An accepting and gentle approach to explore the way ahead
About me
I’m Diane and I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel daunting, especially when you're feeling unsure of what to expect.
I’m a trained person-centred counsellor with an accepting and gentle approach. Being registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) means I am qualified and follow their guidelines on working professionally and ethically. My Enhanced DBS certification confirms I have been checked and can work safely and by following the Information Commissioner’s Office principles I protect your personal data and identity.
Counselling for adults in a safe and confidential environment
Are you:
wanting to talk about a relationship breakup or bereavement?
ready to face something painful that happened in the past?
having difficulties starting a family or involuntary childlessness?
wanting to share relationship difficulties?
often anxious or avoid situations?
Relationships Anxiety Trauma Infertility Bereavement Stress Depression Shame Self-esteem Guilt Social Anxiety
How can counselling help?
Counselling involves you and a trained professional working together to gain an awareness of the difficulties you are facing. You are encouraged to share the thoughts and feelings that are meaningful to you. It may help you understand the way you communicate, act or react with others and sometimes it can reveal repeating patterns or ways you keep yourself safe.
Could we work together?
I work in the Harrogate/Knaresborough area of North Yorkshire and online across the UK. Every week, I work with adults (including student counsellors) who want to understand their relationships and emotions. Themes such as childhood experiences, family issues, abuse, bullying, work and life events are often discussed in the counselling room. Feelings of doubt, guilt and shame can come up for some. Others mention being afraid, anxious or alone.
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Choosing a counsellor
To identify the right counsellor and to ensure the counselling process is effective for you, consider a telephone consultation first. This provides an opportunity for you to get to know each other, discuss your needs and to ask questions. You may be asked to briefly describe the reasons for seeking counselling and what you are hoping to gain from it.
Professional Qualifications
Registered Member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/about-bacp
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Leeds)
B.Ed (Hons)
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Recent training courses:
British Infertility Counselling Assocation (BICA) Foundation Course
Trauma-Informed Counselling
Domestic Abuse
Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Bereavement
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Relationships
Counselling could help you make sense of your relationships and emotions. You may gain an understanding of your thought patterns, decision-making processes and how you view yourself.
The version of ourselves we present to others can vary depending on the people and the situation. It is often influenced by the messages we absorb from people we know and meet. It can determine whether we show the “real” version of ourselves or hide that away. Some people hide behind a sense of humour, others withdraw or become defensive. Sometimes it can mean dressing a certain way or putting on a brave face even when we hurt inside.
Bereavement
For several years, I volunteered with a West Yorkshire bereavement service and have broad experience working with people who are processing grief. Some speak of “grieving alone” when the administration of the bereavement is finalised. Others discuss the deep sense of isolation and unacknowledged depth of their loss. Some clients mention the impact of others wanting to fix or avoid. Bereavement counselling would involve compassion and validation of your emotions and respect for you and the relationship you shared with your loved one.
Communication
I recognise that life experiences can leave lasting effects. Emotional wounds do not always come from one single event, sometimes they come from feeling helpless, unsafe and not being heard or needs not being met.
During counselling, the focus could be on what you feel emotionally and physically when your body and mind is reminded of the past experiences. It is about exploring what you need to feel safe or understood and realising you have needs and choice. It could help you feel balanced, seen and able to make sense of your experiences and emotions. It could help you explore communicating your needs effectively.
If it's on your mind, it matters, and it could help to talk it over
You choose the themes and we discuss them together either online, using Zoom, or in-person.
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​In-person sessions
for those in the following areas:
Harrogate, Knaresborough, Starbeck, Burn Bridge, Wetherby,
Tockwith, Boroughbridge, Ripley, Otley and the surrounding districts.
Fees
An initial 20-minute telephone consultation is free
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A 50-minute in-person counselling session is £60
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A 50-minute online counselling session is £60
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A 90-minute in-person or online counselling session is £90
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Ask about student
concessionary rates.
