Yasmin Jessup

I aim to make my availability as flexible as possible. My face-to-face availability is usually Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm, and online sessions can be scheduled at a time that where possible, works well for us both.

As a former registered nurse and health visitor, and now a Level 7-trained, trauma-informed counsellor and psychotherapist, I bring a broad understanding of mental health, emotional wellbeing and the challenges we face throughout life.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, an MSc in Public Health and a BSc (Hons) in Nursing. Working closely with people has always been at the heart of my career. My healthcare experience has given me a strong foundation in building trusting relationships and supporting people through life's challenges.

My approach is fundamentally person-centred, inspired by Carl Rogers' belief that we each have the capacity for growth and change when the right conditions are present. I aim to offer a genuine, trusting relationship where you feel understood and accepted without judgement. You are the expert on your own life; my role is not to tell you what to do, but to support you in finding your own way forward.

I believe that when we feel truly understood and accepted, we can begin to understand and accept ourselves more fully. This can open the door to greater self-awareness, more authentic choices and meaningful change.

Alongside this foundation, I draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques and psychoeducation where helpful, offering additional understanding and practical strategies while keeping our work guided by your needs.

My practice is trauma-informed, with an emphasis on safety, choice, collaboration and working at your pace. 

At Aurea Counselling and Psychotherapy, I offer individual counselling for adults and young people aged 16 and over, face-to-face in Altrincham and online throughout the UK.

People seek counselling for many reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, grief or significant life changes. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with self-esteem or noticing patterns that leave you feeling unhappy or stuck. Sometimes there isn't an obvious reason for how we feel, just a sense that something isn't quite right.

Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin.

I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences openly. Our sessions are guided by what matters to you, allowing space for reflection, self-understanding and personal growth.

While my approach is rooted in person-centred therapy, I recognise that some clients also value practical tools and a greater understanding of their difficulties. Where helpful, I incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to explore connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and consider ways of responding differently to challenges.

I also use psychoeducation to help you understand the psychological processes behind your experiences, such as how anxiety affects us or why certain patterns of thinking and behaviour can develop. Understanding these processes can be reassuring and empowering, helping you make sense of your experiences and develop new ways of coping.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are available in person in Altrincham or online. You're welcome to get in touch to explore whether counselling with me might be right for you

I understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you've never experienced therapy before. My aim is to make the process as welcoming and comfortable as possible.

I offer a free, informal 20-minute introductory telephone call, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, briefly discuss what you're looking for and get a sense of whether I might be the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to book further sessions.

If you decide to go ahead, our first full session will last 50 minutes, at the usual session rate.

Our first meeting is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another. I'll invite you to tell me a little about yourself, what has brought you to counselling and what you might hope to gain from our work together. I may ask some questions to help me understand your circumstances, but there is no expectation to share anything before you feel ready.

We'll also discuss the practical aspects of counselling, including confidentiality, our counselling agreement and how sessions will work. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.

Above all, I believe that finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of the therapeutic process. Our first session is as much an opportunity for you to get a feel for working with me as it is for me to understand what you're looking for.

There is no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions. My hope is that you leave our first meeting feeling heard, respected and clearer about whether counselling with me feels right for you.