Stephen Garvey

Hello,  I’m Stephen 

So many counsellors to choose from! So, why chose me?

What I offer

A safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings. My experience of life and as a counsellor to provide compassionate and confidential counselling to help you navigate life's challenges. 

Often, long term issues like anxiety and feeling stuck and discontent become pervasive and may feel insurmountable. Change is possible. It does take effort and the right counsellor can make your progress easier. But choosing a counsellor can seem like a leap of faith. Is now the right time? How do I find the right person for me? In truth, only by meeting with a counsellor will you know the answer to those questions.

You may feel unheard, unsupported, and not able to see a way through your difficulties. The minimum you should expect from a counsellor is that they are properly qualified. Aside from qualifications, I bring experience, not only as a counsellor but as a person who has faced and overcome challenges myself. I do firmly believe that counsellors can make a big and positive impact on people’s lives.

Even if you have family and friends around you, it can feel as if nobody knows you, your uniqueness and the pains and struggles that you have. Sometimes it is those close to us that are the problem.

I offer confidentiality, belief in my client’s ability to make the change they seek, and when appropriate, specific guidance.

Whether you are facing relationship difficulties, navigating life transitions, managing stress and anxiety, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to provide support tailored to your unique needs.

Through a blend of therapeutic techniques, open dialogue, and a commitment to your well-being, we will embark on a journey to bring you positive change and self-discovery.

Counselling with me can help you process  difficult emotions and bring clarity to your life and make a real difference to your future. Rather than struggling alone, working with me can accelerate your progress in overcoming difficulties.

Previous clients have told me that they feel quickly at ease with me, and are able to talk openly and fully about what they are feeling, sometimes for the first time with anyone. And I want that for you too. You may contact me for a free no obligation phone conversation, to see if you comfortable discussing what brings you to counselling.

If you decide to work with me, I can help you find a way forward with whatever challenges you face, and perhaps to make changes to help you feel happier and more content.  

Why do people come to counselling?

Breakdowns of close relationships, loneliness, general anxiety, social anxiety, depression, low self confidence, feeling discontented and disappointed with life and being adrift, and coping with bereavement  are some of the reasons, amongst many others, that people seek and then make a decision to get support, and these are areas in which I have particular experience.

How could counselling help you?

Sometimes we just need another person to fully listen to us, without judgement or offering us solutions. To be heard and accepted, even if at first it is hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words. Someone separate from friends and family.

I do find that sometimes people think that their problems are “trivial” compared to others, or so long standing and not somehow worthy of counselling. They are not trivial. If you are looking into finding a counsellor, then there are life issues that I as a counsellor  can help with.

Why choose me?

My clients tell me that our sessions have helped them greatly, whether that be, for example, reducing anxiety or improving relationships. The most important thing when choosing a therapist  is to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Someone who “gets” you. Aside from my training, I will simply be a person who is with you fully as we explore life’s challenges.

A relationship between a counsellor and client grows over time, but often your first “gut instinct” on meeting a counsellor is the best predictor of how good the relationship is likely to be.

Because if you don't feel comfortable, you won't feel safe enough to talk honestly and trust them, and then your therapy won't be effective. Meeting with me does not commit you to anything other than being in that session with me.

My clients have said that being listened to without someone offering advice or trying to fix them as if they are broken, and being able to speak freely without being judged has helped them be more open and authentic in other relationships, and more self accepting, and has helped them clarify changes they want to make in their lives, reduce anxiety, grow in confidence and to find new understanding of their grief or difficulties. 

Counsellors very often talk about offering  a safe, supportive and nonjudgemental space. What does that mean?

We will meet in my private and comfortable therapy room. I will hold what we talk about in confidence, and I will listen to all you bring, including those parts that may make you feel vulnerable, embarrassed or ashamed. That part of you that doesn’t know where to start. I will accept all of you, including all the emotions you would not usually talk about.

I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation without obligation, so  I can find out a little bit more about you, explain a little more about counselling and my approach, and you can decide if you want to book a session. The first step is to phone or email me, and we can set up a time for us to talk.

How to get in touch.

 If you text or leave a voice mail, I will almost always respond within one working day. Your voice mail or text will only be seen by me. Alternatively, drop me an email to: stephengarveycounselling@gmail.com

Your email will only be seen by me, and I will always respond promptly.

As a counsellor and psychotherapist I regularly undergo my own therapy and personal development work. This ensures that I never forget how it feels to sit in the clients' seat and can respond to the feelings of vulnerability that sometimes arise for everyone who goes for counselling and psychotherapy. It is a normal part of the therapy process to feel this. Making your first approach to a therapist is a brave and sometimes daunting thing to do.

What qualifies me to do this?

I am trained and qualified and experienced in person centred counselling. What this means is that I see you as the expert on yourself. I can assist you in bringing clarity to your thoughts and emotions, and provide a safe space to express how you feel.

I am a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and I follow its ethics for good practice, and adhere to their recommendation for regular clinical supervision. I hold an enhanced DBS check, and I am fully insured.

 Most importantly, I offer a warm and empathic space to explore at a pace that feels right to you, exploring all the issues that are impacting on your life.

Please do get in touch and I can assure you that you will be welcomed and that I will give you my full commitment to assisting you.

I specialise in:

Affairs and betrayal 

Low self confidence

Family challenges


Relationships

Workplace bullying 


Anxiety


Depression


Grief and bereavement

Pet bereavement 


Trauma


Spiritual Crisis and Awakening

I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation. We will use that time to find out a little about what brings you to counselling and I’ll explain my approach. If you decide to work with me, my fee is 50. 00 . I also offer sessions at Ghosh Medical Services, Rodney Street, Liverpool each Tuesday, please see their website for details.

Counselling  will take place in my garden office, which is comfortable, private and discrete. There is plenty of free on road parking. I also offer phone or online counselling.