Shelly Walker

I work with adults facing a wide range of issues including anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem and high levels of self-criticism and shame. 

My approach to therapy is to offer a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your life and any problems or concerns you may be experiencing. I am a warm, friendly, and caring person with passion and commitment to helping people find solutions to emotional and behavioural difficulties they may be facing in their everyday lives.

I tailor each session according to your individual issues, fears, desires, needs and goals and will support you in resolving or achieving them.

I offer one-to-one, face to face or online therapy sessions from my practice room at home in Darley Abbey, Derby. I am friendly, caring, and non-judgemental. 

My counselling experience has been enriched by my background in the corporate world. Prior to working as a therapist, I was a senior regional marketing manager for a leading global accountancy firm. I then became a full-time stay-at-home mum to my three children. I therefore bring to my work first-hand knowledge of the challenges and stresses one can face in both the workplace and at home, with particular insight into the struggle to balance all aspects of our lives, both personal and professional, and recognise the fundamental importance of good relationships – and the challenges that we all face in building and maintaining these throughout our lives.

I’d like to help you work through whatever is troubling you and, because I believe everyone is an individual, I am trained in and combine a number of disciplines, so we can find the best fit for you. As an integrative therapist, I use a variety of approaches in my work including CBT, attachment theory and person centred therapy.

During your initial, pre-arranged telephone 30-minute assessment, I will ask some questions around your reasons for coming to therapy. I understand this first step can be very difficult. You may feel nervous, anxious, and emotional. That’s okay and perfectly normal. I will listen to you carefully and show no judgement whatsoever. People often tell me that simply hearing themselves talk to a trained professional whilst thinking about the questions I ask, has a profound impact on their ability to reflect on what has been happening in a way that is immensely helpful to them.

Following your initial assessment, we will agree a suitable day and time to meet for your first 50-minute session, during which a contract of confidentiality and safety will be signed, alongside the agreed terms and conditions of therapy. We will then focus a little deeper on the circumstances, issues, and reasons for seeking help. I may ask you about your goals you would like to achieve from therapy and discuss the ways in which you would like things to be different.