About me
Looking for an accepting, non-judgemental, safe space to discuss what's on your mind? Do you feel that you don't quite fit in? That your quirky ways of thinking, the way you look or dress, your interests, lifestyle or beliefs set you apart from society or make you feel 'othered' and that you need someone to really understand you? You're in the right place, I get you, and I'm here to listen. Reaching out when things aren't great or you need to explore your sense of self, to heal from the past or think about the future, is really difficult and even more so if you have been misunderstood or rejected in the past so congratulations on taking the first step to finding support.
I am Julie (she/they) and Outside the Lines Counselling and Creative Wellbeing is my business. I'm a neurodivergent, creative, integrative counsellor with personal/family and professional experience of a wide range of issues. I am an ADHD breast cancer survivor, and consider myself alternative (goth, earth-centred spirituality, steampunk), with a history involving disordered eating and an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I have maintained my sobriety since 2019 and I volunteer as an Ambassador for a sober support group. I have worked as a counsellor in this field supporting clients in recovery from drugs and alcohol and those wishing to become free of addictive substances. I have also provided weight affirmative/size-inclusive therapy and have provided counselling for clients struggling with binge-eating and wanting to take control of their eating habits or body image.
As a parent to two neurodivergent, grown up children, one of whom is transgender and asexual/queer, plus with a late diagnosis of ADHD myself, and identifying as pansexual, I have an understanding of navigating the world from a different perspective and supporting others who don't fit inside the lines that society create. I understand the challenges, the hurdles, the lack of understanding and support and the frustration and pain associated with it. I am here to listen, to offer empathy, guidance where needed and tools and techniques to support you while we work together and beyond.
I don't fit neatly into any of the boxes I have been given over the years, and have always found my own way through or moved on rather than trying to fit in and my philosophy reflects this - I believe we are all unique and that accepting and nourishing our individuality can help us grow.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a creative and integrative counsellor with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Integrative). My way of working has its foundations in a person-centred approach with the client leading the work and the therapeutic relationship underpinning it. However, my integrative way of working includes an understanding of other approaches such as CBT, DBT, Transactional Analysis, Solution Focused Therapy and Gestalt along with the creative elements which I introduce if it is helpful to support therapy. This allows me to tailor my approach to my client and include tools, techniques and interventions which are appropriate for the individual client. I am passionate about lifelong learning and have undertaken training in areas such as Neurodiversity, grief, addiction, size-affirmative therapy, mindfulness and creative approaches to therapy.
I offer face-to-face therapy from my home-based therapy room in Mossley plus online and outdoor therapy.
I am a Registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) with public liability insurance, GDPR compliant, an up to date, clear, enhanced DBS certificate and am a member of the Creative Counsellors group.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
I believe it is important for both of us to feel we are the right fit for each other so in order to discuss my way of working and the issues you would like to bring to therapy, I offer a 15 minute introductory call prior to booking.
I offer reduced rates for students, elderly clients, clients on low incomes, refugees, unemployed and those claiming certain benefits. Please get in touch to discuss fees if you are interested in this service but unable to afford the full rate.
I also offer reduced fees for block bookings - 4 sessions booked and paid for in advance costs £180.
Fees to be paid by cash or bank transfer within 24 hours of session.
Further information
My love of and connection with nature has led me to Walk and Talk Therapy and Nature Therapy. I have trained in these and offer outdoor therapy in a number of locations across Oldham, Tameside and Saddleworth where the therapy is conducted in a park or other green space while strolling. This can be particularly appealing to neurodivergent clients who may find sitting in a counselling room and trying to maintain eye contact uncomfortable.
I provide another service within Outside the Lines which combines my background as an artist and art workshop facilitator with my passion for supporting mental wellness. This involves group sessions of Creative Wellbeing where art materials, journaling and creativity are brought together to provide ways to express feelings and thoughts outside of talking therapy. The sessions cover areas such as self-acceptance, embracing imperfection, spontaneity, and releasing feelings which are holding us back. These are held in the OL5 area. Details are available on my website.
