Marian Jenkins

 I am available daytimes and evenings, so there is no long waiting list and appointments can usually be at a time/date to suit the client.

Very rarely is there 'something wrong' with people who seek counselling. Instead they are experiencing normal responses to what are sometimes extreme life events that stretch them to their limit. They now feel unable to deal with any more that life throws at them.

Anxiety, anger, depression and severe distress are normal reactions to many difficult events that we experience, even past events that we seem to have forgotten. All these regain a proper perspective when shared with a trained listener and supporter.

I work with  these experiences and the emotions that my clients are living with. Frequently these are the effects that relationships and experiences of every kind, have had on us. I work with the effects, the resultant emotions and the environments that have influenced my clients and their lives. 

I understand that relationships and 'bad experiences' are hugely important in our lives, often having far-reaching consequences on our emotional and mental health, so I attempt to provide an informed, accepting and understanding environment for my clients to explore what has happened to them. 

I use an integrative approach, so tailor my work to my client's needs.

I work in private practice, online only, as this allows my clients and I the maximum flexibility in appointment times. It also allows me contact with clients in any part of the UK without any concerns around travel, infection or social interaction. I use Zoom, but clients do not need an account with the site as they will be sent a reminder email the day beforehand, giving them a link to access the meeting.

Much of the first session is 'getting to know you'. 

We will explore the circumstances that have led to the client seeking counselling and explore what the client would like counselling to achieve for them.

This session will  often include some psycho-education, (explanations of emotional reactions and development), and will also help the client find strategies and alternative behaviours to help in dealing  with their difficulty. This frequently  allows the client to see their circumstances in a new light and brings a new perspective to their reactions and understanding of their situation.

A lot of emotional distress is based on past, or present, bad experiences and this will be considered and explored.

In addition, recognizing that many people are nervous about attending a counselling session, I have produced a Word document, 'Introduction to a Counselling Session' detailing what to expect in the first and consecutive sessions and a copy of this is emailed to enquirers.

Clients are free to attend as many, or as few sessions as they choose.

N.B .If leaving a message for me,  please ensure that you leave your details in a clear, audible voice. If I can't hear it, I can't get back to you. 

Thank you.