Janine Hodge - Courage2Be Counselling Services-MBACP, Adult | Child Counsellor |

Hello and Welcome..... thank you for taking the time to read this profile.

You've taken a big step, acknowledging that you or a loved one may need support as it can be really difficult either asking for help or deciding on what help is needed.

What I know, is that life can be really hard and cruel at times. Maybe you feel like you just can't catch a break; every day feels like an enormous mountain to climb; you carry around a depth of sadness that just won't leave you or perhaps it may be difficult to control emotions that can cause overwhelm, anxiety or panic attacks?

Perhaps it's hard to recognise who you are anymore, or you are finding loss or specific relationships difficult or maybe you know deep down that something has to change but are unsure of where to start?

I have no shame in telling you that I've been there, just like the 1 in 4 people that will experience these kinds of difficulties at some point in their lives.

However, my past experience will be completely different from yours. There are many reasons why you may be dealing with depression or feeling alone, unsure, confused, self-doubt, angry, anxious, fearful, sad, disillusioned or disconnected, and it may be that depression or fear leaves you numb, disconnected even from how you feel. Maybe you're just going through the motions, existing and functioning as best you can?

Whatever the situation, counselling can be a really effective way of making sense of what's difficult, helping you to manage or change the things that you can control and let go of what you can't.

A counselling relationship enables healing and emotional-wellbeing to take place and it offers a level of empathy, autonomy and connectedness to yourself, your world and others that you are unlikely to experience with friends family or loved ones.

For me, successful counselling depends greatly on our working relationship, so there would be no obligation or pressure. This is your counselling journey and it’s important that you choose someone that you would feel comfortable talking to. If you decide to work with me, there is an exclusive confidential, calm and tranquil space, just for you to be you, with no conditions or judgements attached. I will be there alongside you supporting you, whilst we explore what life is really like for you.

You may not even be sure what you are seeking from counselling, and that's okay too, we can make sense of it together.

What I have learnt is that being able to explore and open up about our deepest thoughts and feelings requires trust and a depth of connection.

Part of that trust comes from knowing that I will keep what you tell me confidential and safe, that I’m not here to judge you on anything you tell me and that I am experienced and have the skills to support you. You may like to know then that I have been successfully counselling adults, young people and children, for 3 years. I'm fully insured to do so and work closely as a BACP registered member to their code of ethics.

During this time I have also worked as a Counselling Tutor supporting adult with their counselling training.

I am further trained to work specifically with children and young people and I have held an up to date Enhanced DBS since 2004.

I am also close to completing a 6 year part-time BSc (Hons) in Psychology and much of my experience comes from private practice, local charity counselling agencies and counselling in schools.

With Adults, I work a lot with depression, anxiety, building self-esteem, confidence, feeling ‘good enough’, relationship difficulties, trauma, abuse, healing our ‘inner child’, suicidal thoughts, survivors of domestic violence, parents whose children are in Foster Care, working through guilt and shame and health-related difficulties.

With children and young people, I work a lot with anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, low mood and self-esteem, ADHD, ASD children in mainstream schools, bullying, school refusers, family dynamics, anger and issues with behaviour.

This is not an exhaustive list so please contact me whatever the situation to see if I can help. There are also a few verified reviews at the bottom of this profile of successful counselling experiences, that may be of interest to you.

My approach whilst Person-Centred is also Pluralistic, meaning I understand that one approach to counselling doesn't suit everybody. Therefore, I can offer a variety of approaches including Person-centred, Transaction Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Creative ways of working together. There is the flexibility to draw on some or all of these at various times during our time together, depending on what feels comfortable for you.

In our first session, we can explore your thoughts and feelings about counselling, how I can support you and how we might work together. I am experienced working on a long or short-term basis and I’m a warm and caring person, passionate about empowering people in overcoming painful and difficult thoughts and emotions.

If this profile connects with you, then please take advantage of the free no-obligation phone consultation that is available to you. Here you are welcome to give me a brief overview of the situation if you want to and ask any questions to find out more about how I can help.

Given the current situation with COVID 19, I am working online through zoom or by phone, so there is the flexibility to work with you, even if you are not locally based. Clients tell me that working in this way is a positive experience and they like the convenience of familiar surroundings and not having to travel.

However, if this is a new way of working and you would like to try online first before you decide, then I can offer the first 30 minutes of an initial session free. If you decide after 30 minutes that you would like to work together and continue for the full hour then the session would be chargeable.

Block bookings are also offered at a discounted rate.

If you would like more information regarding counselling for yourself, someone you know, schools or workshops that I offer, then please visit www.courage2be.co.uk,  email/message or contact me for a friendly chat.

I look forward to hearing from you.

                                ____________________________________________

What people say about Courage2Be: (Verified on FB and google reviews)

'Janine has helped me through some tough times, never judged always welcoming in lovely confidential warm surroundings.'

'I honestly can say that Janine saved my life she helped me through my struggles, was the listening ear I needed and helped me...find my self worth again.'

'Janine is a fantastic counsellor who has made a positive impact on both mine and my son's life. I'm extremely thankful for her efforts and support.'