Samantha Richardson

Welcome to PEACE n MIND Counselling

Struggling to open up or express how you 'really' feel to your partner, family or friends as 'they just don't get you' or you don't want to upset them?

• Anxiety and panic attacks control your life but not sure what is triggering them? Feeling depressed, unmotivated and totally alone with those thoughts?
• Seeking counselling for an addiction, or your social drinking is 'getting out of control'. Becoming reliant on drink to de-stress or sleep,  leads on to drug use?
• Trying to make sense of your ADHD/ASD and need to unravel numerous thoughts that leave you feeling exhausted? Self-medicating with non-prescribed drugs to calm your mind?
•  MENOPAUSAL - feeling you lost your identity? Brain fog, overwhelmed, trying to find your purpose in life again?

Whatever your reason, it's ok not to be in a 'great place'.  I have been there myself and know how alone you can feel with those struggles and thoughts. So how can counselling help?

Introduction

My name is Sam and I welcome you as often trying to figure out if and what support you may need can feel like a minefield in itself.  

To be honest, making that 'connection' with your counsellor is the most important part of your counselling journey as its a big factor in helping you feel comfortable and safe to even begin talking.  So, its important you find the right counsellor for you. To help, let me then introduce myself.

About me

I am a qualified Counsellor and member of the BACP.  My core therapeutic practice is Person-Centred but I am also trained in several other Humanistic approaches which means I can tailor therapy to meet your individual needs.  Person-centred counselling is more like a talking therapy.  This type of therapy, I feel, is very unique for clients struggling with addiction/mental health as we view the client as the expert of their own life and we are not here to judge or give advice but rather empathetically listen and get to understand your needs and what makes you who you are as an individual. 

Each session, we can discuss whatever you feel you need to and we go at your pace. This can be very different to what most clients have experienced when engaged in addiction services or the medical profession.  This alone can be very beneficial in clients feeling heard and supported. Often all clients really need to help them find their own answers, is just to openly be able to verbalise thoughts and ideas without judgement, shame or even unwanted advice.

Experience

I believe life experience is just as important as academic qualifications and I have had the privilege of working with many people from a vast array of backgrounds which has led me to mainly specialise in Addictions and ADHD.

Before training as a counsellor, I worked as a Support Worker for over 12 years in addiction services and criminal justice supporting clients with alcohol and substance misuse and mental health including anxiety and depression, ADHD, paranoia, suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

I have volunteered as a counsellor within a homeless charity, supporting clients released from the criminal justice system or who had been homeless due to struggles with addictions, trauma or complex mental health issues.

My experience and interest in working with neurodivergence developed whilst employed in a secondary school SEN Team for 6 years.  I undertook regular training to increase my awareness of the needs of our neurodiverse students diagnosed ADHD, ADD and ASD, Dyslexia, SPD, Anxiety and Hearing Impaired. 

I also have personal lived experience being in a family unit with loved ones who are neurodivergent.

To further develop support I can offer my ADHD counselling clients,  I am currently studying a certification to become an ADHD Services Provider to be able to offer specialist interventions.

I am also trained as a MIND Mental Health First Aider.  I have also been a Volunteer Mediator for Medway Council in the past.

What's next?

I would be happy to book a brief 15min introductory call to discuss your needs, how we can work together and answer any concerns you may have before deciding if you would like to proceed with counselling. 

Please email, text or Whatsapp if you have any questions or would like to book an introductory call. Feel free to also visit my website for more information and where you can access a contact email form.

Please note, I am often with clients during the day so not available to answer phone calls unless pre-booked.

I am keen to offer support to those not usually comfortable reaching out for counselling due to cultural upbringing.  BAME and diversity aware.

• £50.00 - DAY RATE - (Block booked sessions - £45.00)
• £55.00 - EVENING RATE - (Block booked sessions - £50.00)