Paula Marshall-Smith Counsellor & Psychotherapist BA (Hons), MA, MBACP

The very fact you are contemplating counselling means you are taking the first steps towards embracing some aspect of your life that may not currently be working for you, or it may be that life doesn’t feel quite right and you do not know why.

Counselling changes us and it changes the people around us.

Maybe you are experiencing anxiety, depression or stress? Or, maybe you have suffered a bereavement and want to explore your feelings around the impact of the loss? Maybe you have suffered a break-up or are having relationship difficulties? Are you drinking too much alcohol / taking too many drugs or have an addiction which is affecting your life? Does food/weight obsession and body image rule your life? Are you struggling with the menopause and/or worried about getting older? Freedom starts when we stop pretending everything is okay when it isn’t. Your story matters, because you matter.

Whatever your reason for counselling, I provide a trusting, safe and confidential environment where you can feel heard and safe enough to identify and share issues that you are currently experiencing. You will be encouraged to speak honestly and openly and be understood and accepted for who you really are. Effective counselling brings a greater level of self-awareness, self-understanding and discovery of new strengths. It promotes increased self-esteem and confidence leading to a more contented life with happier relationships (both with yourself and with others). You will be empowered and supported to be independent in making your own choices and decisions.

Counselling also helps to reflect on life choices, patterns of behaviour and recognizes ways of relating which may be creating and prolonging any struggles.

I place great importance on the acceptance of each persons unique perspective, I aim to explore my clients perspective in a non-judgemental and compassionate way within a relationship that is confidential, safe, mutual and non-controlling.

Clients usually find they generally feel better and begin to notice significant change within their first few sessions.