Justyna OConnell

I currently have availability to see clients online. I work most week days and offer flexible hours. Please contact me for further information.

You receive a short message and immediately wonder if someone is upset with you. You read it again, check the punctuation and think back over what you might have done wrong. Even when everything seems fine, you monitor other people’s moods and adjust yourself to keep the peace.

You agree to plans when you would rather rest. You take on extra work because saying no feels selfish or difficult. Afterwards, you may feel tired or resentful, but still worry that you have let someone down. When you make a mistake, it stays with you; when you do something well, you quickly move on to what you should have done better.

Perhaps you have spent years being described as capable, helpful or “the strong one.” Other people may not realise how much you overthink, how difficult it is to switch off or how often you question whether you are good enough.

It can be hard to seek therapy when you are used to coping alone. You may worry that your problems are not serious enough, or that talking about yourself is self-indulgent. You do not need to be in crisis or know exactly where to begin.

In therapy, we can explore:

·       why other people’s approval feels so important and their disappointment so difficult to tolerate

·       what happens inside you when you say no, make a mistake or put yourself first

·       how becoming capable, accommodating or self-critical may once have helped you

·       how to recognise your own needs without being overwhelmed by guilt

What I can help with:

Anxiety, overthinking and difficulty switching off

People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

Perfectionism and a harsh inner critic

Guilt, shame and low self-esteem

Relationship and communication difficulties

Stress, overwhelm and feeling emotionally exhausted

Grief and bereavement

Parenthood and significant life changes

The impact of difficult early experiences

Cultural identity and belonging

I work integratively, adapting therapy to you rather than following a set programme. We may connect present situations with earlier relationships, notice what happens between us in the room, and pay attention to emotional and bodily responses that are difficult to put into words.

I offer therapy in English and Polish, in person in Hale and Altrincham and online across the UK. If you recognise yourself here, you are welcome to contact me for a free introductory call so we can consider whether working together feels right.

It’s natural to feel nervous or unsure about meeting a new therapist, particularly if therapy is unfamiliar to you.

In our first session, I’ll explain some practical aspects of how we might work together. You’ll then have space to talk about what has brought you to therapy and share some of your background, without any pressure to cover everything at once.

Towards the end, we can reflect on how the session felt and whether you would like to arrange another appointment. There is no expectation to decide before you feel ready.

I currently have availability to see clients in person in Altrincham and online. I work Mondays to Thursdays , and offer flexible hours. Please contact me for further information.

You receive a short message and immediately wonder if someone is upset with you. You read it again, check the punctuation and think back over what you might have done wrong. Even when everything seems fine, you monitor other people’s moods and adjust yourself to keep the peace.

You agree to plans when you would rather rest. You take on extra work because saying no feels selfish or difficult. Afterwards, you may feel tired or resentful, but still worry that you have let someone down. When you make a mistake, it stays with you; when you do something well, you quickly move on to what you should have done better.

Perhaps you have spent years being described as capable, helpful or “the strong one.” Other people may not realise how much you overthink, how difficult it is to switch off or how often you question whether you are good enough.

It can be hard to seek therapy when you are used to coping alone. You may worry that your problems are not serious enough, or that talking about yourself is self-indulgent. You do not need to be in crisis or know exactly where to begin.

In therapy, we can explore:

·       why other people’s approval feels so important and their disappointment so difficult to tolerate

·       what happens inside you when you say no, make a mistake or put yourself first

·       how becoming capable, accommodating or self-critical may once have helped you

·       how to recognise your own needs without being overwhelmed by guilt

What I can help with:

Anxiety, overthinking and difficulty switching off

People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

Perfectionism and a harsh inner critic

Guilt, shame and low self-esteem

Relationship and communication difficulties

Stress, overwhelm and feeling emotionally exhausted

Grief and bereavement

Parenthood and significant life changes

The impact of difficult early experiences

Cultural identity and belonging

I work integratively, adapting therapy to you rather than following a set programme. We may connect present situations with earlier relationships, notice what happens between us in the room, and pay attention to emotional and bodily responses that are difficult to put into words.

I offer therapy in English and Polish, in person in Hale and Altrincham and online across the UK. If you recognise yourself here, you are welcome to contact me for a free introductory call so we can consider whether working together feels right.

It’s natural to feel a mix of nervousness and curiosity when meeting a new therapist, and I aim to make the session as comfortable and supportive as possible.

In our first meeting, I’ll start by going over some practical details about how we might work together. Then, you’ll have space to share what has brought you to therapy and a little about your background, at your own pace. Towards the end, we’ll reflect briefly on how the session has felt for you and, if you’re ready, consider whether you’d like to continue.

I currently have availability to see clients in person in Hale on Fridays. Alternatively, I see clients in a clinic in Altrincham on Mondays to Wednesdays. Please contact me for further information.

You receive a short message and immediately wonder if someone is upset with you. You read it again, check the punctuation and think back over what you might have done wrong. Even when everything seems fine, you monitor other people’s moods and adjust yourself to keep the peace.

You agree to plans when you would rather rest. You take on extra work because saying no feels selfish or difficult. Afterwards, you may feel tired or resentful, but still worry that you have let someone down. When you make a mistake, it stays with you; when you do something well, you quickly move on to what you should have done better.

Perhaps you have spent years being described as capable, helpful or “the strong one.” Other people may not realise how much you overthink, how difficult it is to switch off or how often you question whether you are good enough.

It can be hard to seek therapy when you are used to coping alone. You may worry that your problems are not serious enough, or that talking about yourself is self-indulgent. You do not need to be in crisis or know exactly where to begin.

In therapy, we can explore:

· why other people’s approval feels so important and their disappointment so difficult to tolerate

· what happens inside you when you say no, make a mistake or put yourself first

· how becoming capable, accommodating or self-critical may once have helped you

· how to recognise your own needs without being overwhelmed by guilt

What I can help with:

Anxiety, overthinking and difficulty switching off

People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

Perfectionism and a harsh inner critic

Guilt, shame and low self-esteem

Relationship and communication difficulties

Stress, overwhelm and feeling emotionally exhausted

Grief and bereavement

Parenthood and significant life changes

The impact of difficult early experiences

Cultural identity and belonging

I work integratively, adapting therapy to you rather than following a set programme. We may connect present situations with earlier relationships, notice what happens between us in the room, and pay attention to emotional and bodily responses that are difficult to put into words.

I offer therapy in English and Polish, in person in Hale and Altrincham and online across the UK. If you recognise yourself here, you are welcome to contact me for a free introductory call so we can consider whether working together feels right.

It’s natural to feel nervous or unsure about meeting a new therapist, particularly if therapy is unfamiliar to you.

In our first session, I’ll explain some practical aspects of how we might work together. You’ll then have space to talk about what has brought you to therapy and share some of your background, without any pressure to cover everything at once.

Towards the end, we can reflect on how the session felt and whether you would like to arrange another appointment. There is no expectation to decide before you feel ready.