A personal note from a counsellor

One of the best things about my job is you!

Being able to sit with you and be present during your journey is such a privilege. Taking the first step through the door to therapy is a big moment for many and I appreciate how hard that can be.  It can be a step into the unknown in terms of what to expect, understanding what will happen during sessions and also for how long it will take.

Counselling is not for everyone and that’s fine. So many people come to sessions initially thinking it will be a quick chat with a new found friend but it’s never that, it’s a lot more. Being able to accept help and support is such a positive step to better health and wellbeing and is an acknowledgement to knowing what you want for a happy healthy you.

There are many types of counsellors and therapists so finding the right one is a worthwhile search.  The best is a recommendation from someone you know or through a trusted source be that a GP, clinic or work.  Once you have found the right one hang onto them. Life has a way of throwing curve balls when you least expect it so knowing a good counsellor can be key to staying on track with good wellbeing and staying grounded.

As a qualified counsellor I have helped people through anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, low self-worth as well as grief, loss, suicide and trauma.  However, my main driver of late is women’s mental health and wellbeing with a focus on the many changes women go through. Me being one of them.

Menopause, menstrual cycle and hormonal changes can have a detrimental effect on women’s mental wellbeing.  You see and feel changes that you aren’t mentally prepared for and understanding those changes can be difficult.  We can all too often feel mentally younger than our actual age and sometimes we aren’t prepared for the inevitable physical changes that age brings. What you see in the mirror may not be what you see inside your head.

My hope is that when you walk through the door, we can gain a trusting therapeutic relationship that works for you.  I can help you understand your thoughts and feelings around these changes. And when our sessions end, you can cope better with them going forward. That’s it in a nutshell but as you guessed it, it can be challenging along the way.

Most of my clients who come along have no idea what they want. Some feel better just for getting things off their chest however, if I had to sum it up, I’d say it’s acceptance of who they are. Acceptance of changes outside of their control and learning to rub along with those changes, as well as gaining knowledge of how to live better with them.

Regardless of your reasons for coming along, I can promise you I will listen, I will be present, and I will try and help you find your answers and hopefully you’ll feel in a better place than you did beforehand.

Joyce Taylor

See Full Bio