Thelma Cooke

I am currently taking on new clients and my hours and days are flexible to suit you from 8am to 8pm and 8am to 1pm Saturday also.

I can offer face to face appointments, telephone and zoom too, and have wheel chair access rooms if required. For those that prefer being outside I offer walking talking therapy too. 

Is counselling right for me?

Our mental health should be treated no differently to our physical health – if something doesn’t feel right, please don’t suffer through it alone. 

With over 30 years’ experience working for a number of national mental health charities, I have seen the power of counselling from all sides.

Some of the issues  that I often help people to work through are listed below, however this is not an exhaustive list and I would encourage anyone who feels any form of distress to seek professional help.

Top Issues I often see clients with are as follows:

●     Suicidal idealisation

●     Abuse from childhood

●     Domestic violence

●     Men's issues

●     Depression & anxiety

●     Walking talking therapy

●     Autism - ASD

Training and certificates

I specialise in helping adults who have issues with self-harm and suicidal thoughts as well as those who have suffered trauma and abuse at any stage in their lives. I also welcome all those who identify as neurodivergent as I have considerable experience with those on the autistic spectrum.

Having worked for a number of national mental health charities, I have seen the power of counselling from all sides. It can feel daunting to make contact with a therapist at first – this is a very common way to feel however finding the strength to do so is the first step towards changing your life.

Education

●     Diploma in Counselling Skills & Theory

●     Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice

●     Self-Harm & Suicide Prevention Diploma & Certificate of understanding Autism

●     Mental Health First Aider

●     Working with Adults Bereavement & Loss Professional Certificate

What to expect?

Every counsellor is different and has their own approach to how they work. During the initial consultation, I will explain the various methods that I use, and we can discuss what you are hoping to achieve from therapy. Some people benefit from structured, regular sessions; however others may prefer a more informal style so the consultation is a great way to understand each other more – the world would be boring if we were all the same.

I have a safe, comfortable space available for one-on-one sessions in Stratford-upon-Avon and the option for appointments in the surrounding villages and towns too. Should you have any difficulties with coming to me, such as agoraphobia or mobility issues to name just a few, please contact me to see what other options may be available, such as home visits, video appointments and telephone calls. I also offer walk and talk therapy in a beautiful countryside setting if this suits you better.  

I offer a free 15 minute session to discuss what you are going through, and we can then discuss the first session and what this entails, as I know attended the first session can be daunting. But it is the first step to becoming you