Jenny Hodsdon

N.B. IN PERSON SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE

I am a fully qualified and BACP registered integrative counsellor. I am down-to-earth, warm and will make you feel at ease. I trained as a person-centred counsellor, but over the years I have added to my skillset and use different approaches, dependant on you and the issue, or issues, you bring. These approaches may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Solution Focussed Therapy,  Creative techniques and working with metaphors.

If you are struggling it is okay to reach out for support, but I do know how hard it can be to take that first step.

I see clients for a number of different reasons, here are some examples of issues I work with:-anxiety and panic attacks, stress, work/life balance, low confidence, poor self esteem (not feeling 'worthy' or 'good enough'), problems in relationships, life stage challenges (eg menopause, aging, retirement), loss especially where the person is, or has been, lost in a psychological way (eg Alzheimers or brain injury).

I have extra expertise in anxiety and low self esteem, especially where you feel you have experienced adverse childhood events and/or a poor relationship with one, or both, of your parents. I am also experienced in helping with different types of loss if this is something you feel is causing you to struggle.

Loss can include loss of a person, your health, your job or a role eg if you were a carer of a relative. If the loss you experienced involved losing a person twice (once through illness or injury and again through death), then you will find I am  experienced and particularly understanding of this unique and distressing situation.

You can read more about these below.

Counselling can help you to become more aware about yourself, your thoughts & feelings and what they mean.  Greater insight often comes when we talk with someone who validates us and what we are are going through. Having insight into our difficulties means we can see the best path for us more clearly.

I am particularly skilled at helping you to 'talk' even if you cannot find the words to say how you feel, so if this is preventing you from coming for therapy, be reassured that I can make it easier for you.

I have a lot of experience and expertise in helping people take control of their anxiety and panic attacks and, during our sessions together, the main focus will be on getting these under control quickly, and then building resilience to stress in the long-term.  Anxiety is an exaggerated stress response, which, with the right help, can be brought under control.

If you are struggling with feelings of loss for a person then be assured this is something I can empathise with. I have experience of counselling for many different types of loss.

It is natural to grieve but the process is different for everyone. This can be especially upsetting for you if you had a difficult relationship with the person, or you 'lost' them before they died or you were unable to physically say goodbye to them in the way you would have liked.

I can help you to understand the unique situation of Ambiguous Loss, which is the loss of a loved one who is still alive but lost to you. An example of this is when a loved one is suffering with dementia and sometimes, along with it comes many conflicting, and confusing, feelings.

We can struggle with loss, not just of a person, but also the loss of a beloved pet, a relationship that didn't work out, a career or our health. I can reassure you that whatever it is you are grieving for, you will find me to be non-judgemental, and ready to explore your feelings with you.

Maybe you feel lacking in confidence-perhaps you have a feeling of not being 'not good enough'? Perhaps you feel you are having to work very hard indeed at work or your role in order to be successful? You may not be feeling good about yourself because you don't think you are important or worth caring about (you are). High expectations of ourselves eg thinking we need to be perfect can cause us problems. Having had poor early relationships with our parents (or other carers), can contribute to this. If you grew up feeling insecure about whether you were likeable or not, you may not think you matter that much (you do). You may find yourself suffering low self-esteem, possibly over-working, trying to please others all the time or comforting yourself with food or alcohol or feeling anxious or low.

Here is a recent testimonial from a client:-

"Suffer with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) and Jenny has really helped me! Makes you feel very comfortable and is very easy to work with".

Where the sessions will take place

I can offer you sessions in person or online using Zoom.

I have a lovely, cosy dedicated counselling room in a quiet area of Romiley with free parking nearby.

I have created a relaxing space where you will feel at ease and feel safe to share your worries, knowing that it is totally private and confidential.

I believe we ALL deserve to have a good life. I am 100% committed to helping you to find this. As we work together on your issues, it is my belief that you will see the possibilities for this to happen for you. I will check regularly with you that the work we are doing is benefitting you and you are seeing that there is hope for positive change happening in your life.

Why not take the first step and make that call/email/text to me today?

How to get in touch

Use the Contact form to send me an email, phone or text me-whichever suits you best. If I'm not immediately available (I may be in a session), just leave a short message with your first name (it's a confidential voicemail) and a contact number & I will get back to you at the very next opportunity I get.

My charges

Your session is a full hour and is chargeable at £45 by BACs transfer, SumUp card reader or cash. Please note my new charges are reviewed annually and come into effect on the 6th April 2021.