Jill Bell

I offer counselling for women who may feel they have lost sight of who they are, or perhaps have never felt fully able to be themselves.

You might have spent years being the one who copes, putting other people's needs before your own, trying to get things right or adapting yourself to fit in. Perhaps you have always felt a little different – too sensitive, too much, too anxious, or like you don't quite belong. Over time, people-pleasing, perfectionism and difficulty setting boundaries can leave you feeling exhausted, disconnected from what you want and unsure of yourself.

For some women, these feelings become more noticeable during times of change or loss. Perimenopause and menopause, relationship changes, children growing up, approaching retirement, bereavement or other life transitions can bring questions about identity, confidence and purpose to the surface. I also work with women experiencing anxiety, low mood, grief and the impact of difficult or traumatic experiences.

I am an integrative counsellor, which means I draw from different therapeutic approaches rather than expecting one way of working to suit everyone. My approach is grounded in person-centred therapy and also informed by psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches. This allows us to explore both what is happening for you now and how earlier experiences, relationships and patterns may be influencing the way you feel about yourself today.

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you don't have to have everything figured out. Counselling with me is more than simply having someone listen. Together, we can gently explore what lies beneath the patterns that may no longer be serving you, develop greater understanding and self-compassion, and create space for you to heal, grow and move forward.

I offer counselling in person in Aberdeen and online.

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you are used to coping on your own or being the person others rely on. My aim is to make the process feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

I offer a free 15–20 minute initial consultation by telephone or online. This gives us an opportunity to talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, what you are hoping for and whether we feel we could work well together. There is no obligation to continue.

If we decide to work together, sessions are 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, either in person in Aberdeen or online. We will regularly review our work together so that counselling remains focused on what you need.

I don't believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all. Some sessions may involve exploring experiences and patterns from your past and how they affect you now. At other times, we might focus on thoughts, emotions, relationships or practical ways of responding differently to situations you are facing. We can work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

My Christian faith informs who I am and the values I bring to my work, and I offer counselling from a Christian perspective for clients who would like this. I warmly welcome women of all faiths and none, and faith will only form part of our work if it is something you want to explore.

Above all, I hope to offer a relationship in which you can be honest about what you are experiencing, feel heard and understood, and have the space to explore who you are without feeling you need to perform, please or get it right.

Before your first counselling session, I offer a free online 15–20 minute initial consultation. This is an informal opportunity for you to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you may have and get a sense of whether I might be the right counsellor for you.

If you decide you would like to continue, our first counselling session gives us more time to explore what is happening for you, your background and what you would like from therapy. I will ask some questions to help me understand you and your circumstances, but this is a conversation rather than something you need to prepare for or get right.

We will also discuss how we will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements. Most importantly, we will begin at a pace that feels comfortable for you.