Listening-to-you

I have been providing counselling services to adults and students since 2007. I am passionate about what I do. One of my greatest rewards is helping people find the tools they need to overcome their hurdles, enabling them to move forward on a positive path.

I offer face-to-face consultations, in a comfortable and non-judgemental environment, at the following venues: Natural Fitness & Therapies, Royal Parade, Eastbourne; The Well Being Centre, Stone Cross; Yoga Life Studio, South Street, Eastbourne; Eden Blue, Old Town, Eastbourne.In addition I spend three days a week counselling students at Willingdon Community School and St Catherine's College in Eastbourne.

Often when we are in despair, the people closest to us are the ones we find it the hardest to talk to - perhaps because we don't want to worry them, or to appear weak. We may fear that discussing our difficulties with family and friends will cause upset or argument, and that our issues will not be heard properly or fully understood.

Particularly concerning is the increase in school-related stress which may be contributing to poorer mental wellbeing especially among 15-year-old girls. It is essential that we look at ways of providing support to young people to help them navigate the challenges they face during adolescence.

Schools - I am passionate about the work I do with young people and have been providing counselling services to students at secondary schools in Eastbourne (Willingdon Community School and St Catherine's College) since 2013, as well as privately to young people remotely (via phone/video) and face-to-face at Natural Fitness & Therapies.

The coaching process uses a range of communication skills - such as targeted restatements, listening, questioning, clarifying etc - to help shift perspectives and thereby discover different approaches to achieve the end goals. These coaching skills can be used effectively in a wide range of professional and personal areas such as business, health, social, family, political, spiritual, etc.

Some people find the thought of talking to a complete stranger a very daunting prospect. For those who are new to it, sitting face-to-face with a Counsellor can feel a bit like having an interview. Who needs that added stress or increased anxiety when you are already struggling with life? It isn't about the exercise, so the pace can be as slow as you want it to be - and there is always an opportunity to rest on a bench or sit on the beach!