Seeking professional help can often feel like a huge step to take and it is common to feel unsure or question whether you should be handling things on your own. It is important to know that it is always ok to ask for help but for many people picking up the phone or finding a good therapist is the hardest step to getting well.

You may find counselling incredibly helpful, if you are finding that your day-to-day life is being affected by worrying more than usual, having thoughts or feelings which are difficult to cope with, or if you are finding hard to enjoy your life because of your mental health.

There is no shame is asking for professional support to help you through whatever you are struggling with, whether that be past trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief or loss or any of the many life events or circumstances, which can arise for all of us a different times in our lives.

Counselling is more than just having someone 'listen to your problems' and it not about the therapist telling you what you should do to 'fix your problems'.

Counselling can help in a number of powerful, transformative ways. Very simply, therapy sessions with Mellow Mind will to provide you with a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to communicate your thoughts and feelings in a way that helps you learn to cope better and make positive changes for the future.

Counselling provides a hugely supportive environment to help you address your mental heath challenges through exploration and self reflection. I use my training and skills to help you overcome whatever issues you may be facing, to identify your goals and to make positive changes which are right for you.

For more information about how counselling can change lives go to: https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/information-about-counselling/.

I am unable to offer mental health crisis support.

If you feel you are at breaking point or your life is in danger, or if you feel you are at risk in some way please call 999 or 111.

If you are not in immediate danger or severe distress, you might also want to access other services:

• Samaritans – Call 116123 free for telephone support 24/7
• Make an emergency appointment with your GP
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for crisis text-line support
• Contact your local Adult Mental Health Services Team

More options can be found here on the MIND charity website https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines/

There is a huge amount of support available, if you wish to look for self help alongside your counselling. However, be aware that online resources can vary in quality and be expecially careful with advice or help you read on social media like Facebook or Instagram if you don't know the source.

I run a free Facebook & Instagram page, the official Mellow Mind Therapy ones can be accessed here and here where I often post free, but ethical and valid resources so do give them a follow.

I recommend the NHS website, which provides some excellent self help guides online for a range of mental health issues:
https://selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk/.

MIND the mental health charity has some excellent online resources for mild to moderate mental health issues for every day living: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/.

At Mellow Mind therapy, I specialise in working with adults and I do also work with older teenagers (16+). I do not have a specific CYP qualification, which is what I recommend for any parent seeking a counsellor or therapist for a child under 16.

I recommend the BACP counselling directory as a good place to search for therapists who specialise in working with children:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/using-our-therapist-directory/

Use the Contact Form to send me an email with your details and contact number and I will call you as soon as possible. We will then have an initial brief chat to find the best way forward for you.