Michele Gazmuri-Symmes

Monday to Friday  8am -9pm

Sat 9am  -  1pm

I offer warm, supportive counselling for children, teenagers, adults and families across Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding areas. I have a particular interest in supporting young people and strengthening parent–child relationships. My aim is to provide a safe, accepting space where clients of all ages feel heard, understood and supported.

My approach is predominantly person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. I also draw on integrative methods, informed by CBT, trauma-informed practice, psychoeducation and neuroscience, allowing me to adapt sessions to each client’s needs. Some clients simply want a space to talk, while others benefit from creative methods such as art, clay, play, or vision boards.

I hold an additional qualification in counselling children and young people from Anglia Ruskin University, which has deepened my understanding of child development and how early life experiences can influence emotional wellbeing, relationships, and patterns in adulthood.

Adult Therapy

Adults may seek counselling to manage stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges or personal development. Sessions provide a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and develop self-awareness, tailored to individual goals and pace.

Working with Children and Young People

Children and teenagers may find it hard to express their feelings directly. I provide a supportive and creative space where they can explore thoughts and emotions comfortably. Sessions help build coping strategies for stress, anxiety, school pressures, low mood, OCD or self-harm.

Parent–Child Relationships

I recognise the importance of parent–child relationships. Where appropriate, I work to support understanding between parents and children so both feel heard and supported. Parents can have sessions to explore concerns, share understanding, and strengthen communication within the family.

I am a therapist and partner at Castle Counselling Service, offering counselling and therapy in a peaceful rural setting just two miles from the A120, with discreet parking available. The therapy room provides a safe, welcoming and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges in a calm and supportive environment. The practice is easily accessible for clients from Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding Essex. Sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on what best meets your needs.

I offer both short-term and long-term therapy. My approach is person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship, while also drawing on integrative methods to tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs. This flexibility allows me to respond to whatever a client brings, whether they simply want to talk or would like to work creatively using art, clay, play, or   vision boards or other activities.

Taking the first step can be daunting. To make it easier, I offer a free 10-minute phone call so you can ask questions and get a feel for how I work — with no pressure to commit.

Our first session is a chance to talk about what’s brought you here, what you’d like to get from counselling, and to begin creating a space that feels safe and supportive.

Monday to Friday  8am -9pm

Sat 10am -6pm

Castle Counselling – Therapy with Michele

Life can be difficult and challenging, whether you are a child, teenager, or adult. Seeking help and support during such times can feel overwhelming, and I aim to make the process as comfortable and welcoming as possible, so you feel truly accepted. I am a qualified counsellor and a registered member of the BACP, adhering to their professional standards and ethical framework.

I provide a warm, non-judgemental space where children, young people, and adults can talk openly and feel genuinely heard.

I hold a qualification in adult counselling(integrative)plus a Dip HE in counselling child & Young Person. This dual training allows me to support clients of all ages with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school or work stress, family relationships, and life transitions.

My approach is founded in Person-Centred counselling, offering empathy, acceptance, and genuine understanding. Where helpful, I can draw on other therapeutic approaches to suit your individual needs, helping you explore your feelings, build resilience, and find positive ways forward.

If a client is open to working in ways beyond talking therapy, I may integrate creative and play-based methods into our sessions. These approaches help uncover, explore, and understand emotions and experiences, providing gentle ways to express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. They can also enhance communication and support the development of new coping strategies and emotional regulation skills, offering an additional path to healing alongside talking therapy. By combining talking therapy with creative work, we can find the style that feels most comfortable and meaningful for you.

Sessions are available in person in Earls Colne, near  Braintree or online, with both short-term and open-ended options.

I am a therapist and partner at Castle Counselling Service, offering counselling and therapy in a peaceful rural setting just two miles from the A120, with discreet parking available. The therapy room provides a safe, welcoming and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges in a calm and supportive environment. The practice is easily accessible for clients from Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding Essex. Sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on what best meets your needs.

I offer both short-term and long-term therapy. My approach is person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship, while also drawing on integrative methods to tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs. This flexibility allows me to respond to whatever a client brings, whether they simply want to talk or would like to work creatively using art, clay, play, vision boards or other activities.

Adult Therapy

Adults can explore personal challenges, manage stress and increase self-awareness in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are tailored to each individual, combining person-centred principles with integrative techniques to suit the client’s goals and preferences.

Children, Teenagers & Young People

Young clients often benefit from creative ways of expressing themselves, which can help them communicate feelings and develop coping strategies for challenges such as stress, anxiety, school pressures, depression, OCD or self-harm.

