Judy O'Brien

How can I help you?  Might stress, anxiety and depression feel like a weight too heavy to carry round anymore?

That's where I can help through  Person Centred and Compassion-Focused therapies.  My strength lies in being able to attune to what you need, identifying what might be getting in your way, or holding you back.  Together I will help you move out of repetitive patterns of behaviour, work through unwanted feelings, gain a deeper understanding of yourself and  begin to thrive.

Most people tell me when they end that first session that they feel lighter already.  To be heard is so powerful.

I have experience of working with clients on a whole range of different issues  including anxiety, depression, personal and work stress, loss, relationships, low self esteem, men's issues and unhelpful patterns of behaviour.  I can also demonstrate valuable "known empathy" having had personal experience of some of what life can throw at us.

I believe that counselling works best in the warmth of a meaningful, therapeutic relationship, My aim is to ensure you feel supported and safe when we  meet.  To help you feel that you are not alone in dealing with difficulties.   

So, how does it work?   As your therapist the space I create for you is non-judgemental, friendly, confidential and calm where you can simply be your true self.   Gently I will support you to feel validated, heard and understood. The experience of such compassion will serve to give you that longed for sense of relief.

Always taking things at your pace, we might explore your history and perhaps look at attachment styles,  to help you to understand the reasons for behind what you do and what might be going on for you.  This can help you know yourself better, accept yourself with the aim of leaving you free to make healthier, more authentic choices. 

How often should I come?   Although short treatments can give fantastic results, I think therapy is at its best when you can give it time.  I am flexible however. I am always mindful of balancing your budget, psychotherapeutic needs and time frame.  Sessions may be taken weekly or fortnightly, at agreed intervals. There is no obligation to commit to a set number of sessions. 

So, what happens next?  Reaching out for counselling support can feel pretty daunting.  To help with that first step, we can arrange a brief telephone call.  You can ask questions and confidentially share a little bit about what has brought you to therapy. You will then receive some paperwork with further information and we can book in your first session.

 I work face to face in Wilmslow as well as on line.

Do get in touch.  I look forward to hearing from you.

COUPLES - As well as working with adult individuals, I work with couples and Two’s, where I offer an approach that has successfully supported couples who want to change areas in the relationship where conflict repeatedly occurs and where couples want to find more effective ways of connecting and communicating.

Feedback from a couple recently worked with….

“Thank you for providing such a safe space for us to voice our feelings, and for making us feel truly listened to and understood.   I felt immediately at ease and you gave me the confidence to approach a distressing and painful situation with positivity, hope and trust.   We have both learnt a lot about each other during our sessions, and they have given us tools to communicate, an understanding of our own personalities and how we can develop our relationship to a deeper level.

I have and will continue to recommend you to my friends and family, as I genuinely feel like I’ve found myself and my inner strength. 
With all the thanks in the world.”

General anxiety.  Social anxiety.  Low self-worth & low self-esteem.

Specialises in  working with couples and other relationship dynamics, such as parent/teenager; mother/daughter.  

Sessions are of 50 minute duration.
Individuals - £60
Couple Face to Face -£75 
Face to Face 90 minute session for couples - £110

Fees payable by cash or bank transfer. 

Drop me a message if you would like to arrange an initial 15 minute no-fee  chat in which we can explore how we might work together.

I look forward to hearing from you.

MY APPROACH

A Compassion Focused, Person-Centred and Relational approach enables me to find out what is troubling you and getting in the way of you living your best life. A style that places great emphasis on the relationship between you and I in a therapeutic space.   You will always be recognised as the sole focus and the most important element in the therapeutic process. I embraces diversity and difference allowing the unique experience of you the client, to be central to the quest to support a more rewarding fulfilling life for you.

I work out of Brighter Spaces in Wilmslow and I also can offer online sessions.