary Responses to LGBTQ+ People
• Continued Professional Development in Loss, Grief, and Sexuality

I hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate.

Articles You May Find Helpful

https://www.lifebalancecounselling.net/2020/07/20/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-when-it-strikes/

https://www.lifebalancecounselling.net/2020/08/21/effects-of-stress-on-young-people/

https://www.lifebalancecounselling.net/2020/09/06/men-its-ok-to-talk-about-your-mental-health/

Taking the Next Step

If you’re ready to begin, I offer a calm, supportive first session where we can explore what you need and whether I’m the right counsellor for you.

You don’t have to keep struggling on your own. Support is here when you’re ready.

Panic attacks

Initial 30 minute session £30

£50 per individual 50 minute session thereafter (discounts available for block booking)

Couples and Family Counselling, price on request

Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm. Friday 10am to 4pm

Testimonials

"Our sessions have given me the tools to handle what would have been a major trauma for me in the past.  From day one I felt you clearly got me and you were the perfect balance of straight-talking, understanding, and professionalism"

Brenda

'Hilary, thank you for helping me again. I feel so much better. You have an amazing gift.  You will be seeing me again.'

Fiona

'Thank you for opening my eyes. I have seen many counsellors and they have never got as deep as you even after months. I'm looking forward to seeing the world as an adult with your help.'

Gemma Aged 35

'I highly recommend Hilary. She offers a very effective support in getting through some challenging times. Hilary gave me the confidence to move forward.'

Jan Aged 60

A wonderful listener, who has helped me discover a much more confident side to myself and given the tools to tackle life's problems head on

Catherine Aged 26

If you have any queries at all about my approach to therapy, please call or text me for a no-obligation chat. I will endeavour to answer your queries in an open and honest way.