Deborah Ritchie

I provide online therapy sessions via Zoom, offering convenience and accessibility for my clients.

Are you seeking support that respects and embraces your unique way of experiencing the world? Look no further! As a neurodiversity-inclusive counsellor, I am dedicated to providing a safe and understanding space for individuals of all neurotypes.

I specialise in integrative therapy, drawing upon a blend of counselling models such as person-centered, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach allows us to tailor our sessions to suit your specific needs and preferences, fostering a collaborative and creative therapeutic journey.

Together, we'll delve into your challenges and explore how you navigate your mental, emotional, and physical experiences. Through our work, we'll uncover valuable insights and tools to support your journey towards greater self-awareness and self-compassion.

Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey of exploration and empowerment together. Reach out today to schedule your free 25 minute initial session.

I specialise in providing support for individuals navigating various challenges in their lives. Whether you're grappling with questions about your identity, struggling with relationships, or coping with grief, I'm here to offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.

I am trained to work with people facing a wide range of difficulties, including those related to family dynamics, work stress, and navigating a world that feels like it's not supportive or accessible to you. My practice is particularly attuned to the needs of individuals within the neurodiverse community, those living with disabilities, and those managing chronic illnesses. I understand the unique experiences and challenges that come with these identities, and I am committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

As an LGBTQIA+ ally, I warmly welcome inquiries from individuals within this community. I recognise the importance of affirming and inclusive therapy, and I am dedicated to creating a space where all identities are celebrated and respected. 

Whether you're seeking support for personal growth, healing from past traumas, or simply a listening ear, I am here to accompany you on your journey towards greater self-understanding and fulfillment. Together, we can work towards building resilience, fostering self-compassion, and empowering you to live authentically and confidently.

The first session is designed to be a brief but meaningful exploration of whether a therapeutic relationship is suitable for both myself and you, the client. It begins with an offer of a free 25-minute session, providing a low-pressure opportunity for individuals to experience the online therapeutic space without financial commitment.

During this initial session, we might discuss your history and the factors contributing to your current distress. This discussion serves as an initial assessment, allowing me to gain insight into your background, concerns, and goals for therapy, but also allows you to determine if you feel comfortable and supported working with me. If we agree to move forward, we will arrange for regular 50-minute appointments to continue the therapeutic work.

I am currently working online, using zoom. Please let me know if you prefer to work face to face. 

There are a variety of approaches to the way practitioners work with their clients. I have been trained to work integratively. I use a combination of different counselling models, including person-centred, psychodynamic, gestalt and cognitive behavioural therapy. This allows us to work together in a creative way that best suits your needs. I can help you explore your problems and how you experience your world, mentally, emotionally and physically. Together we can explore tools and ways to support your growing self-awareness and self-compassion. 

I am trained to work with people who may be dealing with a wide range of difficulties. You may have questions about who you are and what comes next. Family, work and grief are among many areas of life that we can talk about. I have a special interest in trauma, disability and chronic illness. I'm an LGBTQIA+ ally and welcome enquiries from this community. I have a particular interest in gender identity, either by offering talking therapy without you having to explain the cultural challenges and nuances of gender identity or transition; or you are gender questioning and wish to do so in a confidential, supportive and inclusive setting. As an ally, I also offer counselling to family members of transitioning or gender-questioning children, young people and adults.  

The first counselling session involves sharing more of your details and what made you look for counselling. We will look at setting a goal for our work, that helps us focus. The contract is important in counselling, so we will spend some time going through the contract.