Zoe Richards

 If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stuck, or finding it difficult to make sense of what you're thinking and feeling, you don't have to work through it all on your own.

I'm Zoe, a Registered Member of the BACP and an Integrative Counsellor. I offer confidential online counselling to adults and young people aged 13–17, providing a calm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is bringing you to counselling.

Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety or overthinking, low confidence or self-esteem, stress, grief or a difficult change in your life. You may feel that things have become harder to manage, or simply that you don't feel like yourself at the moment.

 Whatever has brought you here, you don't need to have everything figured out before starting counselling.

How I can Help

 I have a particular interest in supporting people experiencing:

 - Anxiety, worry and overthinking

- Low self-esteem and confidence

- Stress and feeling overwhelmed

- Grief and bereavement

- Loss and difficult life changes

- Relationship difficulties

- Emotional difficulties and challenges with coping

- Young people experiencing anxiety, low confidence or other emotional difficulties

Grief isn't only about losing someone we love. We can also experience grief following the end of a relationship, changes in our circumstances, loss of identity, or the loss of hopes and expectations for the future. These experiences can be difficult to talk about, particularly when you feel that other people expect you to have “moved on”.

I offer a space where you can explore your feelings without judgement or expectations about how you should be coping.

My Approach:

 I work in an Integrative way, which means I don't believe counselling should be a “one size fits all” experience.

 You are the expert on your own life, and I will work collaboratively with you to understand what you need from counselling. I will listen carefully to what you share and, where appropriate, gently help you explore thoughts, feelings and patterns that may be affecting you.

 I also have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which means that where it feels appropriate for you, we can explore practical strategies to help you understand and manage unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

My aim isn't to tell you what you should do. Instead, I want to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and find ways forward that feel right for you.

I also have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It helps people recognise negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking and understand how these can affect the way they feel and behave.

In counselling, CBT can help you to challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking. It can also encourage you to try different coping strategies when dealing with difficult situations. CBT is commonly used to support people experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and stress.

A key benefit of CBT is that it gives you practical tools that you can use outside of counselling, helping you to become more aware of your thoughts and gradually make positive changes in your everyday life.

What can I expect from counselling?

 You don't need to know exactly what to say when you first get in touch.

During our initial conversation, we can talk about what's brought you to counselling, what you're hoping for and any questions you may have. It's also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether you feel comfortable talking with me.

In our sessions, we'll work at your pace. Some sessions may involve exploring difficult experiences or emotions, while at other times we might focus on understanding patterns, building confidence or finding practical ways of coping with what's happening in your life.

There is no expectation that you will have all the answers. Sometimes having someone listen without judgement and help you make sense of things can be the first step.

A little bit about me:

 I believe that feeling genuinely heard and understood can make a real difference. I aim to offer warmth, compassion and acceptance, while creating a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time outdoors, walking and photography. I find being in nature a helpful way to slow down and create some space, and I bring this calm and unhurried approach into my work with clients.

Sessions and Fees:

 I offer online counselling sessions lasting 60 minutes at £45 per session.

I also offer a free 30-minute initial telephone consultation. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what you're looking for, answer any questions you may have and decide whether counselling with me feels like the right fit for you.

You can have weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions, depending on your needs.

Taking the first step:

Reaching out for counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you've never had counselling before.

You don't need to know exactly what you need or have the right words to explain it. If something is affecting you and you'd like some support, you're welcome to get in touch.

 We can start with a conversation and take it from there.

Thank You.

I offer a 30-minute free initial telephone consultation.

My fees are £45 for a 60-minute online session. Payment must be made 24 hours prior to the scheduled session in order to secure your session place. 

I offer a reduced session rate for student/trainee counsellors.

If you would like to send me an initial enquiry I would be more than happy to answer any questions and arrange a telephone consultation.

Please see a few of my counselling testimonials below:

“At the first session, I found Zoe to be very gentle and calming. She helped me feel safe enough to talk about the sadness, the feelings of guilt and regret. I had not realised just how raw the grief still was. I had ten sessions in all and the last four were devoted to my struggle with social anxiety. I really enjoyed the worksheets we used to examine and assess my assumptions about situations and people and to consider alternative ways of interpreting and responding in social interactions. I feel I have some tools to help me manage social situations more comfortably. I am completely satisfied with my experience of counselling with Zoe, and would have no hesitation in recommending her to others” (Anonymous Client December 2025)

"During my sessions with Zoe, I was able to identify and understand where I was and where I would like to be.... I was able to see and experience small changes. My confidence increased and I felt like I was breathing for the first time, without limits and without judgement...I cannot thank Zoe enough" (Anonymous Client October 2025) 

"Thank you for all you have done. I've found the sessions to be really positive and something that has completely changed the way I feel, talk and help others around me, as well as myself" Anonymous Client- August 2025

"I honestly can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me, it is so much appreciated...You've offered your time and helped me go through my past and I be taking it into my future" Anonymous client- October 2024.

"I would just like to say a big thank you for listening to me and making me feel a lot better". Anonymous client- February 2024