Vicky McGuirk

Hello, I'm Vicky

I'm a fully qualified and insured counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I've been working in private practice for over eight years, supporting adults and young people through a wide range of life challenges.

I know that reaching out for support can feel uncomfortable. Many people spend months, sometimes years, thinking about counselling before they make contact. That's why I aim to make the process as relaxed and straightforward as possible.

I offer a free introductory chat so you can get a feel for who I am and ask any questions you may have. It's important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor, and there is no pressure to continue if you decide I'm not the right person for you.

 Are you finding things difficult right now?

Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, low in mood, or simply struggling to cope with everything life is throwing at you.

Perhaps you're dealing with the effects of trauma, grieving someone important to you, adjusting to an ADHD or autism diagnosis, or trying to manage difficult thoughts and feelings on your own.

You might feel exhausted from always trying to keep going, disconnected from yourself or the people around you, or unsure where to turn for support.

Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to face it alone.

I offer a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what's going on for you. Together, we can explore what you're experiencing and find ways to help you feel more understood, supported and able to move forward.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Broadstairs, as well as online and telephone sessions throughout the UK.

As well as ongoing counselling, I also offer short-term and single-session appointments. Sometimes one focused conversation can help you gain clarity, explore a problem, or work out your next steps.

Areas I Can Help With

Trauma

Difficult experiences from the past can continue to affect us long after they've happened.

You may struggle with anxiety, low confidence, trust issues, difficult relationships, strong emotions, or feeling constantly alert and on edge.

Whether your experiences relate to childhood, family relationships, bereavement, abuse, neglect, bullying, or other significant life events, counselling can help you make sense of what you've been through and begin to heal at a pace that feels right for you.

Men's Mental Health

Many men have grown up feeling they should cope alone, stay strong, or avoid talking about difficult emotions.

Because of this, feelings such as stress, anxiety, anger, loneliness, burnout or low mood can build up over time.

I provide a confidential space where you can talk honestly without fear of being judged. Whether you've never spoken to anyone before or have had counselling in the past, you will be welcomed with understanding and respect.

Neurodivergence

ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's Syndrome, Dyscalculia and Sensory Processing Difficulties

I offer neurodiversity-affirming counselling for people who are neurodivergent, waiting for an assessment, or wondering whether they might be neurodivergent.

Many people spend years feeling different, misunderstood, overwhelmed, or exhausted from trying to fit in with other people's expectations. Others may be coming to terms with a recent diagnosis and learning more about themselves.

We can explore things such as:

Feeling burnt out from constantly masking or hiding who you are
Sensory overwhelm
Anxiety and low self-confidence
Rejection sensitivity
Relationship difficulties
Challenges at work or education
Understanding yourself after a diagnosis
My aim is to provide a space where you can be yourself without feeling the need to explain, justify or hide who you are.

Bereavement and Loss

Grief can affect every part of life.

I support adults and young people who are coping with loss, whether through the death of someone important or through major life changes such as relationship breakdown, fertility difficulties, retirement, loss of health, or changes in identity.

Counselling can offer a safe place to talk about your experience, process difficult emotions and find ways to cope with life after loss.

How I Work

No two people are the same, and I believe that counselling should be as unique as the person seeking it.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different counselling approaches and adapt my way of working to suit you as an individual.

Some people come to counselling because they're struggling with something happening right now. Others want to understand patterns that have been affecting them for many years.

Whatever brings you to counselling, we will work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Building a trusting relationship is at the heart of my work. I believe people are more able to make changes when they feel safe, accepted and genuinely heard.

A Little About Me

People often ask what made me become a counsellor.

The simple answer is that counselling helped me during a difficult time in my own life.

Through therapy, I experienced what it felt like to be truly listened to, understood and accepted. It helped me gain clarity, confidence and a different perspective on my situation.

That experience inspired me to train as a counsellor so that I could offer the same support to others.

I understand how vulnerable it can feel to open up and ask for help. My aim is to provide a warm, genuine and accepting space where you can talk about whatever is troubling you.

What Happens Next?

If you're thinking about counselling, the first step is to get in touch, you can do so via this page or email me directly. I will take it from there so you don’t need to worry about it.

I offer an initial telephone conversation and, where appropriate, a free 20-minute consultation. This gives us a chance to talk about what's bringing you to counselling, what you're hoping for, and whether we feel comfortable working together.

There is no pressure and no obligation to continue.

Fees

50-minute counselling session: £50

I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for students and people experiencing financial difficulties. Please ask about availability.

Alongside private practice, I work as Placement Lead at Crossroads Care Kent, supporting trainee counsellors throughout their placements and training. As someone who works closely with counsellors in training, I understand the challenges that can arise throughout the learning and qualifying process. If you're looking for a counsellor who understands those pressures, I'd be happy to have a chat and see whether we'd be a good fit to work together.

Over the last eight years, I have worked with adults and young people experiencing a variety of difficulties, including:

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Bereavement and loss
Low self-esteem
Neurodivergence
Relationship difficulties
Life changes and transitions
Loneliness
Caring responsibilities
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
I regularly attend additional training to make sure my knowledge and skills remain up to date and that I continue to provide safe and effective support.

Taking the First Step

Asking for help isn't always easy, especially when you've been carrying things on your own for a long time.

You don't need to have everything worked out before you get in touch.

If you're considering counselling and would like to find out more, I'd be happy to have a chat with you about what's been going on and how I may be able to help.

Together, we can make sense of what's happening, explore what's important to you, and work towards positive and lasting change.

£50.00 I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for students and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Please enquire about current availability.

Testimonials

'I wouldn't be where I am without you. You have helped make me the strong woman I have always wanted to be' CM 

‘I feel much ‘lighter’ and feel like myself again. I haven’t felt like this in ages. My counselling sessions have been a great help.’ VM

‘You have made a difference to the way I feel. It's such a wonderful thing to have someone listen to you. There are few people who can do it with the understanding that you reached out to me. You have made a difference in my life and for this I am grateful.’ SR

‘Thank you for helping me through a difficult time.’ MR

‘Thank you for your help and support during our sessions. I am now entering a new phase of getting used to life without him.’ AE

‘Although my issues were outside influence, which I had no control, the counselling helped me manage my own feelings towards those issues and in turn helped me to make decisions that before the counselling I couldn’t do.’ SL