Kelly Dodd

Limited availability for face-to-face appointments in central London, with sessions available by arrangement.

Online appointments are also available

Therapeutic support for the emotional and relational impact of dementia.

When someone we love develops dementia, the impact can reach far beyond the diagnosis itself. Relationships can change, roles can shift and the person you have known for years may begin to feel different. You may experience grief, worry, frustration, guilt, sadness or uncertainty - sometimes all at once.

The Dementia Therapy Practice provides therapeutic support for family members, partners, friends and carers of people living with dementia.

A space for you

It can be difficult to talk openly about the impact dementia is having on you. You may feel that your focus should be on the person with dementia, leaving little space for your own emotions.

Therapy provides an opportunity to step back and focus on you,  your feelings, your relationships and the ways dementia is affecting your life.

We can explore the practical and emotional challenges you are facing, including grief and loss, changing relationships, difficult emotions, uncertainty about the future, carer stress, guilt, resentment, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.

Looking beyond dementia

Dementia may be what brings you to therapy, but it doesn't have to be the only thing we explore.

Our past experiences, relationships, personality and the ways we have learned to cope all shape how we respond to what happens to us. Previous experiences of loss, family relationships, responsibility, caring or difficult life events may influence how you are experiencing dementia now.

Therapy can provide space to understand these patterns and explore wider issues that may be affecting your emotional wellbeing, helping you make sense of how your past and present experiences connect.

Therapy may support you with:

• Coming to terms with a loved one's diagnosis
• Grief and the many losses associated with dementia
• Anxiety, uncertainty and fear about the future
• Changing relationships and family roles
• Carer stress and emotional exhaustion
• Guilt, frustration, anger or resentment
• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained
• Difficulties communicating or maintaining connection
• Loss of confidence or sense of yourself
• Feeling isolated or unable to talk openly
• Difficult past experiences that may be affecting you now
• Understanding your own emotional responses and coping patterns
• Adjusting to change while maintaining your own identity and wellbeing
• A space to be yourself

There is no right way to feel when someone you care about has dementia.

Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can talk honestly about what you are experiencing- including feelings that may be difficult to acknowledge elsewhere.

You don't have to put your own needs aside. Your experience matters too.

The aim is not simply to help you cope, but to understand what you are experiencing, support your emotional wellbeing and help you find a way that feels right for you.

50 minute sessions are initially held weekly at an agreed day and time - however, flexible options are available.

The first session is a chance to get to know each other and establish the support you would like to receive in more depth.

Feel free to contact me to book a free consultation call.  

Online or in-person at 'The Practice Rooms' in Reading Town centre.

The truth is, we will all find ourselves in need of emotional support at some point in our lives, but reaching out for help and finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. 

Perhaps your thoughts and feelings are affecting your everyday life, causing anxiety, stress or low self-esteem. You may be experiencing relationship difficulties, going through a significant life change, or feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.

I bring human understanding alongside therapeutic experience. My aim is to provide a comfortable space where you can talk openly about your concerns and make sense of how you are feeling.

I know how difficult it can be to share your vulnerabilities, so I work at your pace, helping you feel heard, understood and supported. I share my human side and, when appropriate, my sense of humour, while placing real value on building a trusting relationship with my clients.

Whatever brings you to counselling, I will work alongside you to understand your experiences and find a way forward that feels right for you.

What I can help with...

• Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed

• Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs

• Relationship difficulties

• Grief and loss

• Life changes and transitions

• Difficult and traumatic experiences (past and present)

• Feeling stuck, lost or lacking confidence

• Developing healthier ways of coping

My experience...

I am a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I have experience across NHS and Talking Therapies services, charities, agencies and private practice, supporting people with a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns.

I also have extensive experience supporting people affected by dementia, including people living with dementia and those caring for someone with dementia.

I work integratively, drawing on humanistic and psychodynamic approaches and adapting my approach to suit you as an individual.

Qualifications...

• BSc (Honours) Psychology with Counselling (currently studying)
• CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
• CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
• CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

I currently have availability for people aged 16 and over. I work both online and in person at The Practice Rooms in Reading town centre.

The truth is, we will all find ourselves in need of emotional support at some point in our lives, but reaching out for help and finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming.

Perhaps your thoughts and feelings are affecting your everyday life, causing anxiety, stress or low self-esteem. You may be experiencing relationship difficulties, going through a significant life change, or feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.

I bring human understanding alongside therapeutic experience. My aim is to provide a comfortable space where you can talk openly about your concerns and make sense of how you are feeling.

I know how difficult it can be to share your vulnerabilities, so I work at your pace, helping you feel heard, understood and supported. I share my human side and, when appropriate, my sense of humour, while placing real value on building a trusting relationship with my clients.

Whatever brings you to counselling, I will work alongside you to understand your experiences and find a way forward that feels right for you.

What I can help with...

• Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed
  
  
• Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
  
  
• Relationship difficulties
  
  
• Grief and loss
  
  
• Life changes and transitions
  
  
• Difficult and trumatic experiences (past and present)
  
  
• Feeling stuck, lost or lacking confidence
  
  
• Developing healthier ways of coping

My experience... 

I am a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I have experience across NHS and Talking Therapies services, charities, agencies and private practice, supporting people with a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns.

I also have extensive experience supporting people affected by dementia, including people living with dementia and those caring for someone with dementia.

I work integratively, drawing on humanistic and psychodynamic approaches and adapting my approach to suit you as an individual.

Qualifications...

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (currently studying)

CPCAB Level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counselling 

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

• 50 minute sessions are initially held weekly at an agreed day and time. However, flexible options are available.
• In person sessions are held in The Practice Rooms in Reading Town Centre.
• Online sessions are held on Zoom
• The first session is a chance to get to know each other and establish the support you would like to receive in more depth.

Feel free to contact me and arrange a free consultation call.