Janine Clifton

Hello and thanks for clicking on my profile.  

If you're here, I imagine you've reached a point where you don't want to struggle on your own any longer and are looking for professional help and support to guide you through whatever difficulties you are facing.  The decision to look for a counsellor is already a positive step that you've taken towards making things better for yourself. 

There are so many therapists and counsellors within these profiles to choose from, and I want to keep things simple as I know it can all seem a bit overwhelming.  The most important factor to keep in mind is that you should choose someone who you gel with and feel able to talk to freely.  A good, honest relationship built on trust should always be at the heart of any counselling or therapy that you have.  

That's why I offer a free no-obligation 20 minute initial telephone chat before arranging a first session, so that we can get a feel for each other and make sure that we will be a good match.  You can also ask me any questions about how the process of counselling works and it's a good way for me to find out a bit about what's led you here. 

But first, the important info-

Who I Am and What I Offer

I am fully qualified, insured, DBS checked and Registered with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). As such, I adhere to their Ethical Framework. 

I offer one-to-one sessions with adults over the age of 18 in person face-to-face from a comfortable counselling space in the heart of Rayleigh High Street. For those further afield, I can offer online sessions via Teams.

How I Can Help You

I can provide a safe, confidential space for you to work through your issues, feelings, thoughts - whatever it is that is causing you stress, or problems in life. I can draw on many years of training, studying, learning, and counselling clients to walk beside you as you begin your counselling journey, maybe for the first time.  

Issues I can help with

I work with a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to:

Anger, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, lack of confidence or self-esteem, relationship issues, grief and loss (losses of all kinds), life stages and transitions, (for example, growing older, children leaving home, retirement etc.), divorce or separation, co-parenting, unhelpful patterns of relating, co-dependency, attachment issues, childhood sexual abuse, trauma of all kinds and much more besides.

What Type of Counselling/Therapy I Offer

I offer talking therapy where you are free to explore any issue you wish.  Sessions are completely private and confidential and this is something we will discuss fully in our first session together. 

I base my practice on the person-centred principles of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. In other words, warmth and understanding, a non-judgemental attitude and being my real and genuine self. I am a human too and have been through my own struggles!

I am trained to listen without thinking I know what is best for you. I don't offer advice or tell you what to do. The person-centred approach is very much about believing in a client's ability to reach their full potential and respecting their decisions.

Heads up - here comes some jargon!

I also draw from many counselling theories and evidence-based practices as appropriate and tailor my work to each individual client. These may include elements of Psychodynamic Theory, Transactional Analysis, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Existentialism, PolyVagel Theory and Inner Child Work to name a few.

Although every client will come to me with a different set of problems and circumstances which are unique to them, often themes that are common to us all will emerge. Sometimes in life we can feel stuck and can't see a way forwards. Some of the ways I help people to become 'unstuck' is by helping them:

• To understand the difference between reacting and responding to improve how they relate to others
• To define and implement boundaries
• To improve their confidence, self-esteem and self-worth
• To examine and understand the power of choice in their life
• To look at what is within their circle of control or influence
• To explore where their power lies in any situation that may be causing distress
• To understand personal responsibility and be able to identify rescuing tendencies
• To understand and tune in to their emotions and use this knowledge to make changes
• To foster self-love and self-acceptance
• To understand their patterns of relating and how to move beyond these for better relationships
• To understand attachment issues that may be playing a part in their difficulties in relationships
• To understand and process their personal history and life events to enable clearer insights into themselves

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  These are just some of the things we may look at (if appropriate) and all of these will help to improve self-awareness.  

My underlying approach above all else is of self-compassion.  Self-awareness should never be used as a stick to beat ourselves with.  The idea is to gently dig beneath the layers to connect more with ourselves - but always with compassion. 

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free chat with me, pop me an email, text or give me a call.  Further info is available on my website.  (See link above) 

Individual: £60 per 50 minute session

Counselling Students: £45 per 50 minute session 

I have experience of working with a whole range of issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-worth and self-esteem, trauma, relationship problems, loss of identity and bereavement amongst many others. 

I am a Registered Member of the BACP and abide by their code of ethics and undertake regular Continued Professional Development to make sure I am up to date with knowledge and training. 

Please get in touch by email or call 07752 859919 to arrange a free no obligation 20 minute telephone consultation.  

I look forward to hearing from you.