Counselling for Seniors in Gillingham

Amanda Tooms Therapy and Wellbeing
Counsellor, MA, PNCPS Acc.
Are you struggling with past or present trauma, feelings of overwhelm/issues that you're struggling to overcome? Do you feel that you don't know which way to turn or where to start? I hear you, and I see you! I am a trauma informed counsellor and psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and mentor. I have been in therapy myself and I know first-hand the feeling of darkness, pain and trauma, but I also know what it's like to feel light again. That is why I trained as a therapist myself, so that I could support individuals in the same way that my therapist supported me when I needed it most. You are not alone, and I am here for you!
Are you struggling with past or present trauma, feelings of overwhelm/issues that you're struggling to overcome? Do you feel that you don't know which way to turn or where to start? I hear you, and I see you! I am a trauma informed counsellor and psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and mentor. I have been in therapy myself and I know first-hand the feeling of darkness, pain and trauma, but I also know what it's like to feel light again. That is why I trained as a therapist myself, so that I could support individuals in the same way that my therapist supported me when I needed it most. You are not alone, and I am here for you!
01747 441435 View 01747 441435
Oleg Elizarov
Counsellor, MBACP
I offer non judgmental and confidential counselling to Men and Women from all walks of life and from many differing circumstances. I understand that it is important that you feel comfortable with the counsellor you have chosen and be able to build a therapeutic relationship.
I offer non judgmental and confidential counselling to Men and Women from all walks of life and from many differing circumstances. I understand that it is important that you feel comfortable with the counsellor you have chosen and be able to build a therapeutic relationship.
01634 561135 View 01634 561135
Lisa King Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I am a warm, friendly person and have experienced the positive, life changing affects that counselling can have on a person. I work hard to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with you so that you can feel safe and supported in our sessions together. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, because only you know how it really feels to be you and that can feel like a lonely place sometimes. Together, we can explore what is causing your distress and find ways to help. I have a lot of experience working with anxiety and have witnessed how overwhelming it can be and the affect it can have on your quality of life.
I am a warm, friendly person and have experienced the positive, life changing affects that counselling can have on a person. I work hard to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with you so that you can feel safe and supported in our sessions together. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, because only you know how it really feels to be you and that can feel like a lonely place sometimes. Together, we can explore what is causing your distress and find ways to help. I have a lot of experience working with anxiety and have witnessed how overwhelming it can be and the affect it can have on your quality of life.
01634 980680 View 01634 980680
Debbie Collins
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
The problems I can address are varied and wide-ranging. They may include bereavement, divorce and separation, ill health, depression and trauma. I help you set a goal, if that is the way forward for you or I can just be there with you in a supportive role, if that is what you require. Together we can work towards achieving a happier, more relaxed you.
The problems I can address are varied and wide-ranging. They may include bereavement, divorce and separation, ill health, depression and trauma. I help you set a goal, if that is the way forward for you or I can just be there with you in a supportive role, if that is what you require. Together we can work towards achieving a happier, more relaxed you.
01747 449988 View 01747 449988
Cindy Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I am an experienced, humanistic, relational counsellor . I trained and work integratively. This means I use several different models of counselling intertwined, leaning more to one than the others as required by the individual. These include Person Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic and Existential . Post qualifying, I have trained extensively in working with trauma. I believe the quality of the relationship between client and counsellor is very important. I see my clients in private, quiet and comfortable rooms in Gillingham town centre with public car parks available nearby and easy access to public transport link.
I am an experienced, humanistic, relational counsellor . I trained and work integratively. This means I use several different models of counselling intertwined, leaning more to one than the others as required by the individual. These include Person Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic and Existential . Post qualifying, I have trained extensively in working with trauma. I believe the quality of the relationship between client and counsellor is very important. I see my clients in private, quiet and comfortable rooms in Gillingham town centre with public car parks available nearby and easy access to public transport link.
01634 968286 View 01634 968286
Sarah Lidsey
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
I am a psycho-spiritual practitioner who has worked with complimentary and traditional fields of therapy for over 25yrs. I offer support to help you bring clarity and insight to your life's challenges. These may be issues beyond your control that can trigger your history, and destabilise your present reality. We all suffer, feel pain, and periodically struggle in life. It’s natural. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Being deeply listened and responded to in the telling of your story, can dissolve a lot of tension and distress. It is a journey towards greater happiness and health, where we reflect on what is troubling you now.
