Life Coaching Counselling in Northampton

Photo of Charlie Staniforth - Dr Charlotte Staniforth EMDR. Coaching, CFT, DBT, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Charlotte Staniforth EMDR. Coaching, CFT, DBT
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6  (Online Only)
I work with adolescents and adults who would like to understand themselves better and who may need some help with managing their emotions and their day to day lives, improving their relationships, getting relief from symptoms of trauma and improving their self esteem and confidence. I also work with anxiety, phobias and functional pain/conditions. I can offer coaching to individuals to improve performance or to help them work towards making changes in specific areas of their life. I can also offer supervision to other professionals/organisations. I have a special interest in trauma informed care-training and implementation.
I work with adolescents and adults who would like to understand themselves better and who may need some help with managing their emotions and their day to day lives, improving their relationships, getting relief from symptoms of trauma and improving their self esteem and confidence. I also work with anxiety, phobias and functional pain/conditions. I can offer coaching to individuals to improve performance or to help them work towards making changes in specific areas of their life. I can also offer supervision to other professionals/organisations. I have a special interest in trauma informed care-training and implementation.
01536 907086 View 01536 907086
Photo of Anna Bialous-Griffiths, MA, FMBPsS, Psychologist
Anna Bialous-Griffiths
Psychologist, MA, FMBPsS
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
I conduct individual psychotherapy and psychotherapy for couples, psychological consultations, coaching sessions, workshops and training.
Hello. I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist that has been offering a confidential service, working with couples, individuals and groups for over 17 years in both English and Polish language. I help people who: want to deal better with their emotions ( anxiety, loneliness, sadness, anger, etc); are going through a life crisis; have experienced trauma; want to regain inner balance; want to increase their motivation, self-confidence and resistance to stress; want to improve relationships with other people; want to effectively achieve their goals or make an important change in their life.
I conduct individual psychotherapy and psychotherapy for couples, psychological consultations, coaching sessions, workshops and training.
Hello. I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist that has been offering a confidential service, working with couples, individuals and groups for over 17 years in both English and Polish language. I help people who: want to deal better with their emotions ( anxiety, loneliness, sadness, anger, etc); are going through a life crisis; have experienced trauma; want to regain inner balance; want to increase their motivation, self-confidence and resistance to stress; want to improve relationships with other people; want to effectively achieve their goals or make an important change in their life.
01536 907277 View 01536 907277
Photo of Katie Shepherd, MBACP, Counsellor
Katie Shepherd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6  (Online Only)
Life is challenging and it takes incredible courage to ask for help.
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
Life is challenging and it takes incredible courage to ask for help.
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
01327 227406 View 01327 227406
Photo of Amy Brennan, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Amy Brennan
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1  (Online Only)
Do you feel completely overwhelmed, as if life is a constant battle? Do you question whether you are a good enough mum, and feel as though everyone else knows some secret that you don’t? You never thought being a mum would be this hard, why do you feel so upset caring for those you love? You endlessly strive to do more, to be more, but it never feels enough? You search for the answers, for some magic to make things easier, but rather than finding answers you feel more confused and overwhelmed.
Do you feel completely overwhelmed, as if life is a constant battle? Do you question whether you are a good enough mum, and feel as though everyone else knows some secret that you don’t? You never thought being a mum would be this hard, why do you feel so upset caring for those you love? You endlessly strive to do more, to be more, but it never feels enough? You search for the answers, for some magic to make things easier, but rather than finding answers you feel more confused and overwhelmed.
01536 907226 View 01536 907226
Photo of Fungai Gonhi - Wellbeing Co Therapy and Coaching, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Wellbeing Co Therapy and Coaching
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN5
Whether you are after psychological therapy for a mental health challenge or coaching for work/ personal stresses, please reach out to me for an initial 15 minute discussion.
Hi, I am Fungai. I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood sexual abuse/ neglect, long health terms conditions and obsessive compulsive disorder) and depression. The problem does not have to diagnosed, it can be factors contributing to mental distress such as work stress and overwhelm, finances, bullying, gender identity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, discrimination and racism.
Whether you are after psychological therapy for a mental health challenge or coaching for work/ personal stresses, please reach out to me for an initial 15 minute discussion.
Hi, I am Fungai. I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood sexual abuse/ neglect, long health terms conditions and obsessive compulsive disorder) and depression. The problem does not have to diagnosed, it can be factors contributing to mental distress such as work stress and overwhelm, finances, bullying, gender identity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, discrimination and racism.
01536 907774 View 01536 907774
Photo of Cathy McMorrow - Cathy McMorrow Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Cathy McMorrow Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to cope with difficult feelings, thoughts or behaviours? Looking for ways to manage difficult past or present life events or relationships? Or maybe you just want to understand yourself better? As your counsellor, I will offer you a safe, confidential, and comfortable space to explore your difficulties without judging you or telling you what to do. There will be no distractions; an opportunity to be fully heard and valued. Whether you want to explore through talking or other creative means like art work, movement or acting out, it is your choice. Whatever works for you!
Are you struggling to cope with difficult feelings, thoughts or behaviours? Looking for ways to manage difficult past or present life events or relationships? Or maybe you just want to understand yourself better? As your counsellor, I will offer you a safe, confidential, and comfortable space to explore your difficulties without judging you or telling you what to do. There will be no distractions; an opportunity to be fully heard and valued. Whether you want to explore through talking or other creative means like art work, movement or acting out, it is your choice. Whatever works for you!
