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Why Counselling?

What is Therapy?

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Therapy, often called counselling or psychotherapy, has long been misunderstood, sometimes seen as something to be kept private or even hidden. Many people hesitate to say, “I have a therapist,” fearing judgment or stigma. But the truth is, therapy is a valuable and empowering tool that can help with a wide range of challenges—whether they stem from past experiences, work stress, relationship struggles, or mental health concerns.

 

Therapy provides a space to reflect, process, and make meaningful changes. It helps people uncover strengths they may not have realised they had and develop new ways to navigate life’s ups and downs. Research consistently shows that therapy can offer lasting benefits, often more profound than medication alone. While medication can help manage symptoms, therapy works to address the deeper causes, offering skills, insight, and confidence to improve overall well-being.

 

Is therapy right for you?

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The simple answer is yes. Everyone deserves a space where they feel truly heard—without judgment and with genuine care and support. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy but hesitating due to uncertainty or stigma, now might be the time to take that step. Whether online or in person, finding the right therapist can be life-changing.

 

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to seek support. Therapy can help if you’re feeling lost, struggling with self-worth, experiencing changes in your mood, having trouble sleeping, or navigating difficult relationships. It’s also a space for exploring deeper questions—why certain patterns keep repeating, why change feels so hard, or why emotions sometimes feel overwhelming.

 

If any of this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy is here to support you in finding clarity, relief, and a greater sense of self-understanding. Taking that first step can be daunting, but it may also be one of the most meaningful decisions you make for yourself.

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How I can help you

 

 

I am an accredited professional Integrative counsellor (to be accredited means I have been assessed and demonstrated a high standard of knowledge, experience and development in counselling and psychotherapy). 

 

How Counselling Can Support Neurodivergent Individuals and Those with ADHD

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Counselling offers a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without fear of judgment. Living in a world that often caters to neurotypical ways of thinking can be difficult, leading to feelings of frustration, self-doubt, or overwhelm. A counsellor who understands neurodiversity can provide guidance tailored to your unique experiences, helping you navigate life with greater confidence and self-acceptance.

 

Understanding Neurodiversity and ADHD in Counselling

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Neurodiversity is a term that embraces the natural differences in how people think, learn, and process the world. This includes conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. ADHD, for example, can bring challenges with focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. In counselling, you can:

Recognise your strengths – Many neurodivergent individuals have incredible creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Therapy can help you identify and embrace these strengths.

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  • Develop personalised strategies – Together, we can explore practical approaches to managing time, reducing overwhelm, and improving emotional regulation.

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  • Improve relationships – Communication and social interactions can sometimes feel complex. Counselling can support you in setting boundaries, navigating misunderstandings, and building meaningful connections.

 

  • Working with a counsellor who understands neurodiversity ensures therapy is adapted to fit your needs. This may include:

 

  • Flexible communication styles – Traditional talk therapy may not suit everyone. Sessions can be adjusted to include visual aids, breaks, or movement-friendly options.

 

  • Challenging stigma – Many neurodivergent individuals feel pressured to fit societal expectations. Therapy provides a space to unpack these feelings and build self-compassion.

 

  • Considering sensory needs – Heightened sensory sensitivities can impact comfort and focus. A neurodivergent-aware counsellor acknowledges these factors to create a supportive environment.

 

 

How This Differs from Traditional Counselling

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While all therapists aim to offer support, those unfamiliar with neurodiversity may unintentionally apply approaches that don’t fully align with neurodivergent experiences. For example, they might suggest strategies that overlook executive functioning challenges or misinterpret sensory sensitivities. A neurodivergent-informed counsellor works collaboratively to find practical solutions that genuinely fit your needs.

 

Embracing Your Unique Identity

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Counselling is not about changing who you are—it’s about helping you understand and embrace your authentic self. With the right support, you can develop strategies to navigate challenges, strengthen self-awareness, and build a life that works for you

  

How Counselling Can Support You

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Counselling offers a confidential and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges with the guidance of a trained professional. It’s a process that helps you gain clarity, develop coping strategies, and work towards emotional well-being at your own pace.

