Hi, I’m Shirley an experienced level 6 qualified counsellor and Psychotherapist who has found my motivation and purpose in life is people, naturally then my practice is based on the values of kindness, autonomy, integrity and trust. I have witnessed the pressure modern living can have on mental health and how these values can be disregarded by ourselves and others and the impact this can have, learning from an early age that no two people are the same and that people and relationships are vitally important to me.

My approach and practice is person centred, what this means is that I believe we all experience and respond to life in our own way. I understand how life events and our response to them, shapes who we are, how this is always changing, and through our recognising and accepting ourselves provides the platform for us to be who we are. At times, facing ourselves and what’s going on in life can leave us feeling unbalanced, out of control or afraid – impacting on every level, leaving us at times overwhelmed, uncertain or without purpose. It is at these times I offer support; our relationship is key and I will work hard to understand you and your world in order to provide the support you need.

Together we will explore what has brought you to be sat with me. In this time there may be tears, laughter – yes this happens too!, pause for reflection and silence – all of which are useful in their own way with the hope to encourage connection, purpose and meaning – our place in the world.

We talk, it sounds simple and in one respect it is, but in counselling we talk in a different way – and as our professional relationship develops you’ll understand what I mean. If you’ve had counselling before, or if not, the aim of our work together is to give you the chance to find your way through the challenges, to experiment with solutions, maybe take a step back.. but then find your way. And when you find that way, when you “fix” what you feel needs to be fixed, or at least some of it – then our work together has been worth it.

As I said, I am a person centred counsellor, I won’t pretend I know everything about your challenges, you are the expert on that and what you bring shapes our time together – I will listen so I can learn, encourage, support and through the development of our relationship, enable you to make the changes you want to make, at your own pace without pressure or judgement.