Stephanie Gilbert

My working hours are Monday, Tuesday & Friday 9am-5pm. Wednesday & Thursday 9am-7.30pm.

I do offer flexibility so please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Sometimes things can just feel too hard. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, lost or alone? Maybe you are feeling anxious, low or just not yourself. Are you struggling with patience, frustration or even anger? Is your child struggling with their mental health & wellbeing? Counselling can help you to explore these feelings.

What I can offer….

I am a person-centred counsellor. This means I will be led by you and work with you at your pace. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space for you to talk and be truly heard. Together we can explore these difficult thoughts and feelings and find a way to challenge these to help you to find your solutions. 

Background…

With 20 years experience of working with children, young people & adults struggling with many aspects of their lives, including their mental health, I decided to retrain as a counsellor. Going into private practice allowed me to offer the opportunity and flexibility to support clients on their terms, without time limited restriction.

Qualifications…

Masters Degree (MA) in Clinical Counselling (with Distinction) - University of Chester.  (*BACP accredited course.)

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills.

Previous Qualifications...

BA Honours Degree in Community Justice - Manchester University

NVQ Level 4 Community Justice

LLB Law Degree with honours - Hull University

Training...

I have completed extensive training during my career to work with adults, children & young people experiencing difficulties & also to understand & work with the impact of adverse childhood experience. Additionally, I have attended many local safeguarding children board (LSCB) training events.

Level 1 & 2 Safeguarding Children (LSCB)

Level 1 & 2 Domestic Abuse & Safeguarding Children (LSCB)

Level 3 Working with Parental Challenges (LSCB)

Level 3 Neglect (LSCB)

* Registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, (BACP). 

I hold a full clean Enhanced DBS 

Where are the sessions held?

I offer private counselling from a purpose built office at the rear of my property. I can help with many issues including but not limited to, low mood and anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, abuse and bereavement.

I also have professional and personal experience of neurodiversity, in particular, autism. I can offer creative counselling strategies which can assist in enabling autistic clients and young people to express themselves.

I offer face to face, online and telephone counselling to adults and children aged 11 years and over.

I work with my therapy dog, George…

Therapy animals can provide a welcome distraction, focus and comfort. George can be available in sessions if you would like, but this is optional. 

NOTE: I have George in the therapy room everyday. If you have an allergy to dogs, it may not be suitable for you to book a face to face session with me.

Experience…

I have significant experience of working with several organisations and charities including…

A charity who accepted referrals from GP’s. My clients experienced a range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, abuse and stress in parenting.

I have worked for my local branch of Mind, supporting a free bereavement and loss counselling service.

I have also worked for a local autism charity, offering counselling to both autistic individuals and parents of autistic children/adults.

Research…

I have completed research into the social and emotional impact of parenting an autistic child without intellectual or physical disability.

This has further increased my awareness of how lives can be impacted, how counselling can help and how counselling practice can be adapted to be fully inclusive to all.

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?

I offer a free of charge, no obligation phone call. We can discuss what you need and any concerns you may have. You can then decide if it feels right for you to book your first session.

For young people and autistic individuals, I offer an additional free 15 minute visit to my therapy room to meet me and to see if it feels right for you. Remember, counselling with me is about what you need and you are free to leave counselling with me at any time.

How many sessions will I need?

Everyone is different and some people need or want more sessions than others. I offer both short and long term counselling. We can discuss the number and frequency of sessions during our initial session and this can be reviewed regularly.

Feeing apprehensive? Here is some feedback from previous clients...

'Thank you so much for all of your help & support. I can't begin to tell you how much you made me feel better and able to live my life without all the guilt & worry. You truly are a fabulous lady & I am grateful for meeting you.'

'Thank you very much for everything. You have made a huge difference in both ***'s life and his families life.'

'Thanks Steph for being so kind, patient and for listening.'

'Very professional, easy to talk to. Trustworthy.'

'My counsellor was professional, kind, compassionate & a very good listener. First time. Apprehensive at the beginning, but it was excellent.'

'I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with Stephanie, it's been really helpful. Stephanie is warm, empathetic & understanding.'

'The counsellor was excellent at knowing what to give back to me to think about. I've made some tremendous progress & don't think I could have without the counsellor's support.'

'Stephanie put me at ease during the first session. Her style & approach made it easy for me to be myself and I was able to open up. Lovely dog, really helps to relax. Easy to relax & discuss feelings without judgement.'