Marie Milnes

Talking about how we feel can help us feel better emotionally and physically. It can encourage a new awareness of our emotions and feelings, allowing us to move forward, breaking those patterns of thoughts and behaviour that make life so difficult.

This is where counselling and psychotherapy may help, although, I understand that making the decision to undertake counselling can be difficult. Maybe you are feeling unsure, scared, worried what feelings counselling may bring up for you. Perhaps you have tried counselling or psychotherapy before and face new challenges. Whatever the reason, I can support you, .

As a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist, I believe that each and every one of us is a unique individual, made up of our own experiences, feelings and emotions. I also believe that, the same unique individual has the ability to change, develop, grow, and achieve their true potential, given the opportunity.

Working as a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist I can offer you a confidential relationship within a warm, friendly environment. I work in a non-judgmental way, with understanding and sensitivity, enabling you to explore your emotions and feelings at your pace.

Our process together, will encourage a new awareness; an understanding of what you are going through, enabling a change of thought process and new patterns of behaviour, which in turn offers a new hope of emotional and physical strength, towards empowerment.

Working as counsellor for over 10 years, and more recently, a psychotherapist, with various clients of all ages, has enabled me to build my experience in many areas. An example of some of the areas of experience include, but are not limited to, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, anger, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, stress, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, and low self esteem and confidence.

Previous to this, I worked as an out-of-hours manager, personal care assistant and teaching assistant, in a Primary and Pre-school setting for 9 years. The experience, together with having children of my own, including one on the autistic spectrum, and one who experienced self-harm and suicidal thoughts, gave me an invaluable insight into working with children both physically and emotionally.

My experience also extends to work I now carry out, as a counsellor and psychotherapist, with children, young people and adults on the autistic spectrum, those with ADHD and/or learning difficulties. I also provide a specialist counselling service working with children and young people, who often present with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Communicating feelings and emotions, for most children and young people, can be difficult, and using other resources can be beneficial. This is where age appropriate resources are available, to encourage the child or young person to express their feelings and develop an awareness of emotions through play and creative therapy. This can help with behavioural and emotional difficulties, allowing the breakdown of emotional, behavioural and learning barriers. It encourages the child or young person to become more confident and build up self-esteem, giving them opportunity to explore and talk about how they feel, in order for change and growth to take place.

As we can see, people come into therapy for many reasons. Whatever the reason, I am here to support you.

Before we begin sessions together, I offer a free initial consultation, which provides an opportunity to answer any questions you may have and a chance to explore your worries or expectations of sessions together. All work carried out is client led, which means this is your space to talk freely without being directed or feeling pressurised. This is carried out at your pace with understanding and sensitivity.