Julie Liddle, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, MBACP

Hello and welcome to my profile.  I am an experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor based in St Austell, Cornwall. During these uncertain times, and in order to keep to social distancing regulations, I am offering video conferencing (via Zoom) or telephone counselling at a reduced rate. Both are effective ways to provide counselling while we are unable to meet face to face.

Throughout our lives many of us experience a loss of some kind. When we stop for a moment to consider what losses to a child may be, it could be from losing a teddy, losing friends when changing school.  Or in our current Coronavirus situation, losses around going to school, a routine and structure, or freedom of going out and socialising. As adults, loss may be from the death of someone we love, being made redundant, when our children leave home, a relationship breakdown, or an illness.

These losses can cause overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, which can make us feel angry, upset, lonely or hopeless. Sometimes it can be quite traumatic and a difficult place to be.

I have experience counselling children, young people and adults. Prior to becoming a qualified counsellor I managed a pre-school and have an Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies, which is where my interest in attachment and relationships began. This endorses my knowledge and skills supporting me to work with a range of ages. I have recently been counselling children and young people, who have been affected by domestic abuse.

I understand that deciding to see a counsellor takes courage. When talking about something personal to you, it’s important to trust the person listening. I can offer you a safe, private space to listen to your difficulties, to explore and try to understand what life means for you. When I listen I do so with warmth, empathy and care, and this can allow a person to share their deepest thoughts and feelings. I endeavour to be alongside you as we explore those difficult parts together.

When it's difficult to put feelings/emotions into words, I encourage using creative resources to help connect and communicate, or we can consider what it looks and feels like metaphorically. This is a way I can tailor counselling to the needs of the client and it can still be effective via video conferencing or telephone.

We all struggle from time to time, sometimes we can manage, and sometimes we find it more difficult to cope. I can help you to better understand, to feel calm and connected, build resilience and develop strength as part of a healing process. I can also invite you to try some techniques to help you cope during difficult times.

In summary, I support clients with a variety of issues, including:

·         chronic illness/medical diagnosis, for patients, family, friends, carers (previously I worked as a Macmillan Professional providing emotional support to anyone affected by a brain tumour)

·         grief, loss and bereavement (during my counselling training I was a Cruse bereavement volunteer)

·         depression

·         anxiety

·         stress

·         relationship issues

·        gender dysphoria

·         life transitions

·         addiction

.          bullying

·         trauma

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their code of ethics.