I am a psycho-spiritual practitioner who has worked with complimentary and traditional fields of therapy for over 25yrs. I offer support to help you bring clarity and insight to your life's challenges. These may be issues beyond your control that can trigger your history, and destabilise your present reality. We all suffer, feel pain, and periodically struggle in life. It’s natural. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Being deeply listened and responded to in the telling of your story, can dissolve a lot of tension and distress. It is a journey towards greater happiness and health, where we reflect on what is troubling you now.
01747 447001 View 01747 447001
Sophie Wilson
Counsellor, MBACP
Occasionally, we find ourselves experiencing a wide range of difficulties. It could be anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, grief, or just a sense that you do not feel good enough no matter how hard you try. Whatever the reason, I understand that it can feel incredibly isolating and as if no one seems to understand you or how you are feeling. It can reach a point where we begin to recognise that something has got to change; but are just not sure what that is yet. I truly believe that part of the healing power is the ability to untangle your thoughts and feelings freely, without the fear of judgement and being truly heard.
Occasionally, we find ourselves experiencing a wide range of difficulties. It could be anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, grief, or just a sense that you do not feel good enough no matter how hard you try. Whatever the reason, I understand that it can feel incredibly isolating and as if no one seems to understand you or how you are feeling. It can reach a point where we begin to recognise that something has got to change; but are just not sure what that is yet. I truly believe that part of the healing power is the ability to untangle your thoughts and feelings freely, without the fear of judgement and being truly heard.
01634 980153 View 01634 980153
Rainham Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
I am, Karen, a qualified counsellor who practices using Person Centred and Psychodynamic therapies. I provide a confidential space for you to be accepted as you are. We work together to explore what you want to achieve in therapy. This may initially be unknown, so we work to clarify and explore, to discover anything that is concerning or causing you unrest/stress. The calm, quiet and confidential space I offer, provides a sanctuary where self-awareness may increase, and personal growth can happen.
I am, Karen, a qualified counsellor who practices using Person Centred and Psychodynamic therapies. I provide a confidential space for you to be accepted as you are. We work together to explore what you want to achieve in therapy. This may initially be unknown, so we work to clarify and explore, to discover anything that is concerning or causing you unrest/stress. The calm, quiet and confidential space I offer, provides a sanctuary where self-awareness may increase, and personal growth can happen.
01747 449968 View 01747 449968
Dr Esthefanea F. Santos
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together? Maybe you're constantly overthinking, feeling low, or just not like yourself lately. You might be managing work, relationships, or daily life on the outside, but inside, something feels off. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout create more space to breathe, reflect, and feel like themselves again. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, low energy, emotional numbness, or simply the sense that you’re no longer coping in the way you used to, I can help.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together? Maybe you're constantly overthinking, feeling low, or just not like yourself lately. You might be managing work, relationships, or daily life on the outside, but inside, something feels off. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout create more space to breathe, reflect, and feel like themselves again. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, low energy, emotional numbness, or simply the sense that you’re no longer coping in the way you used to, I can help.
01747 441447 View 01747 441447
Bulb Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
As I have evolved through both my Professional and Personal landscapes, I am committed to help transform, Children, Adults , Families through their Relationships, Mental Health issues, overcome Domestic Abuse and Trauma, recognise Narcissistic Abuse and achieve overall life improvement. I work with all walks of life and have many strings to my bow, I adore learning, researching and am currently undergoing further training focussing on the impact of Trauma and implementing new approaches to help manage CPTSD/PTSD. I have a diverse range of interpersonal skills and utilise my knowledge to teach and train Psychology and Counselling
As I have evolved through both my Professional and Personal landscapes, I am committed to help transform, Children, Adults , Families through their Relationships, Mental Health issues, overcome Domestic Abuse and Trauma, recognise Narcissistic Abuse and achieve overall life improvement. I work with all walks of life and have many strings to my bow, I adore learning, researching and am currently undergoing further training focussing on the impact of Trauma and implementing new approaches to help manage CPTSD/PTSD. I have a diverse range of interpersonal skills and utilise my knowledge to teach and train Psychology and Counselling
01634 540369 View 01634 540369
Debbie Cooley
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My name is Debbie, and I am an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor. I work with people who are carrying experiences that feel heavy, overwhelming, or difficult to hold alone. Many of the clients who come to me have lived through trauma, loss, or long periods of coping on their own, and are now seeking a space that feels safe, human, and respectful of their story. My way of working is down to earth, relational, and conversational, grounded in real human connection rather than anything clinical or detached.
