Counselling in Wokingham, Berkshire

2. What is counselling?

Counselling offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things.

3. How will counselling make me feel?

Therapy is a very personal process. Sometimes it is necessary to talk about painful feelings or difficult decisions in the short term, so you may go through a period of feeling worse when you start but better in the long-run.

If you do experience a period of feeling worse, talk to your therapist about it to ensure you get the best out of your therapy.

4. Will I feel better straight away?

Usually it will take a number of counselling sessions before therapy starts to make a difference.

5. Is counselling for everybody?

Often counselling can help everyone in some way. It depends how long you keep going as it's a process that peels back layers to find the hidden truth.

6. Will I be able to have counselling that understands my cultural background?

Therapists come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. It should be possible to find an appropriate therapist for your needs.

7. Is all counselling the same?

No. There are different methods and approaches to therapy, and your chosen therapist will be able to talk to you about their particular method or approach. Its best to have a telephone conversation first to get a feel for a person and see if you can open and share yourself to them. Otherwise, a first meeting will definitely tell you if you can establish a connection with the therapist or not.

There are many different Types of therapy available. However, in general, research shows that the relationship with your therapist or counsellor is more important than the method they use.

Your choice of type of therapy may be limited depending on where you access it. If you have a preference over the type of therapy, you may choose to seek a private therapist.

8. Marriage counselling

Marriage counselling is a popular way of sorting out differences before problems escalate and can end in a break-up or divorce. Our marriage counsellors are highly trained and can help bridge differences between people in relationships to help them untangle their problems and understand their relationship better.

9. Grief counselling

Going through grief can be a very difficult time in someone's life. The lost, void and anxiety of the future can make be hard to deal with. Our trained grief counsellors can help you talk and work through your grief, lost, anger or anxiety, helping you to process a difficult time in your life.

10. Our Counsellors

Michael Lipo

Michael Lipo I am a registered member of the BACP (MBACP) and work with teengagers and adults on an individual basis. I have experience and training in working with depression, anxiety, stress, anger, relationship issues, self-esteem and confidence, life questions, personal development, self-harm, disordered eating.

I work with you to resolve any past experiences and to make sense of what you have witnessed or have been through. I also work in the present with you to resolve current problems. We can take a more thought focussed approach (problem solving, cognitive distortions, challenging beliefs) or emotion focussed (making sense of feelings, resolving hurt, working towards letting go of things that don’t serve you well any more). It’s likely that we’ll use both approaches to get you to where you want to be. My approach is adaptable and pulls from my integrated qualification and wide-ranging training which is useful in keeping up-to-date with current research, theories and approaches.

For a free phone consultation contact me on 07585 119298 (text or call), email me at michaellipo@protonmail.com or visit www.michaellipocounselling.com.

Anna Brooks

Anna Brooks If you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, or facing a crisis, seeking support is a brave and important step forward. Therapy offers you a unique space, free from pressure or distractions, to explore your difficulties, share your burdens, and begin to move towards greater balance and peace.

I am a BACP-registered, trauma-informed Therapeutic Counsellor dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for personal growth. My approach focuses on building self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. Together, we’ll create a trusting therapeutic relationship where you can feel respected, accepted, and gently supported, whatever you're facing.

Alongside my private practice, I work as a Family Counsellor with Relate, the UK’s leading provider of relationship support, and also for ARC, an agency supporting young people with their emotional wellbeing. I offer sessions for young people, adults, and families, and have over 30 years of experience supporting individuals through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship issues, grief, health concerns, and identity exploration. I also work with people navigating life changes, such as becoming a parent, separation or divorce, living with neurodiversity, surviving domestic abuse, or the transition into adulthood.

I provide a warm, nurturing space where you’ll feel welcomed and met with compassion. If you’d like to explore whether therapy feels right for you, feel free to visit www.annabrookscounselling.co.uk, call 07810 531372, or email anna@annabrookscounselling.co.uk for a free 15-minute consultation.

Ryan Selby

Ryan Selby I am an integrative therapist which means I am not just limited to one approach when working, instead I choose several approaches depending on you and your situation. I am someone who can help create an environment where you can choose to talk about any topic you like as I am non-judgemental, caring and understanding. My previous experience with clients ranges from the ages of 11-55 in a variety of environments including charities, local councils and a prison, working with a range of different issues.

Starting therapy can be quite daunting, believe me I know! I was lucky enough to have counselling as a child through a charity due to a bereavement, and although I was reluctant at first, it helped more than I could have imagined. As an adult, I now have my own personal sessions as I believe it is a great way to help me reflect and process what goes on in my own life.

