Kirsty Cartwright

What if life could feel a little different?

Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or low. Maybe you've been holding things together for a long time, putting other people first, or finding yourself caught in patterns you don't seem able to change.

You might know that you want things to be different, but you just don't know where to start.

I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can talk openly about what's happening for you, without judgement or criticism. You don't need to have everything figured out, or even know exactly what you need help with. We can start wherever you are.

Together, we can explore what you've experienced, understand what may be keeping you stuck and make sense of the ways you've learned to cope. Sometimes the things that once helped us manage difficult situations can continue long after we need them, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, reactive or disconnected from ourselves.

Counselling can create space to begin doing things differently — to understand yourself with more compassion, recognise what you need, and feel more able to make choices that are right for you.

I often work with people who feel “not good enough”, overwhelmed or stuck, including difficulties with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, people-pleasing and feeling under pressure from themselves or others.

A way of working that starts with you
I work relationally and in a trauma-informed way, but most importantly, I work with you as an individual. There is no judgement, no expectation that you should already understand why you feel the way you do, and no pressure to move faster than feels comfortable.

I have additional training in Autism-informed counselling and work in a way that respects neurodiversity. I adapt sessions to your communication and processing style, creating space where you can feel less pressure to mask and more permission to be yourself.

I also have experience supporting people with Misophonia, including the impact it can have on relationships, everyday life and emotional wellbeing. We can explore what helps you manage the distress and develop strategies that feel realistic for you.

When the past still feels present
Sometimes experiences we've been through can continue to affect us long after they have happened. You may logically understand that something is in the past, yet still find yourself reacting as though it is happening now.

I have additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Where appropriate, this can help you process difficult or distressing experiences that still feel emotionally charged, reducing their intensity and the impact they have on your life today.

We won't rush into this. Feeling safe, supported and grounded comes first, and we will work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

What might become possible?
Counselling isn't about changing who you are or telling you who you should be. It's about understanding yourself more fully and discovering that there may be more possibilities than you can see right now. Over time, you may find that you:

• feel less overwhelmed by your emotions
• understand yourself and your needs more clearly
• feel more able to set boundaries
• notice when old patterns are taking over and have more choice about how you respond
• trust yourself and your decisions more
• feel steadier and more confident
• have a greater sense of choice in how you respond to life

Sometimes I may gently challenge a way of thinking, ask a question you hadn't considered, or invite you to look at something from a different perspective. The aim isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and more choice in how you respond.

Taking the first step
If you're wondering whether counselling might help, I offer a free 15–20 minute introductory phone or video call.

It's a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity to tell me a little about what's happening, ask any questions and get a sense of how I work.

Sometimes the first step isn't knowing exactly what you want to change, sometimes it's simply wondering, “What if life could feel a little different?”

Misophonia

A concessionary rate of £45 is available for current counselling students/trainees who are working towards their counselling hours.

If you require a 90 minute session, the cost will be £110

It is possible to pay by card at the session, or by bank transfer.