Paula Wilkinson

Hello, I’m Paula.

I’m a qualified and experienced counsellor working with adults and children, and my aim is to offer a space where you can feel comfortable enough to be yourself.

Counselling does not have to feel formal or intimidating. You do not need to have the right words, know exactly what is wrong or arrive with everything neatly worked out.

You can simply come as you are. My approach is warm, gentle and down to earth. I believe that feeling truly listened to can make a real difference, especially when life has felt overwhelming, painful or lonely.

I work with adults who may be experiencing anxiety, grief, low mood, relationship difficulties, family pressures, trauma, loss, low self esteem or simply a sense that something does not feel right anymore.

I also work extensively with children and understand that they often communicate through behaviour, play and creativity just as much as through words.

Bereavement support

Bereavement is an area of work that is especially close to my heart. 

I have around seven years of experience supporting people following the death of someone important to them and I am Cruse Bereavement trained.

 I have worked with many different experiences of loss, including sudden and traumatic bereavement. I have also provided therapeutic support through Victim Support Homicide, supporting children and families affected by the devastating impact of homicide.

Grief can be unpredictable. You may feel deeply sad one day and numb the next. You may feel angry, guilty, relieved, frightened or completely unlike yourself.

There is no right way to grieve.

Sometimes family and friends are supportive at first, but as time passes it can feel as though everyone else has moved on while you are still trying to understand what has happened.

Counselling can give you a space where you do not have to protect anyone else from how you really feel.

Counselling for children

I currently work part time as a counsellor in a large primary school, supporting children aged 5 to 11. In private practice I work with children of all ages.

This means I have first hand experience of the emotional and social challenges children can face at school and at home.

I support children with anxiety, bereavement, friendships, family separation, confidence, emotional regulation, sensory needs and changes that may feel difficult for them to understand or manage.

I also work with neurodivergent children, including children with autism and ADHD, helping them make sense of their world, understand their feelings and recognise what they need to feel safer, calmer and more understood.My work with children is flexible and child led. Some children want to talk, while others communicate more naturally through play, drawing, games or creative activities.

I adapt the sessions to the child rather than expecting the child to adapt to counselling.

I previously volunteered with Place2Be and have also provided therapeutic support in schools.

School visit

I can offer counselling within a child’s school where appropriate.

For some children this can make accessing support much easier because they are already in a familiar environment.

I am happy to work alongside parents, SENCOs and pastoral staff when this is helpful, while always keeping the child’s therapeutic relationship and confidentiality at the heart of the work.

How I work

I will listen carefully and without judgement. 

I will not rush you or tell you how you should be feeling. We can explore whatever is happening for you at a pace that feels manageable.

Sometimes counselling is about understanding the past. Sometimes it is about coping with what is happening right now. Often it is a mixture of both.

My role is not to have all the answers, but to help you understand yourself more clearly and feel less alone with what you are carrying.

My practice is inclusive and welcoming of people from all backgrounds and identities. I also work in a neurodivergent affirming way and adapt my approach to the individual rather than expecting everyone to fit one particular way of doing therapy.

Getting started

Reaching out to a counsellor can feel like a big step, particularly if you are already feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation so that we can have a relaxed conversation before you decide whether you would like to book a session.

You can ask questions, tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling and get a sense of whether I feel like the right counsellor for you.

There is no pressure to continue afterwards.

You are also very welcome to contact me by email if that feels easier.

Whatever has brought you here, you do not have to work it all out on your own.

Starting fees are £55, but may vary depending on the  location and whether the session is conducted face-to-face or online.