If I did not believe in counselling, I would not want to be a therapist. I feel so strongly that it can help people in a number of ways, making me incredibly passionate about my work. I am constantly keeping up to date with new techniques and research about counselling and mental health, to be the best that I can for you.

Please feel free to call, email or have a look at my website. I hope to hear from you soon! www.unwindyourmind.co.uk, counsellingwithryan@gmail.com, 07947 602473.

Gosia Lanigan - MSc Gestalt Psychotherapist, UKCP and BACP Reg.

Gosia Lanigan In my practice, I create a safe and confidential space for you to settle and explore your difficulties. Expressing your private thoughts and feelings to another person is an act of great trust and courage, particularly when this means feeling pain and vulnerability.

I admire my clients for this and feel inspired to support them on their journey to self-discovery, compassion, and happier and more full-filling lives.

For more details, please refer to the website www.counsellingwokingham.com

Augustine Tun - Diploma, Integrative Counselling - MBACP Registered

Augustine Tun You may be experiencing painful feelings, feel lost, lonely, betrayed, or are going through a time of crisis such as a relationship breakdown or bereavement. Life can bring about complex feelings, from stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, guilt, shame to general feelings of low mood. They may be overwhelming, debilitating and negatively impact your health and well-being.

Whatever your situation we will work together towards a relationship of trust where you can talk and will be listened to without judgement and with acceptance and sensitivity in a safe and confidential space.

I work with adults and young people; using a combination of Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapeutic models to meet your individual needs we will explore past experiences, life choices, values, and how you perceive yourself and experience the world. Through the therapeutic process you can achieve a greater insight and understanding of your situation, and see change in yourself and your relationships.

Please feel free to get in touch by email (augustine@augustinetuncounselling.co.uk) or phone (07746 633 182) if you would like to find out more or book an introductory session.

Zoe Williams

Zoe Williams Taking the step into counselling can be a transformative decision, whether you're seeking to understand yourself better, address challenges in your life, or improve your overall wellbeing. However, I also understand that this step may seem daunting therefore my aim is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where my clients feel able to express and explore their feelings and emotions and be truly heard.

I am trained as an Integrative counsellor which means I can draw on different theories and methods to suit each individual client. I work collaboratively with my clients believing that the relationship between the therapist and the client is key to the healing process. I offer both in person or online counselling depending on your needs and availability. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.

Please email me at zoewilliamscounselling@gmail.com for more information. You can also contact me on 07707 697090 or visit www.mapletreecounselling.co.uk.

Angela Whitney

Angela Whitney Whatever your reason for seeking counselling, I will provide you with a safe, supportive and confidential space that allows you to work through challenges and achieve your desired outcomes. My approach is relaxed and friendly and I aim to create a non judgemental space that builds trust between us to allow important work to happen. I place a lot of emphasis on forming a strong therapeutic relationship, as evidence has shown that regardless of the type of therapy, it is the relationship between client and therapist that is key to effective work. As an integrative therapist, I use various models and interventions in my work as appropriate for your needs and preferences. My particular emphasis is in humanistic therapy, where we work together to help you understand yourself better and to empower you to achieve your desired outcomes. Before changing my career, I worked in various roles within a large corporate organisation. During the latter part of my corporate career, I worked as an employee coach, focussed on supporting employees to develop themselves in order to realise their potential and increase their work satisfaction (and often their happiness and satisfaction at home too).

For a free phone consultation, contact me on 07761 487603, email me at angelawhitneycounselling@gmail.com or visit www.mapletreecounselling.co.uk.

Nicole Flanagan

Nicole Flanagan I’m Nicole, a qualified BACP registered therapeutic counsellor working with adults.

I set up my private practice in 2023, but before then, I worked within an organisation supporting people with various problems from anxiety, to relationship issues and making big life decisions.

You might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, panic, anger, unhappiness, or stress without recognising the reasons behind them. Counselling can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Equally, you may be aware of the sources of your emotions, such as a relationship breakdown, work related stress, a traumatic experience or fear of the future, and you would like a safe space to talk this through and find a way forward. Unlike conversations with friends or family, counselling is free from personal agendas and judgments.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can discuss your needs, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask me any questions. For more information please visit my website therap-ease.co.uk. You can contact me on 07492 770025 or via email therapease@protonmail.com.

Lauren Whayman

Lauren Whayman As an experienced Gestalt Counsellor, I support individual adults to better understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Together we can explore how events or relationships are impacting you in your day to day. By listening and supporting you, I can help you build stronger awareness and self-confidence so you can start to make clearer choices for yourself to improve your happiness and well-being.