Through counselling, you can gain insight into your emotions, behaviours, and thought patterns, helping you understand yourself more deeply and recognise what may be holding you back.

Talking to someone who listens with empathy and without judgment can provide relief from stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions.

Counselling can help you develop healthier communication skills, set boundaries, and navigate conflicts, improving your relationships with others.

A counsellor can support you in building effective ways to manage stress, grief, trauma, or major life changes, empowering you to handle challenges with confidence.

Through reflection and guidance, counselling can help you build resilience, strengthen self-esteem, and create positive changes in your life.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other emotional struggles, counselling provides a safe space to explore these feelings and find the support you need.

 

What to Expect in Counselling

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A Space Just for You – Every session is centred around your unique needs and goals.

A Collaborative Approach – You and your counsellor work together to explore your concerns and find helpful solutions.

Confidentiality and Respect – Your privacy is valued, creating a secure and trusting environment.

Non-Judgmental Support – You will be met with kindness, understanding, and a space where you can truly be yourself.

Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, counselling can help you navigate life’s complexities and move toward a greater sense of well-being.

 

How Counselling Can Support You with Disordered Eating

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Struggles with food and eating often go beyond physical hunger—they can be deeply tied to emotions, past experiences, and self-perception. If you find yourself using food for comfort, feeling out of control around eating, or battling guilt and shame, counselling offers a compassionate and supportive space to explore these challenges without judgment.

 

Understanding Emotional Eating

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Many people turn to food to cope with difficult emotions such as stress, sadness, or overwhelm. Emotional eating may bring temporary relief but can leave you feeling frustrated or disconnected from your body’s natural signals. These patterns are not about willpower or discipline—they often have emotional and psychological roots that deserve gentle exploration and understanding.

 

How Counselling Can Help

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Exploring emotions behind eating patterns – Together, we can uncover the feelings and experiences that may be influencing your relationship with food.

Developing new coping strategies – If food has been your primary source of comfort, we can find alternative ways to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions.

Challenging unhelpful beliefs – Many people struggle with negative self-talk and body image concerns. Counselling can help shift these thoughts toward greater self-acceptance and compassion.

Increasing awareness and understanding – Recognizing triggers, emotional responses, and patterns can help you make more intentional choices around food.

Providing a safe, non-judgmental space – Feelings of shame and isolation can make it harder to reach out for help. Counselling offers a supportive environment where you can be heard and understood.

 

A Personal Approach to Healing

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Everyone’s experience with disordered eating is unique, and counselling is tailored to your individual needs. Whether through exploring thought patterns, practicing mindfulness, or addressing deeper emotional wounds, our work together will focus on what feels right for you.

 

Moving Toward a Balanced Relationship with Food

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Counselling is not about strict food rules or diets —it’s about empowering you to reconnect with your body, emotions, and self-worth in a healthier way. With time, patience, and support, you can build a more peaceful and balanced relationship with food and yourself.

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Supporting You to Live Authentically

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My aim is to help you feel confident in who you are—not who others expect you to be. I want to support you in letting go of the pressure to conform, compete, or say “yes” when your heart says “no.”

Together, we’ll work towards self-acceptance, empowerment, and a life that feels fulfilling and true to you. Let’s build a future where you embrace your strengths, set boundaries that support you, and feel free to be unapologetically yourself.

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I work with ages 18+ face to face or online. 

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Next steps

Please contact me either by email at emmakellycounselling@hotmail.com or by sending me a text on 07933957478.

 

We can then arrange to have a free 10-15 minute telephone conversation (should you want this). This will be an informal chat about what you are wanting from counselling so that you can get an idea of what counselling is and decide if I am the right counsellor for you. If after that you feel you would like to go ahead, then we can make a suitable appointment either in person, over the phone or online. I do not expect you to go into full detail over the phone and there is absolutely no obligation to book an appointment and I will leave this completely up to you.

Alternatively, you can just drop me an email or text message and we can arrange a session

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