‘You don't have to see the whole path ahead — you just need to take the first step’

Name: Through the Trees Counselling
Price range: £

A little bit about me and why I do what I do

Hello, I’m Donna, a BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and the proud owner of Through the Trees Counselling. I have over 10 years’ experience as a Counsellor with the past six years spent working in my own private practice.

Alongside my private practice, I also have 13 years’ experience working within a mental health charity, supporting people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, from mild to acute mental health diagnosis.

I’ve always been interested in people and what makes us who we are. Over the years, both through my work and life experiences, I’ve come to understand that things aren’t always as they appear on the surface. That’s what keeps me interested in counselling — getting to know the person behind the story and understanding what has brought them to where they are today. I work with adults and young teenagers, and no two people or situations are ever quite the same.

Taking that first step

Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. I know this because when I was younger, I found myself needing support too. At a time when it felt my life was falling apart, I remember how anxious I felt about picking up the phone and speaking to someone I had never met. As soon as I heard the counsellor’s voice, I felt a little more at ease.

I still remember my very first time with my counsellor, I sat down and said, “I really don’t know where to start.” Looking back, asking for help was one of the hardest but best decisions I ever made. It changed the course of my life. I am sharing this with you because I understand just how much courage it takes to pick up the phone, send an email or walk through the door for that first session. You may be wondering what to say, whether you’ll be understood, or perhaps even questioning whether counselling can really help. You don’t need to have the answers before you come. Sometimes, simply starting a conversation is enough.

How it all began

I had always known that I wanted to help people, but for many years I didn’t know what that would look like. Then an opportunity came along to volunteer with a mental health charity and I decided to take it. I was given the opportunity to support clients with different mental health conditions. The role proved to be so rewarding I decided to pursue a career in mental health where I am currently working today. By helping and supporting people was the beginning of a journey that changed my career path and that eventually led me to become a counsellor and I have never looked back. That experience stayed with me. It showed me how much can be going on beneath the surface of what we see, and how important it can be for someone to have a person who will just listen without judgement.

What is Therapy?

Put simply, therapy is having the time and space to talk about what is going on for you with someone who is there to listen. It can help you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and experiences, understand yourself a little better and, when you’re ready, begin to make changes that feel right for you. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. Sometimes, you just need someone to sit alongside you while you work things out.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it isn’t always easy to make sense of what’s going on in our own heads. You may have spoken to family or friends but still feel as though it hasn’t helped. Sometimes, you need someone outside of your life – someone who can listen to what’s going on for you and see things from your perspective. I will work alongside you, helping you explore what has been happening and help you understand yourself a little better. When you’re ready, find a way forward that feels right for you. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about giving yourself the time and space to explore your thoughts and feelings. You don’t need to know exactly where to start, and you don’t have to work everything out at once. We will take it one step at a time, together.

You might be struggling with….

PTSD / trauma

relationships difficulties inc toxic relationships / coercive control / gaslighting / co-dependency / narcissism / boundaries / intimacy

bereavement / loss / redundancy

anxiety / depression / low mood

bullying / peer & exam pressure

social anxiety

phobias

low self-esteem / confidence

stress / burnout

men's mental health

addiction - alcohol dependence / substance use - recreational & prescription drugs

abuse / domestic / financial / emotional / psychological/ sexual

(If you are experiencing something not listed above, please feel free to reach out. We can discuss whether my approach is the right fit for your needs)

My counselling style

No two people are the same and I don’t believe counselling should be either.

I work as an Integrative Counsellor. It means I can draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what you need, rather than expecting you to fit into one particular way of working. This approach is more flexible and inclusive than the more traditional, singular forms of treatment. Taking into consideration your unique needs, experiences and goals will enhance your treatment experience.

Clients have said to me ‘I feel lighter but I’m not sure why’ or ‘ I feel a little stronger in myself’ or ‘I feel like I’m starting to believe in myself’. Therapy isn’t something that can always be measured. Often, the changes are subtle. You may simply notice that you’re thinking about things differently, feeling a little stronger, or beginning to understand yourself in a way you hadn’t before.

Your initial free call

I offer a free 20-minute consultation before you decide to start. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little, talk about what has brought you here and see whether you feel I am the right counsellor for you. I know how daunting it can feel. You may be wondering what you’re going to say, whether you’ll feel comfortable talking to someone you’ve never met, or even whether you’ll know where to begin. I remember feeling the same way.

The consultation isn’t about having to tell me everything or having all the answers. You can ask me questions, tell me briefly about what’s going on. If you decide to go ahead, your first session will give us more time to explore what’s brought you to counselling and what you’d like support with. There is no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready to talk about. We will take things at your pace, together.

My services

Book a free 20-minute introductory call

Concessionary rates are available for counselling students – Please contact me for details