My name is Debbie, and I am an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor. I work with people who are carrying experiences that feel heavy, overwhelming, or difficult to hold alone. Many of the clients who come to me have lived through trauma, loss, or long periods of coping on their own, and are now seeking a space that feels safe, human, and respectful of their story. My way of working is down to earth, relational, and conversational, grounded in real human connection rather than anything clinical or detached.
01747 447024 View 01747 447024
Karen Cunliffe
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
3 Endorsed
I am a qualified counsellor dedicated to helping adults and young people find emotional balance and mental wellbeing, through short-term and long-term therapeutic counselling support. In our work together, you'll have the opportunity to examine your life experiences within a safe, confidential environment alongside someone who sits outside your day to day life. This therapeutic alliance allows for fresh perspectives to emerge, supporting you in achieving greater emotional equilibrium, enhanced wellbeing, and deeper self-understanding. I work to support you to discover your own path.
I am a qualified counsellor dedicated to helping adults and young people find emotional balance and mental wellbeing, through short-term and long-term therapeutic counselling support. In our work together, you'll have the opportunity to examine your life experiences within a safe, confidential environment alongside someone who sits outside your day to day life. This therapeutic alliance allows for fresh perspectives to emerge, supporting you in achieving greater emotional equilibrium, enhanced wellbeing, and deeper self-understanding. I work to support you to discover your own path.
01424 238984 View 01424 238984
Carol Charmaine Dobbs
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Do you need someone to talk too? Are you lonely, depressed or having relationship issues? Sometimes having an impartial listener can help you to see new ways of coping or overcoming the problems you are facing. As a couples counsellor my job is to help facilitate happier relationships or respectful endings. As a qualified and registered counsellor I am able to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore any issues you feel are causing difficulty in your life. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and welcome everyone, whatever your background may be, to explore ways in which to make your life better.
Do you need someone to talk too? Are you lonely, depressed or having relationship issues? Sometimes having an impartial listener can help you to see new ways of coping or overcoming the problems you are facing. As a couples counsellor my job is to help facilitate happier relationships or respectful endings. As a qualified and registered counsellor I am able to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore any issues you feel are causing difficulty in your life. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and welcome everyone, whatever your background may be, to explore ways in which to make your life better.
01634 968955 View 01634 968955
Counselling room (Hoo Peninsula/Medway) Accredited
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm an experienced Accredited Counsellor. The BACP award says I'm "working to a higher standard as a competent and ethical independent practitioner". I run the private practice following experience with NHS and leading mental health charity MIND; thus, I'm able to provide what is needed. I've worked with low self-esteem, isolation, depression, anxiety (health, claustrophobia, phobias), panic, confusion, bereavement, life changes, relationships, OCD, abuse, trauma, complex trauma, problems with belonging and/or sense of self. I offer face to face, online video and telephone sessions. I will be able to offer a therapy dog soon!
I'm an experienced Accredited Counsellor. The BACP award says I'm "working to a higher standard as a competent and ethical independent practitioner". I run the private practice following experience with NHS and leading mental health charity MIND; thus, I'm able to provide what is needed. I've worked with low self-esteem, isolation, depression, anxiety (health, claustrophobia, phobias), panic, confusion, bereavement, life changes, relationships, OCD, abuse, trauma, complex trauma, problems with belonging and/or sense of self. I offer face to face, online video and telephone sessions. I will be able to offer a therapy dog soon!
01634 968850 View 01634 968850
Empathia Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, I’m Cathryn, a qualified Integrative Counsellor registered with the BACP. I specialize in supporting individuals with BPD/EUPD, Autism, ADHD, trauma, and self-harm. I understand the emotional toll these challenges take and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we’ll develop coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and self-empowerment. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call to see if we’re the right fit. I’m here to support your journey toward healing.
Hello, I’m Cathryn, a qualified Integrative Counsellor registered with the BACP. I specialize in supporting individuals with BPD/EUPD, Autism, ADHD, trauma, and self-harm. I understand the emotional toll these challenges take and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we’ll develop coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and self-empowerment. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call to see if we’re the right fit. I’m here to support your journey toward healing.
