Counselling for Seniors in Braintree
I’m Shannon Hawker, a clinical psychologist and a deep believer in the quiet power of softness, sensitivity, and resilience.
I earned my Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude), BA Honours in Psychology (Cum Laude), and BA (Cum Laude) in South Africa. Since then, my work has taken me through psychiatric hospitals, general medical settings, schools, and correctional services, spaces that have deepened my respect for resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to grow.
I’m Shannon Hawker, a clinical psychologist and a deep believer in the quiet power of softness, sensitivity, and resilience.
I earned my Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude), BA Honours in Psychology (Cum Laude), and BA (Cum Laude) in South Africa. Since then, my work has taken me through psychiatric hospitals, general medical settings, schools, and correctional services, spaces that have deepened my respect for resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to grow.
My nursing allowed me to work in numerous settings including with acutely mentally unwell working age and older adults in NHS as well as private settings.
I’m a pluralistic/psychotherapeutic counsellor, therapeutic coach, hypnotherapist & mental health nurse based in Braintree, Essex, UK working in person & online.
Combining clinical and as well as my life experience with a flexible, client-led approach to help people with navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress and more. My practice is grounded in compassion, non-judgement, practical skills, committing to meeting each person where they are.
I work pluralistically, drawing on a evidence-based therapies, tailoring them to your needs & pace whilst blending therapeutic coaching
My nursing allowed me to work in numerous settings including with acutely mentally unwell working age and older adults in NHS as well as private settings.
I’m a pluralistic/psychotherapeutic counsellor, therapeutic coach, hypnotherapist & mental health nurse based in Braintree, Essex, UK working in person & online.
Combining clinical and as well as my life experience with a flexible, client-led approach to help people with navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress and more. My practice is grounded in compassion, non-judgement, practical skills, committing to meeting each person where they are.
I work pluralistically, drawing on a evidence-based therapies, tailoring them to your needs & pace whilst blending therapeutic coaching
I am a qualified Person Centred Counsellor based in Braintree Essex. Registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work with adults and young people from 15+ providing a humanistic counselling approach where I adapt the way I work to meet your individual needs. In my experience, working in this way allows you to reach a better understanding of yourself and the issues you may be faced with. It can also help to boost your confidence, allowing you to have more trust in your own instincts and decision making. I offer in Person and Online sessions.
I am a qualified Person Centred Counsellor based in Braintree Essex. Registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work with adults and young people from 15+ providing a humanistic counselling approach where I adapt the way I work to meet your individual needs. In my experience, working in this way allows you to reach a better understanding of yourself and the issues you may be faced with. It can also help to boost your confidence, allowing you to have more trust in your own instincts and decision making. I offer in Person and Online sessions.
I work with adults, young people, and families who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with anxiety, low mood, trauma, or relationship difficulties. Many come at times of transition or when emotions feel hard to manage. I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore experiences, understand patterns, and process what’s going on beneath the surface. Together, we build insight, strengthen resilience, and support meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for them.
I work with adults, young people, and families who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with anxiety, low mood, trauma, or relationship difficulties. Many come at times of transition or when emotions feel hard to manage. I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore experiences, understand patterns, and process what’s going on beneath the surface. Together, we build insight, strengthen resilience, and support meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for them.
I am an integrative counsellor, this means I am qualified in various therapies, this allows myself to work with you and vary approaches to suit you and to enhance your counselling sessions. My expertise lays in helping people explore their issues, assisting you in finding answers and unlocking solutions to help you soothe and overcome your personal issues, placing you where you want to be.
I specialise in addiction counselling and treat all clients with an addiction issue in a person-centred way, which means every approach is tailored to suit you specifically as everyone has a different past and various approaches to suit everyone.
I am an integrative counsellor, this means I am qualified in various therapies, this allows myself to work with you and vary approaches to suit you and to enhance your counselling sessions. My expertise lays in helping people explore their issues, assisting you in finding answers and unlocking solutions to help you soothe and overcome your personal issues, placing you where you want to be.
I specialise in addiction counselling and treat all clients with an addiction issue in a person-centred way, which means every approach is tailored to suit you specifically as everyone has a different past and various approaches to suit everyone.