Parent Support & Parent–Child / Teen Therapy

I work with parents and carers to help them navigate family challenges, explore patterns and develop strategies to support their children or teenagers. Parent–child or parent–teen sessions can strengthen communication and connection, promoting a healthier family dynamic.

If you would like to know more about me or the services I offer, please visit our website.

Prior to our first session, I will invite you to a free 10-minute telephone consultation to establish  your needs and see if I would be the right therapist for you/your child/young person.  

If you then agree to first session this will charged at the normal rate, and during this session I will explain further how the counselling process works and what you would like to achieve. This first session provides you with an opportunity to see how you feel about me and what I offer. 

Monday - Friday: 8am - 9pm

Saturday: 10am - 6pm 

Sunday: Closed

As a BACP registered counsellor, I work in line with recognised professional and ethical standards, offering a safe and supportive space for emotional wellbeing. I specialise in working with children and teenagers, and also hold an additional qualification in counselling adults, enabling me to offer tailored support across all ages.

I understand that finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming — especially when you're looking for someone to support your child or your family. You may be wondering:

"Will they understand what we’re going through?"

"Can this really help?"

These are natural questions. What often matters most is the relationship you build with your counsellor — one based on trust, empathy, and a genuine sense of being heard and understood.

How I Can Help

I offer a calm, non-judgemental space for children, young people, and adults to explore emotions, challenges, and relationships at their own pace.

Whether you're:

Supporting a child through anxiety, low mood, or school-related stress

A parent looking to strengthen your relationship with your child

An adult facing emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, or life transitions

…you are welcome here.

Areas of Specialism

Emotional wellbeing in children and teenagers

Anxiety, low mood, and emotional regulation

Self-esteem and identity issues

Family and parent-child communication

Support for neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism)

Relationship difficulties and life changes in adulthood

If  you are unable are unable to find the answers, please feel free to email me at contact@castlecounsellingservice.co.uk

I will endeavour to respond within 48 hours

Monday to Friday  8am -9pm

Sat 9am -1pm

I offer warm, supportive counselling for children, teenagers, adults and families across Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding areas. I have a particular interest in supporting young people and strengthening parent–child relationships. My aim is to provide a safe, accepting space where clients of all ages feel heard, understood and supported.

My approach is predominantly person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. I also draw on integrative methods, informed by CBT, trauma-informed practice, psychoeducation and neuroscience, allowing me to adapt sessions to each client’s needs. Some clients simply want a space to talk, while others benefit from creative methods such as art, clay, play, or vision boards.

I hold an additional qualification in counselling children and young people from Anglia Ruskin University, which has deepened my understanding of child development and how early life experiences can influence emotional wellbeing, relationships, and patterns in adulthood.

Adult Therapy

Adults may seek counselling to manage stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges or personal development. Sessions provide a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and develop self-awareness, tailored to individual goals and pace.

Working with Children and Young People

Children and teenagers may find it hard to express their feelings directly. I provide a supportive and creative space where they can explore thoughts and emotions comfortably. Sessions help build coping strategies for stress, anxiety, school pressures, low mood, OCD or self-harm.

Parent–Child Relationships

I recognise the importance of parent–child relationships. Where appropriate, I work to support understanding between parents and children so both feel heard and supported. Parents can have sessions to explore concerns, share understanding, and strengthen communication within the family.

I am a therapist and partner at Castle Counselling Service, offering counselling and therapy in a peaceful rural setting just two miles from the A120, with discreet parking available. The therapy room provides a safe, welcoming and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges in a calm and supportive environment. The practice is easily accessible for clients from Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding Essex. Sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on what best meets your needs.

I offer both short-term and long-term therapy. My approach is person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship, while also drawing on integrative methods to tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs. This flexibility allows me to respond to whatever a client brings, whether they simply want to talk or would like to work creatively using art, clay, play, vision boards or other activities.

Adult Therapy

Adults can explore personal challenges, manage stress and increase self-awareness in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are tailored to each individual, combining person-centred principles with integrative techniques to suit the client’s goals and preferences.

Children, Teenagers & Young People

Young clients often benefit from creative ways of expressing themselves, which can help them communicate feelings and develop coping strategies for challenges such as stress, anxiety, school pressures, depression, OCD or self-harm.

Parent Support & Parent–Child / Teen Therapy

I work with parents and carers to help them navigate family challenges, explore patterns and develop strategies to support their children or teenagers. Parent–child or parent–teen sessions can strengthen communication and connection, promoting a healthier family dynamic.

I offer a free 10-minute telephone consultation so you can ask questions and get a sense of how I work before booking.