I take a warm, empathic and open-minded approach to my therapeutic work. I aim to build a trusting relationship through our work together whilst creating a confidential space where you feel safe enough to explore whatever you have to bring. In sessions I might invite you to use a range of creative ways to express your thoughts and feelings, when at times they are difficult to put into words.

Some of the areas I work with people on include; anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, families, abuse, work problems, anger, confidence, bereavement, trauma, loss and grief. I am also interested in working with people going through pre and post-natal experiences. I am a fully qualified counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

For more information, please visit my website https://laurenelizabeththerapy.co.uk. If you would like to arrange a free consultation to discuss working together, please feel free to reach out at lauren@laurenelizabeththerapy.co.uk or 07599 174715

Sophie Horrox Humanistic Counsellor BA (Hons) MBACP (Accred)

Sophie Horrox I am an Integrative Humanistic Counsellor, this means that I work with several models of counselling, including Gestalt, Person- Centred and Existentialism. I studied counselling for over five years and as well as my private practice; I have experience working within the NHS, mental health charities and youth settings. I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I hold enhanced DBS Disclosure. I offer one to one, short and long term, counselling to Adults and Young People from the age of 12.

The relationship that is built between Counsellor and Client is integral to the therapeutic process; creating a good working relationship is the glue that holds the process together. I aim to offer a space in which you will feel safe to explore any issues that are troubling you and the opportunity to work on personal development. I will meet you with empathy, unconditional acceptance and bring myself into each session to create the environment in which therapeutic change can occur.

The therapy that I offer is based around gaining awareness, for I believe that with true self-awareness we can overcome any obstacles that we face. Through the exploration of past, present and future, with an emphasis on how you are affected in the here and now, you can begin to break down unhelpful coping strategies and discover a path that is of your own choosing.

If you have any questions about counselling or would like to arrange an appointment, please contact Sophie on 07530 978354 or email sophie@sophiehorrox.co.uk.

Deborah Thomas

Deborah Thomas I am a trainee Integrated Art Psychotherapist completing the final year of an MA in Integrative Art Psychotherapy for adults at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London.

You may have tried talking therapies and not noticed any change in how you feel afterwards. Art psychotherapy offers everything that normal talking therapy offers with the added dimension of accessing the unconscious parts of you, in a safe and contained way.

I am passionate about working with people who feel lost, stuck, overwhelmed and in emotional pain. I offer a space in which you can safely explore your feelings, your fears and your dreams. I work with metaphor, images, art, sandtray, poetry, music, clay, puppets, and the body. Working in this way can bring insight, growth and healing. We can also just sit and talk without doing any art.

I have 3 years of experience working in the NHS and with a charity for victims of sexual abuse and rape, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, relationship difficulties, domestic abuse, self esteem, stress and more.

Please visit my website www.arttherapywithdeb.co.uk for more information. You can also contact me by email at deb@arttherapywithdeb.co.uk or give me a call on 0118 230 0808.

Kirsty Elliott-Walker (MBACP Registered Counsellor)

Kirsty Elliott-Walker Life can be tricky and struggling to keep your head above water can enhance overwhelming feelings. Perhaps it may lead you down a path of isolation, loneliness and the possibility of embarrassment that may prevent you from reaching out to family and friends.

Finding a counsellor can be daunting and I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is key for therapeutic change. I encourage my clients to safely explore any issues bought into therapy in an attempt to gain a greater understanding, begin to heal and grow within an environment that is non-judgemental. Collaboratory, we can create a safe place that you feel comfortable whilst being led by your needs.

I have had the privilege of working alongside both young people and adults giving me valuable experience within these different age groups. I have witnessed their growth and development despite, in many cases having a number of challenges to overcome. This leads me to believe in our capacity to heal, grow, and achieve our potential.

I have a keen interest in creative work and using metaphors. I believe this way of working can contribute towards feelings coming to the surface without having to verbalise them.

Please contact me on 07368 647381 or via email on kirsty@talamhcounselling.com should you have any questions.

Jeanette Ely BA (Hons) MBACP (Accred)

Jeanette Ely I offer individual counselling in a compassionate and sensitive way. My training is integrative and humanistic drawing on various theoretical perspectives. Counselling may not be an easy process, sharing emotional and difficult situations and feelings can be daunting and as well as finding ways to change which may bring mixed feelings, but with my support along the way I believe counselling can lead to a better self-awareness, understanding and the way forward that is right for you.

I have experience working professionally and empathetically with bereavement, loss, trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, anger, self-harm, relationship issues, sex, sexuality, self-esteem, confidence, personal development, work issues, health/ill health in open-ended or short-term counselling.

I am fully qualified, a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), fully insured and hold a current DBS. For more information please feel free to contact me on 07864 367383 or via email info@jeanetteely-counselling.co.uk