Siobhan Bracken

If you're here, you are likely looking for positive change. That's where I come in!

I'm a humanistic therapist - in a nutshell, this means that I see the value and potential in everybody. With all my clients, I provide acceptance and empathy for who they are. I work to see things in your perspective, so that I can get a good idea of why you think and feel the way that you do. In providing acceptance for you, I hope that over time, you can come to provide it for yourself.

I can also provide practical guidance on how to improve your mental health. What happens outside of therapy sessions can be just as important as what happens within them, so I work alongside you to help you build positive mental health strategies into your day-to-day life. I have extensive experience working with self-esteem, anxiety and stress management. Alongside those, I am experienced in supporting with depression, body image concerns, grief and relationship issues (whether that be partner, family, friend etc.). I will cater the therapy to you by allowing you to guide me in what you would like to gain from the process.

Therapy can be nerve-wracking, whether you have been through the process before or not. I always try to make it feel as natural and comfortable as possible with my easy-going and relaxed nature. I value the importance of building up the relationship and allowing you to gain trust in me so that you feel you're in safe hands.

I allow my clients to take the lead by bringing the topics that are of the most priority to them. If you find that you don't know where to start, I can help you prioritise by talking things through and considering the different areas that you'd like to work on. Depending on what you would like to get from therapy, I am there to support, advise or challenge you as appropriate.

I hope to hear from you. If you have any questions or any uncertainties, please do feel free to reach out as I would be more than happy to explore them with you. 

I primarily provide face-to-face therapy in my comfy therapy space at home, or online therapy via Google Meet.

I'm based in Southend-on-Sea and work from home in a cosy, confidential office space. I aim to make the room as welcoming and comfortable as possible for anybody seeking support, and will always try to accommodate additional needs as and when possible. Just a few things to note:

• There is a flight of stairs between the entryway and the counselling room, so unfortunately the room is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
• Although he is kept well away from the room during sessions, I have a cat who likes to spend time in the room, which may cause reactions for those with pet allergies.

Should you reach out for support, I will arrange a free 15 minute phone call with you so we can get to know each other and decide if I'll be the right fit as your therapist. During this phone call, I will ask you some questions to see what you would like to get from therapy and to talk through your experiences with your mental health. It is also your time to ask me questions too, please do not hesitate to gather as much information as you need to know that you are happy to work with me.  

My first session is free to allow you the opportunity to get to know me without additional financial pressure. 

The first session is unique in that I tend to talk more than I would during a usual session! This is because I consider it important that you know exactly what you're getting from me and that the therapy experience is catered to your needs. So I will take up some of your time by talking through the process with you before I hand it over to you to discuss whatever it is that you would like to explore.