About me
About Me
My name is Verna Hill, and I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults.
Alongside running Waterways Therapy, I work as a freelance therapist for First Steps ED, a specialist eating disorder service, supporting clients experiencing eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, emotional wellbeing difficulties, and low self-esteem.
I also work as a School Counsellor, providing therapeutic support to children and young people facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, friendship issues, bereavement, family changes, self-confidence, and school-related concerns. This role allows me to help young people develop emotional resilience and healthy coping strategies in a safe and nurturing environment.
My diverse experience across private practice, specialist services, and educational settings enables me to support clients with a wide range of issues while adapting my approach to meet individual needs.
Areas I Can Help With
Anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Bereavement and loss
Eating disorders and disordered eating
Body image concerns
Self-esteem and confidence
Emotional wellbeing
Relationship difficulties
Childhood and adolescent issues
Family challenges
Workplace stress and burnout
Life transitions and personal growth
My Approach
I work primarily from a person-centred perspective, believing that every person has the capacity for growth and change when provided with the right support and environment.
I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. Together, we can build understanding, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive and lasting change.
Sessions Available
Face-to-face counselling at Sawley Marina
Online counselling
Walk-and-talk therapy
Contact
📍 Sawley Marina, Derbyshire
📞 07432 670384
🌐 www.waterwaystherapy.co.uk
✉️ waterwaystherapy@outlook.com
My Philosophy
"Like water, healing happens when we allow ourselves the space to flow."
At Waterways Therapy, wherever you are on your journey, you will be met with warmth, empathy, and acceptance. Every step forward begins with being truly heard.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Level 5 advanced diploma in Child Psychology
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 4 Counselling Children and Adolescence
- Domestic Abuse and Violence Awareness Diploma
- Eating Awareness Diploma
- Family Support Worker Higher Distinction
- Cruse Bereavement Foundation Course
- Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Autistic Clients
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I offer a 10% discount for Blue Light holders, ex-armed forces, and beneficiaries of benefits (proof required). I also offer a free 15-minute introduction call.
Adults £50 for 50 minutes
Children £45 for 45 minutes
When I work
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Further information
My counselling experience has also included placements with several respected charities, including SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre), supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse; Cruse Bereavement Support, helping individuals navigate grief and loss; and Place2Be, providing mental health support to children and young people within educational settings.
In addition to my private practice work, I am employed as a School Counsellor, supporting children and young people with issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, friendship difficulties, bereavement, family changes, and school-related challenges.
I hold a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certificate and an Enhanced DBS Certificate, reflecting my commitment to providing a safe, ethical, and professional service.
My varied experience across specialist charities, schools, and private practice enables me to work effectively with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues. I strive to offer a warm, accepting, and non-judgemental space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace.
"Like water, healing happens when we allow ourselves the space to flow."
