Linda Witchell

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Are you feeling anxious, sad or worrying? Is decision-making getting difficult, maybe you can't concentrate, or you are lacking confidence and self-esteem.  I would like to help. I'm professional, experienced and friendly. I specialise in helping adults with stress and anxiety issues and bereavement and loss.

If you want to change, I can offer you a caring and safe place for us to work together to find the solutions. I don't judge you. I listen and help you to discover a way forward.

I know that it can be challenging to seek help and find the right person for you, so please contact me and ask me questions. I offer a 30-minute free initial consultation so you can get to know me.

I work full time and have been practising in my business as a counsellor since 2007.  I teach and supervise other counsellors, hypnotherapists and coaches.

Although most of my work specialises in stress and anxiety and bereavement and loss, I also help people with the loss of a pet.

For over 30 years, I was a registered nurse and nurse educator. During that time, I specialised in ophthalmology to understand medical terminology and the needs of visually impaired people.

I like to support my local community, so I was a volunteer bereavement counsellor, trainer and supervisor for many years for Cruse Bereavement Care.

What is unique about me?

I specialise in anxiety issues and bereavement and loss for adults.

I help individuals and couples.

I am flexible in my approach, and I may even do different things like go for a walk with my client if we agree that that is appropriate to meet needs.

I'm called an integrative or Pluralistic counsellor because I have a variety of ways of working with you. Sometimes I listen, and sometimes I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help you learn and feel better.

'I was stressed about a few issues. Linda gave me the confidence to 'open up' about things on my mind. Relief!' Carol, Ringwood.

Contact me today and find out how you could feel so much better.

Why choose me?

• You get a professional and confidential service that has already helped many people like you. Genuine testimonials are available for you to view.
• Individual or couples counselling is offered.
• You can speak to me first and find out more at a free initial consultation.
• I work full time, and that includes day and evening appointments.
• Easy access. Some clients are suitable for telephone or online/webcam counselling.
• Convenient appointments during the day or evening. Arrangements are up to one hour—no hidden extra charges.
• I like to help people with disabilities. Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients are welcome to bring their BSL interpreters (Clients pay for them).
• Handouts are provided and included in the price if required.
• I'm a member of the National Counselling Society, so you know my credentials are valid.

What happens in the session?

Session 1. - Getting to know each other and the problem you want to address. I provide you with relevant information.  Assessment and an agreement on the right way forward for you. I listen to your story.

Following sessions- I listen and try to understand. I ask some questions, provide information, and guide you to explore different areas; sometimes, we do little tasks together. Between sessions, we can agree on you doing other small tasks to help you relax and move forward. For example, I might suggest that you could write a journal, do some artwork or go for a daily walk. These tasks help you to change your negative thoughts and behaviours and relax.

'I came to see Linda because of a recent death in the family. I found her service to be well directed. It enabled me to focus on the issues I was able to control and to put 'into a box' the issues that were outside of my control. This helped week on week to unpick the route causes of my anxiety and stress.' Susana, Shaftesbury.

Practical details

I have comfortable offices in Bournemouth with free parking on the road. There are also good bus and rail services with Pokesdown railway station within easy walking distance. There is wheelchair access, and I understand the needs of visually and hearing-impaired people.

*My Bournemouth offices are now open for face-to-face appointments, but you will first be asked questions about COVID 19 risks. If you come to see me, I try to keep a distance from you and wipe down all surfaces between clients with alcohol wipes.

Online or telephone counselling may be possible following an assessment of your suitability. Online counselling is via videoconferencing (Zoom or Vsee), so you will need fast internet service, the right equipment, and confidence in using computer equipment, including a webcam. Find out more about the benefits of online counselling by visiting my website.

Where can I find out more?

Call me during office hours at 01202 248468 / 07982258376. (Please leave a message or text if I don't answer as I may be with a client). I aim to respond within 24 hours.

NB Although I have been trained as a general counsellor for many years, I specialise in stress, anxiety, bereavement, and loss. So in some cases, I may suggest referral to another specialist.

Please contact me today, and ask for a free consultation.