People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. You might recognise some of these:
· You're worrying so much that it’s hard to switch off.
· Doubting yourself or feeling you’re never quite good enough.
· Struggling in a relationship or finding the same difficulties keep coming up.
· Living with grief or trying to adjust after loss.
· Feeling constantly on edge or having reactions you don’t fully understand.
· Relying on ways of coping that are beginning to cause difficulties.
· Feeling stuck, unhappy or unsure what you want.
... or you might just be feeling that something isn’t right.
And you don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help. If something is troubling you, you deserve time and attention.
You don’t have to work it all out on your own
You may have plenty of people around you, but still find it hard to get the words out about what’s really going on. That's if you can even put it into words.
And sometimes, all you need to get those thoughts out is time and space. Somewhere you can speak freely, test your feelings and begin to make sense of things. With someone who knows how to help you hear your own thoughts and feel heard.
I provide one-to-one counselling for people aged 16 and over - in my peaceful, private counselling space in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, or by video or telephone.
You don’t need to arrive with your thoughts in order, a list of goals or the right words. Sometimes the wrong words can get things moving and you find the right ones as you go. “I’m not sure where to begin” can be just enough.
You're free to start, and free to stop. You can talk about feelings you’ve kept to yourself, or things you haven’t quite made sense of, including, in time, the things that feel difficult to say. There’s no expectation, no set goal and no hurry. My role is to listen carefully, try to understand how life feels for you and help you explore what's really going on deep down.
How we’ll work together
My approach is person-centred. Put simply, that means we work together so that I can understand how it feels to be you, without making assumptions about how you should feel or what you should do.
I bring my professional knowledge, care and curiosity. You bring your experience of being you. Together, we can explore what’s happening and what might help.
We'll look for ways to help you see your situation more clearly. Sometimes, we might begin to notice patterns in relationships, feelings or ways of coping. We may explore earlier experiences if they feel relevant to what’s happening now.
The aim is that, over time, you’ll understand yourself better, feel more able to make choices and become more comfortable being yourself.
Boarding School Syndrome
As an ex-boarder myself, I have a particular interest in the effect that boarding school has had on some ex-pupils in adult life. I have received specialist training (led by Nick Duffell, a leading authority in this field) in counselling former boarders who feel impacted by their school experience. I also contributed a chapter about how sibling relationships can be affected by attending boarding school to his book entitled ‘The Un-Making of Them: Clinical Reflections on Boarding School Syndrome’ (available on Amazon)
"Having previously tried talking therapy many years ago, I wondered what difference it would make this time. I was open to trying it again and soon realised I had nothing to lose and so much to gain from working with Dawn. After our first session, I knew I was in safe hands. Through Dawn's attentive, non-judgemental approach, I was able to talk through difficult times and self-reflect, all with Dawn's support and guidance. I used to find it difficult to find time for me, whether that be due to my job or naturally putting others' needs before my own. Dawn's work has reminded me of the importance of prioritising my own needs. Her expertise has helped me manage my anxiety and provided me with tools that help rationalise any tribulations I face now and in the future. Without any judgement, she has helped me talk through my own behaviour and reassess my coping mechanisms. Dawn has helped me explore my own needs, in the most compassionate and understanding way. Thank you, Dawn." J
Nov 6, 2022 Client Review by Anonymous
Choosing a counsellor can feel like a big step. It helps to have a chance to talk before deciding.
I offer a free 30-minute introductory conversation, by telephone, Zoom or WhatsApp video.
You can tell me a little about what’s brought you here, ask questions and hear more about how I work. Above all, it’s a chance to see how you feel talking with me.
You don’t need to decide during the call, and there’s no pressure to book a session afterwards.
Sessions and practical details
£60 for a 60-minute session. Discounts are available for trainee counsellors.
Appointments are available Monday to Thursday, during the daytime and evenings.
We can meet:
· In person — at my private counselling space in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, DE13.
· By video — using Zoom or WhatsApp.
· By telephone — from somewhere you feel comfortable and can talk privately.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to talk, you’re welcome to contact me to arrange your free introductory conversation. And if you’re unsure what to say, you can simply start with: “I’m interested in counselling. Could we have a chat?”
Email:
Telephone:
07724 403660
Alternatively please complete the contact form on this link
Qualifications
Dawn Grundy MA BACP
• MA Clinical Counselling, University of Chester
• Introduction to HE Counselling Level 3 – CCSW
