Keith Whalley

Hi, I’m Keith. I’m friendly, open-minded and a genuine person. As a counsellor, I am dedicated in supporting my clients through their challenges, and helping towards a life with more meaning, happiness, and fulfilment. 

I’m a firm believer that a problem shared is a problem halved. But often it can be difficult to find the right person and setting to share certain things with. This can be especially true when we want to talk about challenging feelings or emotions, such as depression, anxiety, loss, or trauma. Or perhaps you want to explore why you are not feeling yourself in some way, but don’t know where to begin. Talking with a counsellor can give you the opportunity to explore parts of yourself, or your life, which you may feel unable to do so with friends or family.

What to expect from counselling?

There are many different approaches used in counselling which aim to support people with varying challenges or struggles. This can make it difficult to know which one might be right for you. I begin by getting to know you, listening to your concerns, and working collaboratively, so I can offer an approach best suited for your therapeutic needs to be met. 

This may be through using a structured style of therapy, where we work to understand challenges and problems, identify areas you may like to change, and set goal and tasks to achieve them. 

Alternatively, you may prefer a more open and unstructured space, which gives you the opportunity for self-exploration, and the freedom to direct your sessions on what feels right for you. Or perhaps we choose to combine several approaches to reflect what is going on for you moment by moment.

However, you wish to use your sessions, my aim is to provide you with a flexible, collaborative space, filled with openness, warmth, and non-judgement. 

Walk and Talk/Outdoor Therapy

I recognise that sitting opposite a counsellor isn’t for everyone which is why I offer the option of taking our work outdoors. Connecting with nature and exercise can be a great way of getting our thoughts and feelings flowing and is proven to help reduce the effects of mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Working this way can consist of a gentle/moderate stroll, something a little more strenuous like a hike, or perhaps simply sitting in nature, talking, and enjoying the view. Whatever you are comfortable in doing, we can discuss.

What next?

Taking the first step and contacting a therapist can be a challenging thing to do. The things on your mind may not have been spoken to anybody else before. I warmly welcome the opportunity of hearing what’s on your mind and how we can work together. So please feel free to contact me for a free 20-minute introductory session where you can find out more, and decide whether I could be a good fit for you.