My clients come with a wide range of different issues. They need their own space to be able to talk to someone who is independent without being judged. My clients goals are to be able to overcome and hopefully resolve their difficulties so they can lead their best life possible. I think clients would like their therapists to focus on specific goals, to help give them structure, and strategies to help them cope with their problems. My goal as a therapist is to enable the client to make critical decisions regarding alternative courses of action without outside influence.
My clients come with a wide range of different issues. They need their own space to be able to talk to someone who is independent without being judged. My clients goals are to be able to overcome and hopefully resolve their difficulties so they can lead their best life possible. I think clients would like their therapists to focus on specific goals, to help give them structure, and strategies to help them cope with their problems. My goal as a therapist is to enable the client to make critical decisions regarding alternative courses of action without outside influence.
I have supported children of all ages, adults and older adults for over 10 years and will take a unique approach to improve you, or a loved ones, quality of life.
I offer down-to-earth therapy for children, adults and families—online or face to face in Braintree. With a background in mental health nursing and training in CBT, counselling, and behavioural therapies, I support anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, addiction and more. No jargon—just honest, flexible support that works with proven results.
I have supported children of all ages, adults and older adults for over 10 years and will take a unique approach to improve you, or a loved ones, quality of life.
I offer down-to-earth therapy for children, adults and families—online or face to face in Braintree. With a background in mental health nursing and training in CBT, counselling, and behavioural therapies, I support anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, addiction and more. No jargon—just honest, flexible support that works with proven results.
My priority is always to understand you - your goals, challenges, and aspirations - so that we can create meaningful, lasting change together. I am passionate about making a difference in your life, whether that means helping you overcome pain, stress and trauma or supporting you in building resilience and reaching your fullest potential!
I have worked extensively with people impacted by addiction, bereavement trauma and other major life changes, using a range of therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive support. My approach will be tailored to you, continuously adapting to your evolving needs.
My priority is always to understand you - your goals, challenges, and aspirations - so that we can create meaningful, lasting change together. I am passionate about making a difference in your life, whether that means helping you overcome pain, stress and trauma or supporting you in building resilience and reaching your fullest potential!
I have worked extensively with people impacted by addiction, bereavement trauma and other major life changes, using a range of therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive support. My approach will be tailored to you, continuously adapting to your evolving needs.
I work holistically and creatively, recognising that emotional wellbeing is rarely isolated from physical health, nervous system regulation, lifestyle, relationships, meaning and community. My approach integrates psychological understanding with complementary and collaborative therapies where appropriate, creating support that is individualised rather than ‘one-size-fits-all.’
Alongside my therapeutic work, I have a growing interest in developing innovative and collaborative models of wellbeing that bridge talking therapy with integrative health approaches. Modern mental health support must move beyond symptom management.
I work holistically and creatively, recognising that emotional wellbeing is rarely isolated from physical health, nervous system regulation, lifestyle, relationships, meaning and community. My approach integrates psychological understanding with complementary and collaborative therapies where appropriate, creating support that is individualised rather than ‘one-size-fits-all.’
Alongside my therapeutic work, I have a growing interest in developing innovative and collaborative models of wellbeing that bridge talking therapy with integrative health approaches. Modern mental health support must move beyond symptom management.
Hello, You will find Counselling with me to be a warm and comfortable environment in which you can talk about your life safely. I believe that developing an honest and trusting relationship between counsellor and client is essential. My therapy is based on building an understanding of how your life up to today, has influenced how you feel, think and behave now. We will also look at understanding how the mind and body connection is working for you now and how you can improve that connection.
Hello, You will find Counselling with me to be a warm and comfortable environment in which you can talk about your life safely. I believe that developing an honest and trusting relationship between counsellor and client is essential. My therapy is based on building an understanding of how your life up to today, has influenced how you feel, think and behave now. We will also look at understanding how the mind and body connection is working for you now and how you can improve that connection.
Life often feels overwhelming, filled with challenges that tug at our inner peace. If you’ve been searching for a space to reconnect, to process, and to grow, I’m here to guide you with a holistic and empowering approach. My practice has evolved to go beyond traditional methods. My sessions now integrate a blend of talk therapy, hypnotherapy, and personalized self-guidance tools to empower you to take ownership of your healing process. At the heart of my work is the belief that transformation arises when we feel safe, seen, and supported.
