Jessica Hilliard

Hello, I'm a BACP registered counsellor and specialise in working with anxiety and trauma from a somatic perspective, in particular, C-PTSD. I am both trauma and IFS informed.

It can be painful to feel held back in life, that somehow you are meant for more, yet being at a loss to know how, or feeling unable to move forward. Perhaps you experience a struggle in knowing who you really are and what you want from life, what your purpose here is. This may be exacerbated by the demands of an accelerated world, leaving you feeling unable to cope. If difficulties or trauma within your family or interpersonal relationships have occurred, this can often be felt somewhere within your self image. You may have a deep desire for greater self esteem and/or empowerment, to feel a sense of belonging and rooted in a more authentic you.

Life is not always straightforward, at times our path can feel uncertain or disappear completely. Trauma, loss and grief are perhaps inevitable and I can help here. Together, working at a mind, body and feelings level, we will gently explore and uncover past dynamics, their impact today and work to gently unwind and recalibrate, deciphering a meaningful path forward.

I work from my foundational training in Psychosynthesis (a branch of Transpersonal psychology), which sees a person from both a uniquely individual and more broad aspect. I have also gained experience in a Women’s Centre, working in their counselling service from a trauma informed space and undertaken extensive training in trauma.

The idea of change can feel daunting and often overwhelming. However, taking the first step in reaching out, is a pivotal and powerful action. Aligning your action with your intention, is hugely significant. So I encourage you to do just this… I am right here beside you, offering support and guidance and look forward to getting to know you as a unique being and valued client.

fundamentally collaborative and we work at a pace that suits you.         

Psychosynthesis is a creative and holistic approach to therapy and we may employ a variety of methods, ranging from sand tray to free drawing, mindfulness, Gestalt based chair work, creative and reflective meditation, to somatic movement based exercises. 

As this is a form of talk therapy, it may be that you are someone used to words and perhaps not so practised at connecting with feelings - or, they may be very familiar and possibly running the show. Know that all is welcome - every part of you - and that we will address all aspects of your experience. It is our experience of being together that is really important.

After spending some time in the first few sessions establishing boundaries and getting to know one another, we will slowly begin to address the past, present and future and engage in therapy in a constructive and time sensitive manner. 

From a trauma perspective, you the client are in control and this is something we will work to reestablish, whilst also tending to the work from a strong stance of self-love and compassion. 

Our first session together follows an initial free phone consult. This will be for 20 mins and is designed for us both to gain an overview of the issues and goals of therapy and the way we may work together. If we do not feel we are a fit, I will endeavour to refer you on to a trusted professional who may better be equipped to help in your area(s). 

The first counselling session will differ from a standard one, in that I will likely ask more questions, in order to start to build a picture of you and what has happened or is currently happening. It is very important that we identify and go at a pace which suits you. Certainly, the emphasis, particularly at this point, is on establishing a felt sense of safety and trust.  

As I work from a collaborative framework, I encourage feedback and check-ins along the way. This is especially important for clients who come to therapy experiencing little by way of personal agency. I look forward to hearing from you!