Julie Strahand

My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am - 8pm. I have some flexibility on other days.  Please contact me for current availability.  

I offer an initial free 20 minute phone call in which we can discuss your counselling needs, and gives you the chance to ask me any questions.  

Hello, I'm Julie. Thank you for reading my profile. 

Are you going through some difficult times or struggling to make sense of events in your life? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, or trying to cope with a relationship breakup, feeling isolated, stressed and anxious due to work pressures, or coping with a long term or recent physical health condition? All of these issues, and more, can leave us feeling depressed, exhausted, anxious, guilty or fearful. You do not have to face these things alone. I have been in your shoes. I understand how daunting or scary it can feel to ask for support from a counsellor. My experience tells me that making the first move, to email or pick up the phone, is the acknowledgment that I need some help. It is the first step. And it’s ok to ask.

My counselling sessions provide the emotional support you need right now. Being in counselling sessions can feel like a weight has been lifted, that someone is really listening, they care about me, and I am worth caring about. You will find that I am approachable, friendly and always kind. It’s important to me that you feel heard and acknowledged.  

I hold a 1st Class BSc Honours degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy from the University of Salford, Greater Manchester. I am a qualified Counsellor registered with the counselling professional body, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. As such, I work to their standards and adhere to their ethical framework.  I am also an Accredited Health & Wellbeing Coach.

My working background is in mental health nursing (RMN) , adult social care, and health & wellbeing coaching for the NHS. I have a current enhanced DBS certificate, professional indemnity insurance and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.  

My practice is underpinned by the person centred approach which offers an effective and compassionate approach to my clients. Working from the person-centred approach, means I will put you at the centre of the counselling sessions, and be guided by what is important to you. Counselling sessions with me will provide the opportunity to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression, by allowing you to explore negative thoughts and emotions. I will support you to speak openly, and make sense of your feelings and concerns. I’ll do this with respect, empathy and without judgement. As you build confidence, you will begin to realise that you have the opportunity and resources to make choices. You may have developed unhelpful and unhealthy coping strategies, as you struggle to cope with your challenges or trauma.  I will support you to understanding how childhood relationships and experiences may have impacted your adult life. I will help you develop strategies to be better equipped to cope with the challenges you face. These coping skills are developed combining my counselling and coaching skills.  I offer a welcoming environment, in which I trust you will feel safe. This space will hopefully allow you the confidence to begin to trust yourself,  that your thoughts and feelings are worthwhile and valid.  

My sessions will provide the environment for psychological change and growth, you will develop the knowledge and ability to move forward. Knowing what you are going through and why, how we sometimes react and behave to our feelings and thoughts, can benefit those to gain understanding, i.e. psychoeducation. Therefore I may integrate ways of working to support you as an individual, for example; Mindfulness, psychoeducation, and health and wellbeing coaching.    

During the first session, I will explore what it is that you are finding difficult to cope with, and what is causing you concern. I will get to know you by asking you to tell me a little about yourself, for example: your family, friends, work, health, and past history you feel comfortable to share. And importantly, what has brought you to seek counselling support at this time in your life.  Sometimes the first sessions may be a space for you to focus on one thing of importance to you, or it may consist of several different things, experiences, or events.  You will have the opportunity to speak freely and have your words acknowledged. 

I look forward to meeting you.