Cheryl Bellingham

I offer evening and weekend appointments in addition to day time availability.

I also offer a free initial telephone consultation

Hi, I'm Cheryl, and thank you for taking the time to look at my profile.

Finding the right counsellor isn't always easy, particularly when life is already feeling difficult. Sometimes we know exactly what's troubling us, and other times it's harder to put into words. You might be struggling with something recent, something from your past, or simply feeling that things aren't quite right.

I'm a warm, friendly and down-to-earth counsellor. I believe it's important to feel comfortable with the person you're talking to. I won't judge you, tell you how you should feel or expect you to share things before you're ready.

I have particular experience in bereavement, loss and complex trauma, including difficulties people may have carried for many years. I also work with people experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or feeling overwhelmed by life.

I've spent many years working with children, young people and families, particularly following bereavement. Young people don't always have the words to explain how they're feeling, so I adapt how I work to suit them, sometimes through talking, creative activities or simply giving them time.

For me, counselling is about getting to know you and understanding what's important to you. We'll work at a pace that feels right. Some sessions might be emotional, others quieter, and sometimes we might even find ourselves laughing. That's all part of being human.

I offer affordable, confidential counselling in Verwood, online or by telephone.

I know making that first contact can feel like a big step, so I offer a free introductory telephone call. It's a chance to have a chat, ask questions and see whether you feel comfortable talking to me, with no pressure to book.

If you think I might be someone you could talk to, I'd be very happy to hear from you.

I believe that feeling comfortable with your counsellor is really important, but I also know that trust doesn't always happen straight away. It can take time to feel able to talk openly, particularly about things you may never have shared with anyone before.

Our sessions are your time, and there is no set agenda or expectation that you should be feeling a certain way. Some days you might have lots to talk about, while on others you might struggle to find the words. Both are absolutely fine.

One of the things I value about counselling is having someone outside your everyday life to talk to. Someone who isn't personally involved and who can listen without bringing their own opinions or expectations into the conversation.

I won't tell you what decisions to make, but I will work alongside you to explore what's happening in your life, understand things a little better and find what feels right for you.

Above all, I want counselling to feel like somewhere you can be yourself, without having to put on a brave face or pretend that everything is okay.

Before booking your first session, I offer a free introductory telephone call. This gives us a chance to have a chat, talk a little about what has brought you to counselling and see whether you feel I might be the right person for you.

If you decide you'd like to go ahead, our first session is really about getting to know each other. I'll ask you a few questions to help me understand what's been happening for you and what you're hoping counselling might help with. We'll also go through some of the practical things, such as confidentiality and how we will work together.

There will be time for you to ask questions too, and you don't need to come prepared with anything in particular. I know it can feel strange talking to someone you've only just met, so there's no expectation that you need to tell me everything in that first meeting.

We'll simply start wherever feels right for you and take it from there.