Brenda Armstrong

Counselling also known as 'talking therapy' provides the opportunity for you to explore areas of your life that may be causing you distress, uncertainty or confusion with a view to developing strategies for coping better.  Part of this journey may be about exploring your present and past - in an effort to discover how you you would like your life to be in the future.  As a counsellor I see my role as walking alongside you on your journey of discovery and I can offer you a confidential; non-judgemental; non-directive; safe environment where you can be.......you. 

I too have experience of accessing a personal counsellor for support when I have had issues to explore and address.  I therefore  appreciate how important the relationship with a counsellor is and this can be explored in our initial meeting.

I have experience of working with adults; children and young people on issues such as self harm; bereavement/loss; anxiety; depression; stress; domestic abuse; anger management; low self-esteem and confidence; relationships; autism spectrum; divorce/separation and trauma.

Recent Testimonials:

'A brilliant experience, leaving me in a positive place.'  V.B

'I feel I have really learnt ways to cope with my anxiety which has really helped me improve.' A.G.

'Counselling helped me see within myself and to identify and sort out problems from my past.  I identified my 'inner child' and have been able to come forward in a way I only dreamed of and never expected to achieve.  For this I am eternally grateful.' P.M

Prior to the first session I phone clients to make arrangements for our first meeting at a convenient time for us both.  At the first meeting we would explore what it is the client would like to focus on in our sessions together to ensure that we begin to meet the needs of the client  from the beginning.  I also share a little about my counselling approach and past and present experience within counselling.   I ask clients to fill in some forms e.g. Client Details - in case I have to refer clients on for further help or need to make contact ; Privacy Statement - what I do with any data I keep on clients; an Assessment as to how clients have felt in the last couple of weeks;  a copy of BACP's commitment to clients is given to ensure the client is aware of professional expectations of myself.

I charge a lower fee for this first session.  

At the end of the counselling process I ask clients to complete another assessment and an evaluation of their experience within  counselling.