About me
Who do I work with?
I work with people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, particularly those struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, poor self-esteem and the feeling that they are just not good enough. So often this can leave people feeling lonely and isolated, even when they are surrounded by friends and family. But this can change. When we grow our relationship with ourselves, we start to experience the world and those around us differently.
Many of the people I work with find themselves constantly overthinking, questioning themselves, worrying about what others think, or feeling disconnected from who they really are. They are often exhausted and arrive wondering whether they will ever feel differently.
My work focuses on helping clients build a stronger relationship with themselves - learning to understand and tolerate their feelings, develop greater trust in themselves, and grow the confidence to live in ways that feel more genuine and self-directed.
Understanding where these thoughts, feelings and patterns developed can help us relate to them differently and reduce the hold they have over our lives.
How can counselling help?
Many of the ways we think, feel and behave were not consciously chosen. Often, they developed as adaptations - ways of staying safe, connected, or accepted as we grew up.
While these responses may once have been helpful or necessary, they can later leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, stuck, or believing there is something wrong with us.
Counselling offers a space to gently explore these patterns and understand where they came from. When we begin to see our responses not as flaws, but as adaptations, we can approach ourselves with greater curiosity, understanding and compassion. This is when change becomes possible.
Whilst we can try to do this on our own, having someone alongside you to help you make sense of what you experience can make all the difference.
What can I expect from the first session?
In our first session we will explore what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it.
It is also a space for you to ask questions, share any concerns you may have, and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.
What is the goal of counselling?
At Zoe Dennis Counselling, I believe every person has intrinsic value regardless of their background or lived experience.
This work is not about becoming a different person or ‘fixing’ yourself. It is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself, loosening the grip of unhelpful patterns, and giving yourself permission to live more fully as the person you already are.
What next?
If you're ready to take the next step, I'd love to hear from you.
Please get in touch by phone or email to arrange a free 15-minute initial consultation. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what has brought you to counselling and for me to answer any questions you may have.
Client review:
I found Zoe to be a warm, caring and empathetic counsellor who listened without judgement. She created a safe and supportive environment where I felt able to talk openly, and I appreciated her kindness and professionalism throughout our sessions. Thank you Zoe.
Training, qualifications & experience
- 3-year training - Fully qualified psychotherapist
- Integrative approach to counselling, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual client.
- Qualified hypnotherapist
- Deep understanding of Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Over 30 years’ experience working in education as a teacher, senior leader and head of school
- Developed and delivered a self-esteem and inner confidence programme for young people in schools across Somerset.
- Currently writing a book - You’re Not Flawed
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Poor self-esteem, never feeling good enough, believing that you are flawed and broken in some way, people-pleasing, not feeling able to speak up, putting others' needs first and a fear of conflict.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 - £55.00
Additional information
I offer both in-person and online sessions which are charged at different hourly rates.
In-person sessions: £55 per hour
Online sessions: £45 per hour
If you would like more details about online sessions, please read about this in 'Further Information'. Working online can offer a similarly deep and reflective therapeutic space in which to explore what has brought you to counselling.
To support continuity and commitment to the therapeutic process, I ask clients to book sessions in blocks of three. I understand that this may not suit everyone and I am happy to discuss this with you if it presents a difficulty.
When I work
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If the hours shown don't fit with your schedule, it's still worth contacting me as I have a degree of flexibility with regards to when I can offer sessions.
Further information
Working Online
Online counselling offers a safe and meaningful space in which to access counselling. There can be something reassuring about being in your own familiar surroundings, and you may find that this helps you to feel more at ease, particularly when talking about things that feel difficult or deeply personal.
Although online counselling is different from meeting in person, the therapeutic relationship remains at the heart of our work. We can take time to develop trust and a sense of safety, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.
Working online can also offer greater flexibility and convenience. There is no need to travel to an appointment, which can make it easier to fit counselling around work, family life and other commitments. It also allows you time before and after your session to process and reflect on what has emerged during our work together.
Sessions take place via a secure online platform. I will explain how this works before we begin and make sure you are comfortable with the process. I would encourage you to find a quiet and private space where you feel able to speak freely and where you will not be interrupted.
Ultimately, whether we work online or in person, my aim is to offer you a space where you can feel heard, understood and able to explore what has brought you to counselling.
Meanwhile...
Living in the here and now is transformative - it is only by taking real and practical steps that our lives can begin to adapt.
So much of our focus is on our hopes for the future, but our lives are lived in the present moment. Whilst we wait for that future to arrive, the question is, What can we do meanwhile? What is possible right now?
When we start to relate to ourselves with curiosity rather than judgement, we begin to believe in the possibility that we can change and things can be different. But this means finding the courage to take the necessary steps.
With each step, our lives begin to shift.
