Sonia Wilding

Hi I am Sonia.  Welcome and thank you for taking the time to read my profile.

People  often come to me feeling overwhelmed, numb, fearful and unable to find the words to describe what they are experiencing.  Sometimes they are deeply distressed and unable to cope with their life and/or relationships.  As a counsellor I help clients  to explore their  difficult thoughts, feelings and sensations.

I am an Integrative Counsellor which put simply means I am able to adapt my practice to suit your need.   My approach is kind and gentle. In my work I integrate Person-Centred, Gestalt, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and the Transpersonal.  I am very aware that for those of you who are not counsellors that this may feel like counsellor's jargon.  In short, working with these approaches and a model which suggests that mind, body, soul and emotions are  connected enables me to adapt my practice and to find a way of working that fits the client.

I offer short term therapy and longer term psychotherapy.  

So how can I help you?  I can help you by offering a calm space and time in which to share your thoughts and feelings.  Clients have expressed that truly feeling heard for the first time is life-changing in itself.  It may be that as you are reading this you are feeling unable to speak the words.  It is my role as a counsellor to help you to express what you are feeling and thinking whether that be through words, visualisation, art or mindfulness techniques such as noticing. 

I have specialist experience of working with anxiety and/or depression and trauma.  I have helped many individuals to gain control of their life.   I have many years  experience of  working with people who have been diagnosed with invisible disabilities such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. 

Clients  often initially express that they have no idea what it is that they need they just know that "something does not feel right".   They tell me that they experience a whole range of feelings, thoughts and  behaviours that are disrupting their lives and have no clue as to the reason.   I can help you to explore your overwhelming feelings and thoughts and work with you to enable you to gain some clarity.   I have been told by many clients that this has helped them to feel empowered and has enabled  them to regain control  of their lives. 

My work within my own practice and within the G.P practice has also led me to develop an interest in working with complex trauma.  I work in a way that enables clients to understand, process  and manage their trauma related symptoms.  

 I can help with the following:

• Anxiety, including but not limited to,  Social Anxiety,  Panic Disorder (Panic Attacks)  and  Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Depression including Seasonal Affective Disorder and Persistent Depression
• Feelings related to low self worth and self esteem
• Conflicting and recurring thoughts or feelings such as persistent worry, guilt, overwhelm, anger and emptiness
• Difficulties in relationships - including making connections to others and/or sustaining relationships
• Loss and Grief related to change of circumstances, including but not limited to, changes in health, loss of relationships, loss of financial stability, loss of sense of self
• Bereavement including pet bereavement.
• Processing Trauma

The people that I see often express feeling fearful about making the initial contact and a sense of immediate relief following the session. 

Our sessions will always be led by you.  You choose what you wish to bring to the sessions and how you would like to work.    You will never be required to share anything that you do not wish to.

What's Next?

I know it can feel really hard to pick up a phone to a stranger and tell them that you need to talk about your personal thoughts and feelings.  Please do not be scared.  I work in a very gentle, open, honest way and will not judge you. 

If you are interested in finding out more about how we could work together you can enquire or arrange a free initial 30 minute session by phone, text or email.  I would welcome any questions that you may have. 

What Happens at an Initial Meeting?

It is important to me that you find the counsellor that is right for you. During our initial 30 minute session you can discuss what you would like from counselling and you will be provided with the space to ask any questions or address any fears that you may have.  We can take the time to  discuss how we may work together.  During this  session if I felt that I could not offer what you required I would do my best to recommend a practitioner that may be able to support you.  I want what is best for you. There is no expectation that you make a decision or book an appointment after the session. 

I offer an initial 30 minute session free of charge via Zoom or telephone.   I currently charge £45 for a one hour session.    I  offer counselling via phone, online using Zoom and face to face counselling.  The face to face counselling takes place in a office within my own home. 

I  accept payment by card (contactless), bank transfer and cash 

My aim is to offer counselling that is accessible.  I do offer a limited number of concessionary spaces so please feel free to ask if the full fee is not viable for you.