01795 501950 View 01795 501950
Laura-Lee D'Souza
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome, people call me Laura. Do you often feel unsure, overwhelmed or just not present? Would you like to feel less burdened? You might be surprised just how quickly you see improvements. My clients often say they “feel lighter” from our first session. I offer genuine empathy and integrative techniques, inc. trauma informed & Person-Centred (Humanistic) psychotherapy, Rewind therapy. This therapy space focuses on your needs. A space of acceptance and positive energy. Together we would form a professional therapy plan just for you, in a calm, non-judgemental way. Contact me free, for a no obligation, 15-minute consultation T/call.
Welcome, people call me Laura. Do you often feel unsure, overwhelmed or just not present? Would you like to feel less burdened? You might be surprised just how quickly you see improvements. My clients often say they “feel lighter” from our first session. I offer genuine empathy and integrative techniques, inc. trauma informed & Person-Centred (Humanistic) psychotherapy, Rewind therapy. This therapy space focuses on your needs. A space of acceptance and positive energy. Together we would form a professional therapy plan just for you, in a calm, non-judgemental way. Contact me free, for a no obligation, 15-minute consultation T/call.
01622 233622 View 01622 233622
Catherine Beach
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Life doesn't get any easier does it? Juggling work, relationships and family can be stressful and confusing, leaving us feeling emotionally drained. Sometimes the harder we work to please others, the tougher we are on ourselves. This can make us feel less than good enough. Deeper feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger can be painful and scary, so we become very good at burying them until they build up and overwhelm us. If you are experiencing feelings that are hard to manage I can help you.
Life doesn't get any easier does it? Juggling work, relationships and family can be stressful and confusing, leaving us feeling emotionally drained. Sometimes the harder we work to please others, the tougher we are on ourselves. This can make us feel less than good enough. Deeper feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger can be painful and scary, so we become very good at burying them until they build up and overwhelm us. If you are experiencing feelings that are hard to manage I can help you.
01795 504284 View 01795 504284
Dr Esther M Olawande
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Serves Area
Many of the people I work with appear to be coping well on the outside—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. I specialise in supporting high-achieving professionals who are used to performing at a high level, yet find themselves struggling with stress, burnout, or difficulties in their relationships. You may be feeling constantly under pressure, overthinking everything, or noticing that your work is starting to impact your personal life. In relationships, this can show up as repeated arguments, emotional distance, or a sense that you and your partner are no longer on the same page.
Many of the people I work with appear to be coping well on the outside—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. I specialise in supporting high-achieving professionals who are used to performing at a high level, yet find themselves struggling with stress, burnout, or difficulties in their relationships. You may be feeling constantly under pressure, overthinking everything, or noticing that your work is starting to impact your personal life. In relationships, this can show up as repeated arguments, emotional distance, or a sense that you and your partner are no longer on the same page.
01634 564236 View 01634 564236
Natalie Wood
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply, not only to reduce anxiety or low mood, but to make sense of who they are, their relationships, and how they want to live. Often, this includes people who are already quite reflective, but find that thinking alone hasn’t led to the clarity or change they’re looking for. There may be a sense of feeling stuck, unsettled, or unsure of direction, even when things appear to be functioning on the surface.
I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply, not only to reduce anxiety or low mood, but to make sense of who they are, their relationships, and how they want to live. Often, this includes people who are already quite reflective, but find that thinking alone hasn’t led to the clarity or change they’re looking for. There may be a sense of feeling stuck, unsettled, or unsure of direction, even when things appear to be functioning on the surface.
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Lynda Chan Phillips
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Lynda, a counsellor based in Rochester. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or carrying a grief that’s hard to explain. Maybe something has changed in your life, or perhaps it’s been building for a while. I offer a calm, steady space where you don’t have to hold it all alone. We’ll take things at your pace. Sometimes we may sit with what’s heavy; other times, we might begin to gently untangle it. Together, we’ll explore ways to cope and feel more grounded in who you are.
Hi, I’m Lynda, a counsellor based in Rochester. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or carrying a grief that’s hard to explain. Maybe something has changed in your life, or perhaps it’s been building for a while. I offer a calm, steady space where you don’t have to hold it all alone. We’ll take things at your pace. Sometimes we may sit with what’s heavy; other times, we might begin to gently untangle it. Together, we’ll explore ways to cope and feel more grounded in who you are.
01634 980158 View 01634 980158
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.