COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN CHELMSFORD, ESSEX.
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Overcome internal barriers to unlock your true potential
Counselling, Psychotherapy & Supervision face to face and Online in Chelmsford & Essex
Hello, I’m Abby
I know that reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step. You may not even be sure exactly what you need help with, you may simply know that something doesn’t feel right, that life feels overwhelming, or that you keep finding yourself caught in patterns you don’t seem able to change.
My aim is to offer you a safe, warm and confidential space where you can be yourself without having to pretend that everything is okay. I will listen without judgement, take you seriously and work alongside you to understand what is happening beneath the surface.
You don't have to fit into a box
Perhaps you have always felt a little different from those around you. You may notice things others don't, think deeply or in patterns, have a very busy mind, or experience the world in a way that can sometimes feel difficult to explain to other people.
You may find social situations exhausting, struggle with routines and expectations, or feel that your thoughts never seem to switch off. Perhaps you have wondered whether you might be autistic, have ADHD or be neurodivergent in some way whether you have a formal diagnosis or not.
You may also have spent years adapting yourself to fit in, only to find that it has left you feeling exhausted, disconnected from yourself or unsure of who you really are.
If any of this sounds familiar, you don't have to have all the answers before coming to counselling. We can explore it together, at your pace, and without judgement.
I have a particular interest in working with trauma and the ways our past experiences can continue to affect us in the present.
Trauma can shape the way we see ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. Sometimes we understand what has happened to us intellectually, but our body and emotions can continue to respond as though we are still in danger.
You may experience anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm, difficulty trusting others, shutting down, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply feeling that you are constantly trying to keep everything under control.
I won't expect you to simply talk through difficult experiences before you are ready. I believe that feeling safe and building trust within the therapeutic relationship are an important part of the work.
We will go at a pace that feels manageable for you. I can support you with grounding and regulation and help you understand your responses with compassion. Things such as dissociation, hypervigilance or emotional reactions aren't signs that there is something wrong with you they can be ways that you have learned to survive and cope with experiences that were difficult or overwhelming.
Together, we can begin to make sense of these patterns and, when you are ready, explore what you need in order to move forward.
Counselling isn't about giving you a list of instructions or telling you how you should live your life.
It is about creating a relationship where you feel safe enough to be honest and curious about yourself. I will be alongside you, listening carefully and helping you explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences that may be difficult to make sense of on your own.
I believe you are the expert on your own experience. My role is to bring my knowledge, experience and therapeutic understanding while respecting your individuality and allowing the work to develop collaboratively.
There may be difficult moments along the way, but you won't have to navigate them alone. I will offer a consistent and steady presence, and we will work together to understand what comes up rather than judging or avoiding it.
Sometimes therapy is about healing from what has happened. Sometimes it is about understanding who you are now. Often, it is a combination of both.
Whatever brings you to counselling, I want you to have a space where you feel heard, believed and accepted for who you are.
You don't need to arrive with everything figured out. You don't need to know exactly what to say. You can simply start where you are.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy online via Zoom and WhatsApp, from my practice in Chelmsford, Essex.
If you feel that you are ready to begin exploring what is happening for you, I would be happy to hear from you.
How I Can Help You Get Out of Your Own Way
Our minds can sometimes be our biggest obstacles. By reprogramming internal thought patterns that block your potential, I help you get out of your own way to achieve the growth you desire. Healing comes from within, and once recognized, I can support you in this transformative process.
Personalized Support Tailored to You
I work with individuals from all walks of life, addressing a wide range of issues - both familiar and unexpected. During our initial assessment, we’ll identify how I can best support you in healing your inner world. The therapeutic relationship is key, and together we’ll build a foundation of trust and understanding.
Why Choose Me?
• Highly Qualified: As an accredited member of the BACP, I am committed to ongoing professional development and adhering to strict ethical guidelines.
• Experienced: I have extensive experience helping individuals reprogram their internal barriers to unlock true improvement.
• Compassionate Approach: I treat everyone with respect, dignity, and empathy, providing a non-judgmental space for healing.
• Ethical: I hold public liability/indemnity insurance as well as being ICO registered .
If you’re ready to embrace positive change and unlock your true potential, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward healing, contact me today.
Qualifications:
DipHE level 4 CPCAB in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Additional Training:
60 hour Sue Patterson CPD in Counselling Children and Young People
Training in Neurodiversity, Trauma and Suicide Prevention and many more.
Client Testimonials
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am then I can change"
Carl Rogers
More About Me
I am an experienced Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor and a proud accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I’m also a Level 3 CPCAB-certified Breathwork Coach.
My path to becoming a counsellor began when I found myself feeling stuck in my own life. As someone diagnosed with AuDHD, I’ve often experienced the world in ways that can feel both intense and complex, which has shaped how I understand myself and others. I had already engaged in significant personal development through 12-step work, building a strong foundation of self-awareness that continues to be part of my daily routine. However, unresolved childhood trauma eventually led me to seek the support of a counsellor.
That experience was truly transformative and became the turning point in my decision to pursue a career in counselling. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but the hope of one day helping others in the same way my counsellor helped me kept me moving forward. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience good mental health, and I am committed to being part of that process for others.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive, and they will come forth later in uglier ways"
Sigmund Freud
Some Areas I Work In:
If there any areas, you feel you would like to work on, and I have not mentioned them please don’t hesitate to contact me and we can discuss this.
ADHD
Autism
Addiction
Inner child
Grief and loss
Anxiety
Support for caregivers
Depression
Family conflicts
Health-related anxiety
Narcissistic abuse
Looking for direction
Loneliness
Low confidence and self-esteem)
Panic attacks
Relationship issues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Separation and divorce
Sexual assault
Social anxiety
First Contact
Upon first contact, we'll schedule a convenient time for an introductory phone consultation. This conversation will allow us to determine if we are well-suited for collaboration. Should you choose to proceed, we can establish regular sessions tailored to your needs. If not, I have an extensive network of specialized therapists to whom I can refer you.
Taking that initial step toward seeking support can feel daunting, but it’s a courageous and meaningful step toward self-discovery. Remember, every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Online Counselling from Essex
Based in Chelmsford, Essex, I offer online counselling and psychotherapy via Zoom and WhatsApp.
If you have any questions about counselling, please get in touch.
How Online Counselling Works
Online counselling offers support right from the comfort of your own home. It removes geographical barriers, which is especially helpful if you live in a remote area or have a disability that makes travel difficult. It also reduces the stigma you may feel about seeking help making it easier for you to reach out. While some people think online therapy isn’t as effective as face-to-face sessions, I’ve seen growing evidence that it can be just as helpful.
Key Aspects of Online Counselling (from my experience)
Modes of Delivery:
- You can attend video sessions through platforms like Zoom or WhatsApp.
- You use a laptop, tablet, or even my phone, depending on what’s most convenient for you,
Confidentiality and Privacy:
- I use secure encrypted platforms to protect my information.
- Our sessions are held in private, password-protected virtual rooms.
- I make sure I’m in a quiet private space during my sessions to maintain confidentiality.
Accessibility and Convenience:
- Online counselling makes therapy possible for you especially if I’m in a remote location or have limited mobility.
- It saves you the hassle and time of commuting.
- You can book sessions more flexibly even in the evenings or on weekends which fits better with your schedule.
Effectiveness:
- Based on what I’ve read and experienced, online counselling works just as well as in-person therapy for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
Fees & Availability
Each session will run for 50 minutes at an agreed time and day each week.
The sessions cost £65. I hold a few sessions for people that are on a low income.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new"
Socrates
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07488 268731 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.