Life often feels overwhelming, filled with challenges that tug at our inner peace. If you’ve been searching for a space to reconnect, to process, and to grow, I’m here to guide you with a holistic and empowering approach. My practice has evolved to go beyond traditional methods. My sessions now integrate a blend of talk therapy, hypnotherapy, and personalized self-guidance tools to empower you to take ownership of your healing process. At the heart of my work is the belief that transformation arises when we feel safe, seen, and supported.
I use an integrative approach as I do not believe one style fits all. This means I will suggest utilising the most appropriate approach according to individual needs and wants. The main approaches I work with, but not limited to, are EMDR & CBT.
My 'Intensives' offer the depth of long-term work in a condensed format, allowing space for insight, emotional processing, and lasting change; working in half/ full day or week blocks- for people who prefer taking time out to focus on accelerated change without the delay of years of weekly sessions (this isn't appropriate for every body and is on an individual basis).
I use an integrative approach as I do not believe one style fits all. This means I will suggest utilising the most appropriate approach according to individual needs and wants. The main approaches I work with, but not limited to, are EMDR & CBT.
My 'Intensives' offer the depth of long-term work in a condensed format, allowing space for insight, emotional processing, and lasting change; working in half/ full day or week blocks- for people who prefer taking time out to focus on accelerated change without the delay of years of weekly sessions (this isn't appropriate for every body and is on an individual basis).
On paper, your life works but something still feels off. Maybe you’re doing all the right things, but you’ve lost the spark. Perhaps you notice the same patterns repeating and you are ready to break free of them. Our sessions together can be a place to figure things out, to untangle the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that have left you feeling lost, disconnected or uncertain.
I offer a warm, calm and compassionate space to help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with what matters, and create lasting change from the inside and out.
On paper, your life works but something still feels off. Maybe you’re doing all the right things, but you’ve lost the spark. Perhaps you notice the same patterns repeating and you are ready to break free of them. Our sessions together can be a place to figure things out, to untangle the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that have left you feeling lost, disconnected or uncertain.
I offer a warm, calm and compassionate space to help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with what matters, and create lasting change from the inside and out.
Hi, I'm Abbie. I am passionate about making therapy more accessible to all so you can better work through the challenges that life throws at you. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to be content & fulfilled in life, unhampered by issues, past or present. We all need support and a helping hand at times to make this happen. This is why I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with the challenges that life has thrown at them. My service is a professional, impartial, and totally confidential space for you to heal by expressing & exploring your emotions & find a positive way to move forward in life.
Hi, I'm Abbie. I am passionate about making therapy more accessible to all so you can better work through the challenges that life throws at you. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to be content & fulfilled in life, unhampered by issues, past or present. We all need support and a helping hand at times to make this happen. This is why I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with the challenges that life has thrown at them. My service is a professional, impartial, and totally confidential space for you to heal by expressing & exploring your emotions & find a positive way to move forward in life.
With years of professional experience I provide psychotherapeutic and counselling support specialising in:
• Severe anxiety (work-related, health, social, stress)
• Substance dependency (including alcohol and drugs)
• Addictions (including gambling, sex/masturbation, social media)
• ADHD / ADD
• Autism / ASD and other neurodiversities
• Effects of trauma
• Depression and low-self esteem
• Relationship issues, including infidelity
• Loss & grief.
Contact me for a FREE, 30 minute phone consultation (with no follow-up obligation) so you can get a feel for how I will support you. I will reply within hours on the same day.
With years of professional experience I provide psychotherapeutic and counselling support specialising in:
• Severe anxiety (work-related, health, social, stress)
• Substance dependency (including alcohol and drugs)
• Addictions (including gambling, sex/masturbation, social media)
• ADHD / ADD
• Autism / ASD and other neurodiversities
• Effects of trauma
• Depression and low-self esteem
• Relationship issues, including infidelity
• Loss & grief.
Contact me for a FREE, 30 minute phone consultation (with no follow-up obligation) so you can get a feel for how I will support you. I will reply within hours on the same day.