Initial sessions focus on understanding your concerns, agreeing goals, and creating a space that feels safe and supportive.

There is no pressure to commit—this is your opportunity to decide whether I feel like the right fit.

Monday to Friday  8am -9pm

Sat 9am -1pm 

I offer warm, supportive counselling for children, teenagers, adults and families across Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding areas. I have a particular interest in supporting young people and strengthening parent–child relationships. My aim is to provide a safe, accepting space where clients of all ages feel heard, understood and supported.

My approach is predominantly person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. I also draw on integrative methods, informed by CBT, trauma-informed practice, psychoeducation and neuroscience, allowing me to adapt sessions to each client’s needs. Some clients simply want a space to talk, while others benefit from creative methods such as art, clay, play, or vision boards.

I hold an additional qualification in counselling children and young people from Anglia Ruskin University, which has deepened my understanding of child development and how early life experiences can influence emotional wellbeing, relationships, and patterns in adulthood.

Adult Therapy

Adults may seek counselling to manage stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges or personal development. Sessions provide a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and develop self-awareness, tailored to individual goals and pace.

Working with Children and Young People

Children and teenagers may find it hard to express their feelings directly. I provide a supportive and creative space where they can explore thoughts and emotions comfortably. Sessions help build coping strategies for stress, anxiety, school pressures, low mood, OCD or self-harm.

Parent–Child Relationships

I recognise the importance of parent–child relationships. Where appropriate, I work to support understanding between parents and children so both feel heard and supported. Parents can have sessions to explore concerns, share understanding, and strengthen communication within the family.

I am a therapist and partner at Castle Counselling Service, offering counselling and therapy in a peaceful rural setting just two miles from the A120, with discreet parking available. The therapy room provides a safe, welcoming and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges in a calm and supportive environment. The practice is easily accessible for clients from Earls Colne, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and surrounding Essex. Sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on what best meets your needs.

I offer both short-term and long-term therapy. My approach is person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic relationship, while also drawing on integrative methods to tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs. This flexibility allows me to respond to whatever a client brings, whether they simply want to talk or would like to work creatively using art, clay, play, vision boards or other activities.

Adult Therapy

Adults can explore personal challenges, manage stress and increase self-awareness in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are tailored to each individual, combining person-centred principles with integrative techniques to suit the client’s goals and preferences.

Children, Teenagers & Young People

Young clients often benefit from creative ways of expressing themselves, which can help them communicate feelings and develop coping strategies for challenges such as stress, anxiety, school pressures, depression, OCD or self-harm.

Parent Support & Parent–Child / Teen Therapy

I work with parents and carers to help them navigate family challenges, explore patterns and develop strategies to support their children or teenagers. Parent–child or parent–teen sessions can strengthen communication and connection, promoting a healthier family dynamic.

If you would like to know more about me or the services I offer, please visit our website.

Prior to our first session, I will invite you to a free 10-minute telephone consultation to establish  your needs and see if I would be the right therapist for you/your child/young person.  

If you then agree to first session this will charged at the normal rate, and during this session I will explain further how the counselling process works and what you would like to achieve. This first session provides you with an opportunity to see how you feel about me and what I offer. 

Monday - Friday: 8am - 9pm

Saturday: 10am - 6pm 

Sunday: Closed

Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming :

“Will they understand what we’re going through?”

“Can this really help?”

These are natural questions. What matters most is the relationship you build with your counsellor — one based on trust, empathy, and a genuine sense of being heard.

I’m Michele, a BACP registered counsellor based near Earls Colne, supporting children, teenagers, adults and families across Colchester, Braintree, Halstead and nearby villages.

I specialise in counselling children and young people and also hold a qualification in adult counselling, which means I can offer support across all ages.

My aim is to provide a calm, welcoming space where you or your child can explore emotions, worries and relationships at your own pace.

Therapy with Michele at Castle Counselling Service offers a safe and supportive space to explore whatever is troubling you.

Life can feel heavy at times — whether it’s a child struggling with anxiety or school stress, a parent wanting to reconnect with their child, or an adult facing low mood, self-esteem issues or a big life change.

Together, we can gently untangle what’s happening and find ways forward.

I work in a relaxed, non-judgemental way and will always tailor sessions to what feels right for you.

Sessions are available in-person (easy parking and a private setting) or online if that’s easier for you.

Taking the first step can be daunting. To make it easier, I offer a free 10-minute phone call so you can ask questions and get a feel for how I work — with no pressure to commit.

Our first session is a chance to talk about what’s brought you here, what you’d like to get from counselling, and to begin creating a space that feels safe and supportive.