Janet Packman

WHAT'S UNDERNEATH YOUR SMILEY FACE?

Any of us at any time can find ourselves struggling to cope. But at the same time, we have to put on a smiley face and carry on. It’s not easy!

Sometimes there’s a clear reason for what we’re feeling - bereavement, a relationship breakdown, ill-health, workplace or financial stress - at other times, we can be unexpectedly triggered and thrown into a downward spiral by a seemingly minor incident.

Whatever has knocked you off your feet, resulting anxiety, low mood and feelings of helplessness and indecision, take the joy out of life, and it can be hard to believe there’s any way back.

After twenty-two years of working with individuals and emotional health, I can reassure you – there is. Together we can find an understanding of what’s making you feel the way you do, and as the fog starts to clear, you can begin to move forward again.

I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor and qualified Clinical Supervisor with over 40 years of experience in health care. I offer online short, medium and long-term counselling to individuals or couples via Zoom.

Having trained and qualified as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in my native New Zealand. I settled in the UK in 1971 and gained my Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of Hertfordshire in 2001. I worked in the NHS for many years as Counsellor in several different GP Surgeries before setting up my Private Practice in Hertfordshire.

SPECIAL INTEREST

My own medical background and experience have led to a special interest in the pressures and challenges encountered in the healthcare profession, and I have successfully worked with individuals at every level.   

I know anyone can find themselves in a situation where day-to-day life is becoming increasingly stressful and uncomfortable. 

Issues that affect us can include bereavement, relationship problems, family stresses, eating disorders, financial pressures or workplace issues. Any of these can lead to emotions such as anger, anxiety, loss of confidence, low spirits and feelings of helplessness and indecision.

You may find it helpful to talk to me to see how I might be able to help you make sense of your situation and together we can work towards an understanding of what makes you act and feel the way you do.