I offer face to face and online therapy for adults and children (aged 11+) experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement and trauma. I have a particular interest in working with relationship difficulties, including those rooted in early relationships, as well as childhood trauma and how these experiences can impact adult life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wanting to better understand what’s going on for you, I can help bring the change you are looking for, therapy can bring clarity, insight, and a greater understanding.
I offer face to face and online therapy for adults and children (aged 11+) experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement and trauma. I have a particular interest in working with relationship difficulties, including those rooted in early relationships, as well as childhood trauma and how these experiences can impact adult life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wanting to better understand what’s going on for you, I can help bring the change you are looking for, therapy can bring clarity, insight, and a greater understanding.
I am very experienced and have worked with many issues clients bring from relationship problems to work stress and low self esteem. I can help you find a solution, a way of being happier or living life less anxiously. I listen to you and what you want to achieve. 1) Over 24 years experience 2) Relate Trained Couples Therapists 3) Professional, friendly manner.
I am very experienced and have worked with many issues clients bring from relationship problems to work stress and low self esteem. I can help you find a solution, a way of being happier or living life less anxiously. I listen to you and what you want to achieve. 1) Over 24 years experience 2) Relate Trained Couples Therapists 3) Professional, friendly manner.
Life throws up things that we don’t expect, testing our resilience and ability to overcome situations that are often not of our own making. Talking can be key in understanding your predicament and help you move forward. That old saying "a problem shared is a problem halved" really is true. Talking about a problem makes it seem less daunting or troubling. As a counsellor I can offer you that safe, secure place to talk and help you find the right way for you.
Life throws up things that we don’t expect, testing our resilience and ability to overcome situations that are often not of our own making. Talking can be key in understanding your predicament and help you move forward. That old saying "a problem shared is a problem halved" really is true. Talking about a problem makes it seem less daunting or troubling. As a counsellor I can offer you that safe, secure place to talk and help you find the right way for you.
I try to make therapy as available to as many people as I possible can. The cost of therapy can be quite steep so I keep my prices as low as I can so that more can access it. Therapy is about getting to where you want to be by making your own unique road map, so that you can use it again in the future if need be. I'm an Addiction Psychologist by trade, with 18 years of private practise behind me, but a lot of my work is helping many different age groups with problems such as OCD and PTSD etc. Please feel free to contact me and we can have a chat to see if i can be any help to you.
I try to make therapy as available to as many people as I possible can. The cost of therapy can be quite steep so I keep my prices as low as I can so that more can access it. Therapy is about getting to where you want to be by making your own unique road map, so that you can use it again in the future if need be. I'm an Addiction Psychologist by trade, with 18 years of private practise behind me, but a lot of my work is helping many different age groups with problems such as OCD and PTSD etc. Please feel free to contact me and we can have a chat to see if i can be any help to you.
Are you struggling with the stresses and strains that family, friendship, and/ or work life can bring and unsure what to do? Life is not always easy or straightforward, our lives can become challenging at times, causing us to feel overwhelmed with an array of complex emotions which can have an impact on our daily lives. Very often we don’t have someone that we can completely share our innermost thoughts and feelings with so having someone who is a trained professional, allows the opportunity to open up and confide in. I trust that I am able to provide a safe, non-judgemental space to work collaboratively with you.
Are you struggling with the stresses and strains that family, friendship, and/ or work life can bring and unsure what to do? Life is not always easy or straightforward, our lives can become challenging at times, causing us to feel overwhelmed with an array of complex emotions which can have an impact on our daily lives. Very often we don’t have someone that we can completely share our innermost thoughts and feelings with so having someone who is a trained professional, allows the opportunity to open up and confide in. I trust that I am able to provide a safe, non-judgemental space to work collaboratively with you.
Nearby Seniors Counsellors Searches for Braintree
- Chelmsford
- Coggeshall
- Dunmow
- Great Baddow
- Great Dunmow
- Halstead
- Maldon
- Middleton
- South Woodham Ferrers
- Sudbury
- Tiptree Heath
- Witham
FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical mobility challenges.
How is counselling for elderly different from counselling for other age groups?
In general, counselling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. Therapists who specialise in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counselling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.
How can therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.
What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counsellors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counsellors specialising in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counsellors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.