Heather Gilmore

I offer a warm, thoughtful and genuinely non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. My work is grounded in a person-centred approach, which means I believe you are the expert in your own experience. I aim to offer empathy, acceptance and honesty, creating a relationship where you can explore your thoughts and feelings safely and at your own pace.

Feeling understood without judgement can be powerful. Many people come to counselling carrying self-criticism, shame or the sense that they “should be coping better.” I work carefully to create a space where nothing is too much, too small or too complicated to bring. You do not need to present yourself in any particular way — you can simply arrive as you are.

Alongside this relational foundation, I draw on my background in psychology and behavioural science. Where helpful, we may gently explore patterns in thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and how these have developed over time. I integrate behavioural and CBT-informed approaches in a way that supports insight and practical change, particularly around anxiety, self-belief, avoidance patterns and confidence.

However, therapy with me is not about applying techniques to you. It is a collaborative process. We move at a pace that feels manageable, balancing understanding with small, meaningful steps forward when you feel ready.

My aim is to help you develop greater self-awareness, emotional steadiness and trust in your own judgement — so that change feels authentic and sustainable.

I offer individual counselling in a confidential and supportive setting. My practice is grounded in person-centred values, meaning I place the therapeutic relationship at the heart of our work. I offer empathy, warmth and honesty so that you feel safe to explore whatever is bringing you to counselling.

You do not need to have a clear starting point or know exactly what to say. We work at your pace, beginning wherever you are. I strive to create a genuinely non-judgemental space where difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences can be spoken about openly. Many people arrive feeling self-critical or as though they “should” be coping better. Part of our work may involve gently challenging these internal pressures and developing greater self-compassion.

Alongside this relational foundation, I integrate insights from psychology and behavioural science. Where appropriate, we may explore patterns in thinking and behaviour that contribute to anxiety, stress, low confidence or feeling stuck. I draw on CBT-informed and behavioural approaches collaboratively, supporting you to understand how these patterns developed and to consider practical, manageable steps towards change.

Therapy with me is not about quick fixes or being judged. It is a thoughtful, reflective process that supports deeper self-awareness, emotional steadiness and confidence in your own decisions. My intention is to help you feel more able to respond to life with clarity, resilience and self-trust.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, explore what has brought you to counselling and consider whether we feel a good fit to work together. There is no obligation to continue after this session.

I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, so I aim to make the first meeting calm, welcoming and structured enough to feel containing, while still allowing space for you to speak freely. You are not expected to share everything straight away. We go at a pace that feels manageable.

During this session, I will ask some gentle questions about what is currently happening for you, any relevant background information, and what you hope to gain from counselling. This helps me understand your needs and ensures that I am the right person to support you. We will also discuss practicalities such as confidentiality, session frequency and how we might work together.

If appropriate, we may begin to notice patterns in thoughts or behaviours, but the main focus of the first session is understanding and establishing safety in the therapeutic relationship.

The fee for the first session is the same as ongoing sessions. This ensures you have a full session to experience how I work before making any decisions about continuing.

You are welcome to ask any questions about the process at any point.