Annie Shannon

- I am a BACP* registered integrative counsellor meaning I draw from different psychotherapeutic models and theories** to best help you whether you are experiencing a sense of crisis, have something specific to work through or feel a more general need to talk. - I do not work in a rigid or formulaic way; everyone is unique, with different needs and as such the 'best' environment and manner that counselling takes place in will differ for each of us. I therefore offer a variety of ways of working including online, face to face and 'walk & talk' sessions. - I am not a 'blank canvas' counsellor and do not have a clinical, sterile or cold approach, instead I endeavour to work in an inclusive, respectful and responsive manner - my hope is that you will always know you are with a real human, who listens, cares and accepts you, just as you are. - My role is not to offer advice, to judge or tell you what you should do, but rather to provide a supportive and accepting relationship and space for you to explore what is troubling you. - Together we can explore concerns, identify and challenge patterns, limiting beliefs and ingrained narratives to facilitate meaningful change - all at your own pace. - If you require adjustments - such as to seating and/or lighting arrangements - we can work together to create the most comfortable and relaxing space possible for your personal needs. - If you prefer, I can suggest other creative ways of telling your story or exploring current dynamics i.e. with art, metaphor, dreams and so on. About counselling: People seek counselling for many reasons, as far and wide as: -to make sense of past or current events and relationships -when facing bereavement, ill-health or a diagnosis -to explore personal identity, self-awareness or significant change -to identify and explore unhelpful self-beliefs - to deepen inner strength and confidence With the right support we can do more then just 'get through' challenging periods - we can grow, become more self-compassionate, resilient and ultimately find deeper meaning and contentment. A positive counselling experience can have a domino effect, impacting not just you, but your family, friends, colleagues, peers and community.. there are no limits. Please get in touch to see how counselling might help you. * BACP: British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ** person-centred, existential, solutions-focused, CBT and Gestalt

- My experience includes providing a counselling service in various sectors and settings including hospices, schools, colleges, charities and within the community. - To date my work has ranged from supporting children, teenagers, adults and the elderly with varied and sometimes complex needs. -I support and work with people from varied and diverse backgrounds, cultures, gender and neurodevelopmental divergence (such as OCD, ASC and ADHD), I strive to work inclusively, with respect and compassion, acknowledging and welcoming the similarities and differences between us. - I have worked with individuals who suspect, or have received, formal mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses. - My formal training and life experience informs my respect and consideration of intersectionality (our unique, individual life experiences and the overlap of family and social systems and narratives). - Alongside my professional background my personal interests including working with bereavement, neurodivergence and women's health and I am committed to attending regular, ongoing training in these and many other areas.