Linda Donnelly

This is an unprecedented challenging period that many of us are experiencing.  I am aware that this does not stop the need for counselling and for us to look after our mental health. Therefore, I would like to highlight that I offer video appointments. I know we are on lockdown now but even before this people were beginning to self-isolate. Video counselling is a good alternative to face to face counselling, but I understand the interpretation about this. I would be happy to talk through your concerns about using a video over face to face to see if I can help to ease your apprehension.

I have a real passion and enthusiasm for counselling and feel it’s a privilege that clients trust me to share their experiences of life. Taking your first steps in to counselling can be a daunting experience. I understand the trepidation and courage required to make that appointment. My hope is that with the grounded warmth I bring into counselling as well as provisions of a safe space for you to explore difficult thoughts and feelings, I can make you feel more comfortable in your decision. I work in an empathetic, un-judgmental and respectful way. My work is in supporting you on your path to understand the issues and the feelings that are overwhelming you.

My experience in counselling has been varied I have worked with anxiety, depression, other mental health issues, physical and sexual abuse, relationship issues, family issues, bullying, addiction, difficulty in an educational setting, grief, loss and work issues. I have worked and still work in a few various settings including a mental health organisation, a relationship organisation, an addiction service, a hospice, a College and a University. I am a person-centred counsellor, but I also draw on my CBT training, relationship training, addiction training and young person’s training.

In the first session, my job is to make you feel as comfortable as possible as I realise the first session can make you feel nervous. I gather some personal details and I have a simple contract to go through. This just contains details about time confidentiality, time of appointment, the importance of letting me know if you cannot make an appointment. I also have information on what I do with your data to ensure confidentiality and how I keep your information secure.

After this, we can move on to what it is you hope to get out of counseling. This may mean that you have to provide a picture of who is in your life and what they mean to you. Also what part they might play if any in the reason you are in counseling. Or it could mean just describing a bit of background about your reason for coming to counseling.

The most important part for me is to start to build a relationship where I provide a safe space for you to be open about what if going on for you.

The journey you take on your counselling could be as short or as long as you require as the counselling moves at your pace.

£45 for one counselling session.

£ 55 for a couples counselling session