Linda Witchell MNCS (Acc). Specialist Stress & Anxiety/ Bereavement Counsellor.

Are you feeling anxious, sad or worrying? I provide a confidential space for people suffering from stress and anxiety or bereavement and loss to talk and find new ways to cope and feel better. I'm professional, experienced and friendly.  Face to face appointments in Bournemouth, via telephone or online.

***Special reduced rate for people struggling financially due to the Coronavirus. Book 4 sessions and pay online before session one and get a 50% reduction on the usual price.

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.

For all clients, I provide a safe place to talk, I listen, and I don't make judgements.

Why struggle any longer? Call me in confidence and do something today.

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

Although most of my work is specialising 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 so I understand medical terminology and the needs of visually impaired people.

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

What is unique about me?

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

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 do a lot of listening 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. Real testimonials are available for you to view.
• Individual or couples counselling 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 their interpreters).
• Handouts are provided and included in the price if required.
• I'm a member of the National Counselling Society, so you know that my credentials are valid.

What happens in the session?

Session 1. - Getting to know each other and the problem that you want to address—providing you with 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, and 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 in easy walking distance. There is wheelchair access, and I have a good understanding of the needs of visually and hearing-impaired people.

*My Bournemouth offices are now open for face to face appointments, but you will be asked questions about COVID 19 risks first. If you do come to see me I wear a mask when I open the door, I keep a minimum of 2 meters away from you, I ask you to use sanitiser and I 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 a 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 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 and anxiety, and bereavement and loss. So in some cases, I may suggest referral to another specialist.

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