About me
Hello, I'm Madeleine, a BACP Accredited counsellor based in Heworth, York. I offer person-centred counselling for adults experiencing anxiety, overthinking, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and life transitions.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. You might be overthinking, feeling stuck or lost, or struggling with relationships or friendships. You may also be finding it hard to manage the pressures of university, work or major life changes.
Alongside my private practice, I work as a university counsellor, supporting young adults through the challenges that can come with this stage of life. I work with people aged 18–40, including LGBTQ+ and autistic clients, and regularly support people experiencing anxiety, low mood, self-esteem difficulties and relationship issues.
Whatever has brought you here, you are very welcome.
Counselling can give you space to:
- Understand and manage anxiety and overthinking.
- Build self-esteem and feel more confident in yourself.
- Feel less overwhelmed and more able to cope day to day.
- Recognise your needs and have healthier relationships.
What I can offer:
Before we start: A free 15-minute conversation to see whether counselling with me feels right for you. Choosing a therapist is a really personal decision, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the person you’re working with. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
A space to feel truly heard, understood and accepted: You can bring whatever you want to talk about. If something feels important to you, it is important.
No judgment: Worrying about being judged or feeling like a burden is very common. In counselling, you can speak freely; I won't judge you and you won't be burdening me.
A focus on your needs: I won't impose an agenda, talk about myself or offer unsolicited advice. If it feels helpful, I can share my thoughts, reflections or information.
Counselling sessions
Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly. I also offer less frequent sessions towards the end of counselling or to returning clients who want occasional support.
How long do I need to have counselling?
This varies from person to person. Some difficulties can take time to understand and work through, while a few sessions can be useful if there is something specific you want to focus on. You are welcome to have a few sessions or work with me on an ongoing basis for as long as you need.
What will the counselling sessions be like?
My aim is to understand what life is like for you and create a space where you can talk openly about what matters to you. In our first session, we will spend some time getting to know each other, exploring what has brought you to counselling and what you would like from it.
In future sessions, we can explore your experiences, thoughts and feelings in more depth and begin to make sense of patterns or difficulties that may be making things harder for you. We can consider what might help things feel different, at a pace that feels right for you.
There is no set agenda. You are welcome to bring whatever feels most important on the day, and we can adapt our work as things change.
What kind of counselling do you offer?
I offer person-centred counselling, a humanistic approach grounded in empathy and respect. You can talk about what matters to you, at your own pace, without being told what you should do.
Where will I have my counselling sessions?
I work from home in a quiet residential street in Heworth, York (YO31). Sessions take place in a calm, comfortable counselling room on the first floor.
Getting here:
By car: Free on-street parking is available just outside.
By bus: Local bus stops for the 9, 11 and Coastliner services are a 5–10 minute walk away.
By bike: You are welcome to leave your bike on my drive or in the garage.
On foot: My counselling room is approximately a 30–45 minute walk from York city centre, the University of York and York St John University.
University student counselling in York
I work with university students across all stages of university life, from undergraduates through to PhD candidates, including those currently studying, on placement or taking a break from university.
I support students experiencing academic stress, anxiety, procrastination, perfectionism, low self-esteem and feelings of being overwhelmed, stuck or uncertain about their direction during or after university.
Sessions are flexible to fit around changing academic timetables, placements and part-time work, with week-to-week adjustments where needed. I offer in-person counselling in Heworth, away from the university campus, as well as online sessions.
LGBTQ+ counselling in York
I offer LGBTQ+ counselling in York for people who want a supportive space to explore sexuality, gender identity, coming out, relationships and mental health. I also work with people who prefer to see a counsellor who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. I am a lesbian and bring both personal and professional experience of LGBTQ+ issues to my work.
Autism counselling in York
I work with autistic clients and people exploring whether they may be autistic. I aim to understand your individual experience rather than expecting you to mask, adapt or fit a particular way of communicating.
Sessions can be shaped around what helps you feel most comfortable. In our first meeting, we can talk about how you prefer to communicate, any sensory needs and anything that would make the space easier or more accessible for you.
Getting in contact
You are welcome to get in touch even if you are unsure about starting counselling or aren't quite sure what to say. A couple of lines about yourself and what has brought you to counselling is enough.
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, we can use the 15-minute introductory call to talk it through and see what feels helpful.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a BACP Accredited counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).
Alongside my private practice, I work as a Mental Health Practitioner with the Open Door Team at the University of York. This gives me first-hand experience of the academic, social and personal pressures that students and young adults can face.
I mainly work with adults aged 18–40, supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and overthinking. I also work with a wider range of concerns, including trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties and periods of crisis.
I have worked in higher education for over 12 years, giving me a strong understanding of the academic, social and relationship pressures that university students can face.
For five years, I worked as a counselling tutor for York City Council, teaching on CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills and Level 3 Counselling Studies courses.
Previous roles include counsellor at Phoenix Health and Wellbeing in Leeds and Young Person's Mentor at York Mind.
I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am trained in person-centred counselling.
I undertake a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year in line with BACP accreditation requirements.
- Fully insured
- Enhanced DBS certificate
- Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
I also hold an MA and BA from the University of Sheffield.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Areas I can help with
In addition to the areas mentioned above, I support people with a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety and overthinking
I work with people experiencing anxiety, including panic, excessive worry, fears, nervousness, tension, distress, spiralling thoughts, restlessness and feeling constantly on edge.
Low mood and depression
I support people experiencing low mood, feeling down, hopelessness, emotional numbness, feeling flat, loss of enjoyment, and feeling tearful or overwhelmed.
Self-esteem, confidence and self-criticism
I work with people who are struggling with low self-esteem, confidence issues, self-criticism, shame, guilt and feeling unsure of themselves.
Motivation and feeling stuck
I support people experiencing low motivation, procrastination, feeling stuck and difficulties making changes.
Loss and difficult life experiences
I work with people experiencing loss, bereavement and difficult periods of change or transition.
Student counselling
I have particular experience supporting university students with challenges including:
- Academic stress and pressure
- Homesickness
- Housemate difficulties
- Long-distance relationships
- Starting university
- Adjusting to university life
- Finishing university and planning the next steps
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I charge the same fee to all my clients; £50 per session.
I offer a Free initial 15 minute Zoom or phone call for you to ask any questions you have about starting counselling with me.
When I work
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Further information
I hope you have got the information you need after reading this far, but please email me if there is anything more you need to know. More information can also be found on my website http://www.madeleinebentleycounselling.co.uk/
I work from home in Heworth, York, YO31 1EF.
My office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. During these hours I respond to all emails within 24 hours. If you don't see a reply from me, please check you spam folder.
I look forward to hearing from you.
