Jenny Hodsdon

Life can seem a bit like a tangled ball of wool sometimes and it can be hard to know where to start. We may be aware we are feeling anxious, upset, sad or resentful for example but it can be difficult to make sense of why and more importantly what we can do about it! That's where time spent with an experienced counsellor can help. I have 13 years experience including both pre and post qualification.

Unpicking the knots and tangles, straightening things out, thinking more clearly-these are benefits my ex-clients have mentioned as a result of their sessions.

If you find you are always busy, commit to too many things then find your self feeling overwhelmed and anxious then this is an area I specialise in. I used to be like you and it took a bit of unpicking to find out why.

Low self-esteem, incorrect messages from childhood, a persistent inner critical voice, a tendency to perfectionism, unrealistic expectations are all possible reasons for anxiety, low mood and difficulties in our closest relationships.

If you find it hard to say no to extra work or you help others a lot, but neglect yourself, then counselling can help with this as well.

You may be thinking that taking time out for yourself for therapy is hard to do, (& a bit scary), but there's lots of evidence to support that it's worth it in terms of your future health, (both physical and mental). Your relationships will also benefit from you being calmer, more like the real you, having better self-esteem and being able to put firm boundaries in place!

I have a great deal of experience in all aspects of grief and am passionate about helping grieving adult clients who are finding it hard to make sense of their thoughts and emotions. 

I've popped some further information under headings to help explain what I can offer:-

Anxiety, Panic , Overwhelm and Worry

Do you feel your work/life balance is out? Too much work, not enough play?

Are you struggling with feelings of dread when you wake in the morning?

Do you often feel overwhelmed with fear, worry or your emotions? Do you feel like you can't face college, work, certain people or certain situations? Perhaps you avoid things in case you have a panic attack? If so I can help.

Many of my anxious or overwhelmed clients have, after their sessions with me, learned ways to calm their nervous system (using Polyvagal Theory), gained coping strategies through understanding what anxiety is and why they have become anxious in the first place. I've learned through my extensive study of anxiety (years!), that lots of things influence how we cope with what life throws at us, how resilient we are and our ability to bounce back. You've probably noticed challenges don't come along one at a time which would be so much easier, wouldn't it?

I have been there myself and although it crops up for me occasionally (which is quite normal being human!), I am a lot less anxious and this has been a lasting change for me, not just a flash in the pan, which will be the aim in your sessions. 

Grief, Bereavement and Loss Counselling

Have you lost someone or a pet and feel overwhelmed with conflicting emotions? Sad one minute, angry the next? Does it feel like you are hit with waves of sadness, sometimes even feeling like you are going crazy?

I have experienced many different types of loss in my life and one of my main interests is how we learn to grow around our grief, re-establish a meaningful life without our person (part of that is realising it is not the one we had imagined) and that grief will look different for you when compared to others. 

I also see clients for non-death grief and losses, for example loss of your health, an important relationship or career.

Loss inevitably brings change to our lives and I am here to support you with the complex emotions and major transitions you may be facing. I will help you make sense of the emotional tsunami that grief can bring and give you that all-important validation of how you are feeling (for example, it is normal to search for your person in a crowd, even though you brain knows they are gone).

I offer a special understanding when you have lost someone who is still alive, but to who you can't connect, whether that is due to them having dementia or other brain disease, being estranged or lost to you in some other way.

Why choose me for your therapy?

I have a great deal of experience, a lot of skills and above all, I am passionate about helping you to cope with life's challenges and fully committed to you finding some joy in your life. Whatever it is that has brought you here, whether it's anxiety or grief, you can expect a patient, calm, warm and wise approach from me.

Even if you are just finding life difficult at the moment, or you can't put your finger on what is wrong, that's absolutely fine. In my experience with clients we can always find a place to start straightening out that tangled ball of wool!

If I'm 'off-duty' I'll be walking my dog in and around where I live, at Lyme Park or doing something creative like art, journalling, playing a drum of some sort or listening to music.

I realise that it may be hard for you to imagine feeling better about yourself from where you are stood right now but help is literally just an email away.

Why not take the first step and drop me an email today?

How to get in touch

Use the Contact form to send me an email. I will reply as soon as possible (usually within one working day). 

My charges
I have a scale of charges starting from £40.

• Anxiety & Panic Attacks
• Women's issues
• Low self esteem
• Low mood
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Work/Life balance
• Harassment at work
• Bullying
• Chronic illness

My normal fee is £50 per session.

Payment Methods Accepted
BACS, SUM UP Card reader, cash.

I offer in-person sessions.

Please email me to book an initial phonecall to see if we are a good fit, and then we can arrange a session. 

LGBTQ Ally, Face to face sessions for individuals. Quiet, confidential counselling room within easy reach of Hyde, Stockport, Marple, Bredbury.