Shannon Spencer

I have extensive experience working with children, young people and adults in schools and further education settings and a range of counselling agencies 

Hello 

Are you hiding in plain sight, through fear of being judged by those around you? Are you worried that other people may not understand what you are going through, or not be able to relate to your experiences? Or maybe you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing.  

Would you like to feel more comfortable in your own skin?

Do you feel that if you were to open up and share your story, others may judge you, or change the way they view you and therefore treat you differently? 

Are you having to hide who you are or alter parts of yourself in order to fit in? 

This can all be overwhelming, exhausting and emotionally draining. In such circumstances, having the right person to talk to can be extremely beneficial. However, it can be difficult to confide in friends or loved ones, due to feelings of fear, anxiety or embarrassment. Speaking to a trained counsellor may be the solution you are seeking.

How I can help 

I offer support in a relaxed, confidential, and safe space. I aim to help you work through your thoughts and feelings and assist you to explore your choices at your own pace. I can aid you to gain clarity regarding your current situation, encouraging you to see issues from a different angle and to explore the options that are available to you. 

Are you a parent or guardian?

Have you noticed changes in your child?  Are they exhibiting behaviours that are concerning you? Are they feeling anxious, stressed, or becoming isolated, withdrawn, emotional or more argumentative than usual?

Are they struggling with everyday tasks, finding it hard to engage or stay focused?  Are they experiencing issues with sleep, food, or with maintaining friendships and making social connections? 

Children and young people can find counselling useful for a whole range of concerns and issues. Sometimes for a specific issue, or for a combination of difficulties. Often confiding in friends and family can be problematic, especially with the additional pressures that young people face in today’s modern society. Speaking to a trained counsellor may therefore help to ease the burden, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings within a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.

 I  offer:

 One free 20-minute telephone consultation where there is no obligation to continue. This allows us both the opportunity to get to know each other and to see if we might be the right fit to work together. 

How I work: 

I offer support through listening to you and together we explore your story. I can work with you to identify any key themes that emerge. I can help you to gain clarity surrounding any concerns or worries that are preoccupying your thoughts. This assistance can enable you to see possible choices and navigate any further options that may be available to you.

Using a mixture of talking therapy and creative-based strategies to help you examine and navigate your experiences. This way of working can also support you to unpack any feelings or memories that may be hard to put into words; enabling you to communicate and process your thoughts and emotions more easily. Together we can work towards personal goals and any other aspirations you are struggling to achieve. There is no need to be artistic to benefit from this way of working if indeed you choose to work this way.

Ways we can work together

Long- and short-term face-to-face work,  telephone or online counselling

What I can help with

Abuse, Addiction, Anxiety, Bereavement, identity issues, Loss, relationship issues,  children / Teens wellbeing, school base issues, self-esteem, self-harm, stress and suicidal thoughts.