I'm here if you're struggling with depression or think you might be
Asking for help and finding the right support isn't necessarily easy if depression (or another mental health issue) is weighing you down. But I hope you'll make contact with me. I'm here for you.
I'm a mental health counsellor near Southampton and Winchester, and I've worked with many people impacted by depression, including feeling in crisis.
I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can find your way through depression and increase your overall sense of well-being.
What you may be experiencing
Depression can be debilitating and distressing, which may leave you feeling exhausted, stuck, overwhelmed, or lacking a sense of control.
You may recognise persistent sadness and low mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in things, tearfulness, fatigue, irritability, frustration, guilt, numbness, low self-worth, feelings of suicide.
You may withdraw from your relationships, or not feel able to maintain them in the way you'd like.
If you're experiencing low self-worth and self-esteem, you may also feel like a burden or failure, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.
I'm here for you, whatever you're experiencing. And you can email, or call or text 07729 193629.
Working online or over the phone
I offer sessions online or over the phone, which can make it feel easier to open up about your struggles. It can also help if depression is impacting your energy, motivation, or self-care.
A consultation can help you decide whether working online or over the phone would suit you.
What you can expect in sessions
I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you will be valued, heard, and understood.
We can work together at your pace to relieve the thoughts and feelings of your depression.
If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings, exploring them together can help you gain some control and rediscover feelings of hope.
Rest assured, I will not contribute to any feelings of stigma or shame around your depression, but I will support you in working through them.
I can work with you at your pace to gently explore experiences that may have triggered or be contributing to your depression, such as:
- Grief and bereavement (including baby loss)
- Surviving sexual or domestic abuse
- Perinatal issues (including birth trauma)
- Carer or parenting issues
- Relationship issues
- Disability or chronic illness
- Stress and burnout
- Bullying, harassment or discrimination.
But I won't push you on sharing your experiences, yet I will help you pace this if you feel ready.
As I am a creative counsellor, we don't have to rely solely on talking together - we can use art or creative mediums to help you in your process.
Our counselling relationship
I can work with you to feel part of a safe, trusting and supportive relationship, which can help you:
- Relieve troubling thoughts and feelings
- Become more self-compassionate
- Gain further insights into your depression
- Develop your self-worth and self-esteem
- Build confidence and trust in your coping abilities
- Increase your overall sense of well-being.
Contact me to see if I'm the right depression counsellor for you
If you'd like to explore depression counselling, you can call or text 07729 193629 or email me to book a consultation or ask any questions you have.
My professional experience in trauma and mental health
I've completed training in trauma-informed counselling (Open University), and I apply this knowledge across all areas of my work.
I also hold specific training in birth trauma (Make Birth Better), which is a core part of my perinatal counselling service offered online or by phone.
I've provided mental health support since 2006, including for adults with complex mental health needs. I started as a volunteer with Mind and as a Support Worker on an NHS psychiatric ward.
I can be of support if you're experiencing:
- Anxiety alongside depression
- PTSD alongside depression
- Depression as a part of borderline personality disorder (BPD / EUPD) or bipolar disorder
- Depression as a part of schizoaffective disorder
- Depression alongside schizophrenia
- Antenatal or postnatal depression.
With a certificate in crisis counselling, I'm trained to offer support during times of overwhelm/distress.
Antenatal or postnatal depression
If you're struggling with antenatal or postnatal depression (or think you might be), I can offer perinatal support to help you move forward.
Being neurodivergent and experiencing depression
Depression can develop if you're neurodivergent and differences in understanding and interactions cause stress or burnout or feelings of isolation.
I'm here for you if you'd like support for depression, and you will be valued and accepted as you are.
I can work at your pace and in a way that is sensitive to your needs and preferences.
A note about having and seeking a diagnosis in counselling
You don't need a diagnosis of depression to access my support or benefit from the counselling we could do together. I'm here for you, regardless.
As a counsellor, I'm unable to make any formal diagnoses. If, during our counselling, you decide to pursue a diagnosis because you feel it would be helpful to you, I will support you in that process.
Contact me to see if I'm the right depression counsellor for you
If you'd like to explore depression counselling, you can call or text 07729 193629 or email me to book a consultation or ask any questions you have.
Coping in a crisis (other supports)
I am trained in crisis counselling and can offer you support in sessions, yet if you are feeling overwhelmed now, you can call or text a helpline, use the StayAlive app or contact an NHS service.
You do matter.
Talking can help.
Being listened to can make a real difference.
There is hope.
Samaritans
The Samaritans offer confidential emotional support 24 hours a day. You can call 116123 free of charge and also use their Self-Help app.
www.samaritans.org/
Shout
Shout offers a confidential text service 24 hours a day. You can text SHOUT to 85258.
giveusashout.org/
SignHealth
SignHealth is the 24-hour crisis text line for deaf people. You can text DEAF to 85258.
signhealth.org.uk/
StayAlive app
Stay Alive is a confidential suicide prevention resource for you or someone you know.
www.stayalive.app/
NHS Services
The NHS Advice Line is available 24 hours a day. You can call 111 and press option 2 for mental health support. In a life-threatening emergency, go to A & E or call 999.
111.nhs.uk/
Papyrus Hopeline UK
Papyrus offers a confidential helpline for young people (under 35's). You can call 0800 068 4141.
www.papyrus-uk.org/
Suicide Prevention UK (SPUK)
SPUK offers a supportive listening service. You can call 0800 689 5652 in confidence.
www.spuk.org.uk/
Switchboard
Switchboard runs a confidential helpline for LGBTQIA+ people. You can call 0300 330 0630.
switchboard.lgbt/
