Hongyu Liu

I currently offer online counselling with flexible availability, including daytime and evening appointments, depending on mutual scheduling. In-person sessions are currently available on Thursday evenings.

I understand that finding a suitable time for counselling can be challenging, so I am happy to discuss availability and find an arrangement that works for both of us where possible.

If you have any questions about my availability or would like to explore whether counselling might be helpful for you, please feel free to get in touch.

I am Hongyu, a BACP-registered counsellor with five years of experience in mental health and counselling, and over 500 hours of counselling experience with adults and children.

I work from person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. I believe that counselling is not about having all the answers or being told what you should do. Instead, it can offer a space where you can slow down, talk openly and begin to understand yourself and your experiences in a different way.

I aim to build a trusting and supportive relationship where you can feel heard and accepted. You do not need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We can start from where you are and work together to explore what brings you to counselling.

Counselling is a process of meeting yourself again. Through our work together, we can begin to reconnect with your feelings, needs and experiences, while developing a deeper understanding of yourself and the ways you relate to the world around you.

My approach is collaborative and responsive to your individual needs. I understand that everyone comes to counselling with different experiences, concerns and expectations, so I do not follow a fixed approach with every person.

At the beginning of our work, we will take time to understand what has brought you to counselling, what you would like support with and what you hope to gain from the process. We can explore your current experiences, relevant aspects of your past and the patterns that may be affecting your thoughts, feelings and relationships.

I will work with you to develop an understanding of your needs and agree on how we might work together. As our work continues, we will regularly reflect on your progress and consider whether any adjustments may be helpful.

My aim is to offer a space where you can speak honestly, explore difficult experiences and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. We will work at a pace that feels manageable, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Our first session will be an opportunity to begin getting to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling.

We will take time to understand what you would like support with, what has been happening in your life and what you hope to work towards. Where appropriate, we may also discuss relevant background, your current circumstances and any concerns about your safety or wellbeing.

This session is also a chance for us to consider whether my approach and the way we work together feel suitable for your needs. You do not need to prepare everything in advance or know exactly what to say. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you.

Towards the end of the session, we can reflect on what we have discussed and consider how we might move forward together.