Zara Whiteley

Everyone comes to therapy with a loss, whether that is a bereavement, a relationship break-up, changes in health, the loss of a friendship, a change of job, etc. There are many different endings that we go through in life. Therapy is a safe and supportive place to talk, it provides the opportunity to process what has happened and to explore who you are now and how you can move forward. Therapy is a place where you can say out loud all of those things you can't say elsewhere. You can talk about things you may not feel able to talk about with friends or family.

I am a person-centred therapist with an academic background in philosophy and psychology. I have a keen interest in existentialism and how we find meaning in our lives.

Before qualifying as a therapist, I worked in different NHS Community Mental Health Teams where I worked with adults who had mental health issues such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar. I also gained experience working with neurodiversity - specifically autism and ADHD.

I have worked as a therapist in the NHS and for different national and local charities. I have particularly extensive experience working with bereavement, pregnancy loss (miscarriage and termination), work-related stress, relationship issues, and with anxiety and depression.

I have a face to face clinic on Saturdays at Milton Hall, Deansgate/Central Manchester. I also offer telephone/online therapy.

People often ask me how often they are expected to have therapy. My answer is that there is no expectation! We live in a fast-paced world with so many expectations and obligations. I don't want therapy to be another thing added to your list. Some people like to have a session every week, some prefer fortnightly, some have a session once a month, and some book a session once every few months.

I have to add the disclaimer that this isn't always the case - if we're working with severe trauma, we'd likely need to agree on a more structured approach.