J. Porterfield

On-line and face to face sessions offered.

I provide individual counselling and psychotherapy and have over 25 years of experience practising within the NHS. I am now working in my own practice offering both short term and longer-term therapy. A longer-term therapy can be viewed as a more in-depth therapeutic process that supports more complex difficulties and you may have experienced these for some time.

My room is for face-to-face sessions and located within the respectful, peaceful and private environment of the Richardson Hospital looking out onto the internal garden.

I have much experience of providing therapy with individuals who want help with what can sometimes be experienced as overwhelming emotions, those of depression, anxiety, bereavement and relationship problems. In addition, you maybe someone who is struggling with your mental health following experience of trauma. I also provide support for work- related stress/difficulties and the emotional impact of these; for example, living and working in a rural environment, or experiences of feeling bullied, misunderstood and stressed at work.

If you are new to therapy, then I can offer you a sensitive and supportive introduction and at our initial consultation, we can both decide the most appropriate way forward.

Therapy involves talking as openly as possible, we will work together to try and understand your problem and look at any difficulties that arise in our relationship. This process helps to increase understanding of yourself and how your problems interfere with how you relate to others.

Throughout my career I have gained a specialist knowledge in the treatment of eating distress. I also have a background as Counsellor in a GP practice, as a University Student Counsellor, in Children's Psychological Services, Adult Mental Health Community Services and more recently as a Specialist Psychotherapist in an NHS Psychotherapy Service. 

Finally, I understand it can be very difficult to access the right professional with whom you can share your present difficulties within a safe, respectful and appropriate setting; I endeavour to provide all of the above.

I have also experience in counselling adoptees and those who are searching for their birth families.

Consultation/Assessment fee is £65.00

Ongoing face to face therapy and on-line or telephone therapy is £60.00. I have some low-income availability following assessment.

My cancellation policy is a 48-hour notice for cancelled appointments. If you do not attend without notice, then a payment is still required. Thank-you.

In Barnard Castle, I provide a private, confidential and reliable therapy service within a quiet, safe and welcoming environment utilizing a local NHS facility. I have availability throughout the working week seeing potential face to face clients between 9 - 6.30 pm.  In addition, my on-line or telephone therapy availability extends to 7pm. If you would like to discuss a potential assessment, then please telephone or e-mail me.