Deborah Skilling

I currently have some availability for new clients depending on the time or day, please do contact me to enquire.

Reaching out for counselling is a brave and meaningful step. Many people do so after trying to cope alone for a long time, and simply beginning this search deserves kindness and acknowledgement.

Counselling is about finding someone you feel safe with — someone who listens without judgement, understands that life can be complicated, and offers a confidential space where you can talk openly. My role is to be alongside you, helping you make sense of what’s going on and feel less alone with it.

I bring extensive counselling experience (testimonials available on request), and I understand how overwhelming things can feel when life becomes tangled or heavy. Difficult feelings don’t always fade when we ignore them; they often grow heavier. Talking things through with someone trained to listen can help you untangle your thoughts, lighten the load, and begin to feel more like yourself again.

Counselling can help you regain energy, rediscover your sense of fun, and reconnect with the people and parts of life that matter to you. It’s about giving yourself space and support.

I work with adults of all ages, children and young people, LGBTQ+ clients, and trainee counsellors. I also work with organisations such as Relate and The You Trust, giving me experience with a wide range of people and situations.

I have lived experience of neurodiversity, and this personal understanding shapes how I work. Over time, I’ve developed a specialism in supporting neurodivergent adults, children, and young people — whether that involves overwhelm, masking, burnout, sensory challenges, identity questions, or simply wanting to feel understood. If neurodivergence is part of your life, you’ll find a space here where it is respected, validated, and welcomed.

Making the first contact can feel daunting, but many people say they feel relieved once they do. If you’d like to see whether I’m the right counsellor for you, I warmly welcome an initial conversation.

I have a comfortable counselling room for seeing clients face to face.  

If your preference is online or phone counselling, I can assure you that I work from a confidential space with good phone and internet connections.

I abide by the BACP ethical guidelines and provide confidential support.  I am aware that we all have a unique life experience, and I will not judge you.

My counselling approach is humanistic/integrative.  I respect client autonomy, so together we will explore and discover the changes that will provide the improvements that you are seeking.

Your first session is a gentle introduction to counselling and an opportunity for you to talk about what feels difficult right now. We’ll explore what may be holding you back from living the life you want and what changes you hope to see.

I’ll explain how I work and what you might gain from counselling with me, so you have a clear sense of what to expect. You’re welcome to ask any questions about my approach or the way sessions are structured.

This initial meeting is your chance to decide whether I’m the right counsellor for you. We can also consider together whether a different type of support might be more helpful. There is no pressure to continue — you are under no obligation at any stage, and you can take things entirely at your own pace.

I understand that you may work outside of normal office hours and I will try to accommodate your availability for supervision.

I have the capacity for new supervisees who would like one-to-one supervision, face-to-face or online.  I am also accepting new supervisees who would like to join a group supervision.  Price is adjusted for group supervision.

The journey a counsellor takes is full of learning, reflection and moments that shape who we become in the therapy room. Reflecting on my own path, I know how important good supervision is—how a supervisor can support, gently challenge, and help you see your work from new angles. My supervisors played a key role in shaping my practice, and I aim to offer the same thoughtful, encouraging space to others.

If you want to deepen your understanding of your client work, explore new perspectives or develop your confidence as a practitioner, I may be able to help. Supervision is a place where curiosity, honesty and growth are welcomed, and where you don’t need to have all the answers.

I work from an integrative perspective and supervise practitioners trained in humanistic, person‑centred, integrative, Gestalt, TA and psychodynamic approaches. This breadth allows us to explore your work in a way that honours your training while giving you room to grow.

I use the Seven‑Eyed Model of Supervision, which encourages a holistic and compassionate exploration of your client work, your process and the wider relational dynamics. It supports both professional development and personal reflection.

I hold a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision (including Online and Telephone). I’m qualified to work online and in person, and I understand how different mediums shape the therapeutic relationship. We can explore online security, cross‑region work and anything else that helps you feel confident and safe in your practice.

If you’re looking for supervision that is supportive, reflective and grounded in genuine care for your development, I’d be very happy to talk with you

My aim is to offer a safe stimulating environment where you will be encouraged to share your counselling practice, both the successes and the dilemmas. 

I hope to create a space where you are encouraged to reflect on your counselling practice without feeling judged or defensive.

I will encourage your self-reflective practice and offer you educational support to grow your skills and awareness, with the aim of increasing your confidence and effectiveness as a practitioner.

I have my own supervisory supervision in accordance with ethical guidelines.

In our first session, I will find out more about the way you work and how best you learn.  I have an understanding of neurodiversity and how this can influence the way information is processed.  

I will ask you to complete a basic questionnaire and send you my supervision contract.