Shirley Songhurst

I can offer regular weekday sessions, limited evening and Saturday morning sessions. I am unavailable on Wednesdays.

I offer kindness and compassion at a time when you may feel scared, stuck and lonely. By sharing your experiences with me it can help to bring a deeper understanding. I work in a relational way which means as we get to know each other and using an integrative approach I draw upon different ways and perspectives of understanding of human behaviour and theories to work together to find a way forward.

If you're reading this, then you're most likely struggling right now.

You might be feeling anxious, depressed or low. You may be angry, sad or stressed by a certain situation or event in your life.

Maybe you've lost direction and meaning, and feel stuck as a result. Or lost someone important to you, either through a bereavement or relationship breakdown. Or you may be suffering from another kind of loss.

Feelings of despair, fear or hurt can be overwhelming. But...you've started the process of addressing these issues by looking for a counsellor. You've taken the first step.

Together, in a collaborative effort, we can look at what is affecting you and attempt to find a way through. I will help you explore your feelings so that you might better manage your struggle.

I work from a private cosy garden cabin that is heated in the winter and airconditioned in the summer. It is discreet and car parking is always available.

I have previously worked in the funeral industry and was a Samaritan listener for over 17 years. For the past 4 years I have been working part time  within Suffolk Mind offering telephone support and group psychoeducation and 121 support within the Waves team for clients diagnosed or who have traits of Borderline Personality Disorder alongside counselling.

I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation, in which you can discuss your reasons for seeking counselling and what you hope to get out of it. You can ask any questions you need to before deciding whether you feel you could work with me. Research confirms the better connection within the therapeutic relationship, the more beneficial the counselling becomes.

During our first assessment session I would find out more about your background and current situation. We would also go through certain administrative issues such as times/dates of sessions, payment details/cancellation policy, how your private details are stored in line with data protection laws and other matters including the importance of confidentiality.