Ian Derry

 I understand that finding the right time for therapy can sometimes be tricky, so I endeavour to offer flexible appointments where possible. I also offer a free introductory session so we can meet, discuss about what brings you to therapy, and see whether we feel like a good fit to work together.

I'm a person-centred therapist offering online grief counselling to adults across the UK. My approach is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental, creating a space where you can explore your loss in whatever way feels right for you. I believe grief work is most effective when it feels like a genuine human connection—a place where all your feelings, however complicated or contradictory, are welcome.

I specialise in supporting adults navigating bereavement and all forms of grief: the death of loved ones, anticipatory grief, complicated grief, disenfranchised loss, and the profound transitions that accompany losing someone or something significant.

I understand how isolating grief can feel and how difficult it is to reach out for support. I value the courage it takes to share your pain. Having experienced multiple forms of loss throughout my own life, I bring both professional training and deep personal understanding to this work—I know what it means to sit in the darkness before finding your way forward.

I'm passionate about grief counselling because I know how vital it is to have a space that's safe, consistent, and accepting—somewhere you won't be rushed, fixed, or judged for grieving "too much" or "not enough." My aim is for you to feel truly heard and supported as we explore your grief at your own pace. Whether you're in the early rawness of loss, struggling with waves of emotion months or years later, or navigating a grief that others don't recognize, I'm here to honour your experience and walk alongside you.

In our sessions, you can expect a calm, compassionate space that's entirely focused on you and your grief. I'll invite you to talk about whatever feels most present—whether that's the person you've lost, the pain you're carrying, or simply how you're managing today. We'll explore your experience together at your own pace. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and there's no right or wrong way to be in therapy. Some people come needing to express overwhelming emotions; others arrive feeling numb or confused. However you arrive, you'll be met with empathy.

My role is to listen closely, reflect what I hear, and help you make sense of what might feel chaotic or contradictory. I won't tell you how to grieve or rush you toward "acceptance" or "moving on." Instead, I'll support you in finding your own way through this, honouring both your loss and your resilience. Sometimes that means sitting with the rawness of grief; other times it's about exploring guilt, anger, relief, or the complicated mix of feelings that loss brings.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are arranged to suit your needs and schedule. Rather than committing to a fixed weekly slot, you have full autonomy to decide when you'd like your next session. Some people prefer weekly sessions for continuity and support, while others choose to come less often as they find their footing. This flexibility allows therapy to fit around your life and ensures you're attending because it feels helpful, not out of obligation.

I aim to create an environment where you can be completely honest about your grief—even the parts that feel uncomfortable, shameful, or hard to say elsewhere. Over time, therapy often becomes a space where you can honour your loss while reconnecting with parts of yourself that grief may have overshadowed.

Whether you're seeking understanding, emotional relief, or simply a place to breathe and be witnessed in your pain, my practice offers a grounded, human approach to grief counselling.

Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to get a feel for how I work. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and what kind of support feels most helpful to you. There’s no pressure to share everything right away, we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.

This introductory session is free of charge and takes place online via Zoom. If you decide to continue, we can then arrange regular sessions at a time that suits you.