Yvonne Stanley

I am a psychodynamic counsellor with an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and over 30 years’ experience working with adults, children, and young people in social care and therapeutic settings. My background as a social worker gives me a deep understanding of how early relationships, developmental experiences, and family dynamics shape adult emotional well-being. This insight enriches my work with adults and supports a thoughtful, grounded therapeutic approach.

I offer a calm, containing, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you. My psychodynamic training helps us look at the deeper patterns, emotions, and relational histories that influence your present life. At the same time, my counselling practice supports you in developing clarity, resilience, and practical strategies for everyday challenges.

Clients often describe my style as warm, steady, and reflective. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, stress, identity concerns, and periods of transition or uncertainty. I also welcome clients seeking personal growth or space to understand long-standing emotional patterns.

Therapy with me is collaborative and respectful. My role is to walk alongside you, offering curiosity, insight, and emotional steadiness while supporting you to make meaningful and lasting change.

My practice provides confidential, compassionate counselling for adults aged 18 and over. I offer both short-term and long-term therapy, delivered in person or online, depending on your needs. You can expect a calm, structured, and supportive environment where you are welcomed with sensitivity and respect.

Our work begins with an initial consultation to explore what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Together, we identify the most suitable therapeutic approach and establish a pace that feels comfortable and manageable.

I support adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, bereavement, stress, obsessive behaviours, low self-esteem, and challenges related to identity or life transitions. My extensive background as a social worker working with adults, children, and young people means I have a strong understanding of developmental experiences, safeguarding, and complex histories, all of which inform my psychodynamic work with adults.

My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic principles with trauma-informed practice and relational work. This allows me to tailor sessions to your unique needs while maintaining a consistent, grounded presence.

Clients can expect professionalism, reliability, and a warm therapeutic relationship that supports healing, clarity, and emotional resilience. My practice is a space where you can explore your experiences safely and begin to build a more confident and connected sense of self.

I offer a free 15-minute telephone or online consultation before meeting for the first time. This gives you an opportunity to briefly outline your current circumstances and reasons for contacting me and enables me to tell you more about how I work.

If we then decide to meet, we will arrange an initial session which will last about an hour. During this session I will ask questions to begin to build a picture about your past, your present and your expectations, which may include hopes and fears about entering therapy. The initial session is slightly longer than ongoing therapy sessions and is a two-way process for both of us to consider if a psychodynamic approach might work for you and to help us both think about what you might need and what might help. We will then decide next steps, which might include moving forward into therapy sessions or maybe considering other options available to you.