Kirstie Findlay

Do things seem too much right now? Are feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness taking up headspace you wish they weren't?

At times, life may challenge us and the circumstances that have brought us to this very place and situation, leave us questioning ourselves. Trying to navigate your way through life can cause confusion and emotions that become too much. Sometimes the reasons for these emotions are clear, but sometimes it is not always so easy to identify why we are so affected by something others appear to find so easy and our true emotion can be masked by other emotions.

There are many reasons a person may seek counselling.   A situation that was manageable before, can seem unmanageable when just one more thing added on top can generate further self doubt, worry and uncertainty.  Perhaps you frustrate yourself with thoughts going round and round, worry about your performance or that others deem you to be a competent or a “good” person? Or, maybe, you just can't forget that ex.

The idea of therapy may seem daunting. We ask ourselves “can I trust someone with this?” or maybe "what will they think?" Or perhaps you just need to talk to someone impartial who can help you work it out.  It takes great courage reach out and you can be grateful that you possess the courage to take that first step.

I value uniqueness, trust, truth and honesty, and having faith in yourself despite what others say, especially when societal expectations can leave little space to allow us to just be ourselves. I believe it's ok to speak our truth and indeed, it’s important to be heard. I believe we have the power to heal ourselves and that instinctively we know what is right for us. I believe we are all connected in some way and that impossible things are possible. 

In session we work together, we go at your pace and work with what you choose to bring. My role as a therapist is to work with you, to facilitate your exploration of yourself and understanding of how and why you have developed your current way of being. Discovering this information, you can become aware of things you may do unconsciously. When we truly know and accept ourselves, it is within our power to choose how we respond to situations and relationships - the close personal, familial, professional and within wider society. It is possible to create way of being that offers you relief from uncertainty, feeling defeated or responding with anger. I invite you to look at the messages you have come to believe about yourself and I work with you to release feelings of guilt and shame and retire a relentless inner critic.

I do not judge. I do not offer advice. I do however, offer you the support you need to give you breathing space and work out a better way. I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor and I recognise that different people benefit from different approaches. I combine person centred, psychodynamic and cognitive approaches. I am also a mixed race/culture therapist, my work on accepting that I am me, and not what others tell me I am, has enabled me to truly appreciate every person’s uniqueness and their own view of their world.  Whatever it is you are dealing with, I offer a safe space for you to explore what is bothering you.

I practice the BACP code of ethics, and I promise: to hear you, to respect you, and to work with you with your best interests at heart.

I charge £55 per session.