01234 864647 View 01234 864647
Photo of Leigh Spatcher, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Leigh Spatcher
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
I am a highly motivated and passionate real guy with a solution focused approach to life, therapy and mental health. I bring a refreshing new approach to every appointment and treat every client as a true equal and approach every issue as a team. It is not uncommon to meet me for a walk and talk session or work with you on a specific issue and end up at the dentist, supermarket; passenger in your car or with spiders on our knees. I make the treatment of incredibly challenging issues positive, normal and achievable.
I am a highly motivated and passionate real guy with a solution focused approach to life, therapy and mental health. I bring a refreshing new approach to every appointment and treat every client as a true equal and approach every issue as a team. It is not uncommon to meet me for a walk and talk session or work with you on a specific issue and end up at the dentist, supermarket; passenger in your car or with spiders on our knees. I make the treatment of incredibly challenging issues positive, normal and achievable.
01604 279184 View 01604 279184
Photo of Claire L Newman, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Claire L Newman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
I offer online psychotherapy, counselling, life coaching and mentoring sessions.
Welcome, you may be looking for a therapist, counsellor or coach to address a specific issue, perhaps an experience that is impacting you now, or there may be a general feeling that something is not quite right. Therapy and counselling help you discover the real you, creating awareness, acknowledging and dealing with repressed feelings and getting in touch with your innate self-worth. Which, in turn, promotes personal autonomy and the resilience to deal with life's challenges. Life coaching clears unconscious patterns and beliefs and helps you to set and action goals to move towards living a fulfilling and nourishing life.
I offer online psychotherapy, counselling, life coaching and mentoring sessions.
Welcome, you may be looking for a therapist, counsellor or coach to address a specific issue, perhaps an experience that is impacting you now, or there may be a general feeling that something is not quite right. Therapy and counselling help you discover the real you, creating awareness, acknowledging and dealing with repressed feelings and getting in touch with your innate self-worth. Which, in turn, promotes personal autonomy and the resilience to deal with life's challenges. Life coaching clears unconscious patterns and beliefs and helps you to set and action goals to move towards living a fulfilling and nourishing life.
01604 954296 View 01604 954296
Photo of Mary Doran, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Mary Doran
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Whatever your goals for therapy, whether you want to regulate your emotions better, release yourself from debilitating anxiety or depression, or make better choices in your life, living to your best potential, I can help you to achieve better mental health and work towards a better balance in life.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
Whatever your goals for therapy, whether you want to regulate your emotions better, release yourself from debilitating anxiety or depression, or make better choices in your life, living to your best potential, I can help you to achieve better mental health and work towards a better balance in life.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
01536 907346 View 01536 907346
Photo of Cristina Maria Nemes, MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Cristina Maria Nemes
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6  (Online Only)
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
01604 954995 View 01604 954995
Photo of Kevin Powell - Insight Northampton, MBACP, Counsellor
Insight Northampton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN1
Whether its something that is happening in your life right now or events from the past that are continuing to affect you.
Hello; my name is Kevin and thank you for visiting my profile. How does it make you feel when attempting to share your thoughts and feelings with others when they respond by saying: I know how you feel, sort yourself out, Man up, you should do it this way, pull yourself together, you will get over it. You are a unique individual, your feelings are unique to you and deserve to be accepted and valued.
Whether its something that is happening in your life right now or events from the past that are continuing to affect you.
Hello; my name is Kevin and thank you for visiting my profile. How does it make you feel when attempting to share your thoughts and feelings with others when they respond by saying: I know how you feel, sort yourself out, Man up, you should do it this way, pull yourself together, you will get over it. You are a unique individual, your feelings are unique to you and deserve to be accepted and valued.
01604 420654 View 01604 420654
Photo of Perry Devlin, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Perry Devlin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
My aim is to help you find relief from difficulties you may be experiencing by guiding you to have a better understanding of yourself and your unique experiences. I pride myself in offering a compassionate and holistic approach to providing advice and signposting for all aspects of life from a biopsychosocial spiritual perspective. I have a keen interest looking at how the body and mind work as one and how we can better understand this to improve our overall wellbeing.
My aim is to help you find relief from difficulties you may be experiencing by guiding you to have a better understanding of yourself and your unique experiences. I pride myself in offering a compassionate and holistic approach to providing advice and signposting for all aspects of life from a biopsychosocial spiritual perspective. I have a keen interest looking at how the body and mind work as one and how we can better understand this to improve our overall wellbeing.
01604 279854 View 01604 279854
Photo of Ben Stimpson, MBACP, Counsellor
Ben Stimpson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1  (Online Only)
Together we can work to explore the stories and lenses you live your life through, where those stories came from, and how to strengthen or rewrite them to suit your life.
Have you imagined what it would be like to live your life with strong boundaries, secure sense of self, and healthy relationships? My name is Ben Stimpson, I am an Integrative Therapist and Registered member of BACP. I can assist you in becoming aware of unhealthy patterns in your life that prevent you from living your full potential. Together, we can explore your needs, analyze your relationship patterns, and cast a light on those unhealthy dynamics holding you back.
Together we can work to explore the stories and lenses you live your life through, where those stories came from, and how to strengthen or rewrite them to suit your life.
Have you imagined what it would be like to live your life with strong boundaries, secure sense of self, and healthy relationships? My name is Ben Stimpson, I am an Integrative Therapist and Registered member of BACP. I can assist you in becoming aware of unhealthy patterns in your life that prevent you from living your full potential. Together, we can explore your needs, analyze your relationship patterns, and cast a light on those unhealthy dynamics holding you back.
01244 667188 View 01244 667188
Photo of Danny Cummings, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Danny Cummings
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
My role is to enable you to become more self aware and empowered in order to bring about the positive changes in your life.
I am a qualified integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor with experience o secondary school counselling. I use a broad range of therapeutic techniques such as the Person Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT and Mindfullness, tailoring our therapy sessions to meet your individual needs. I have been teaching in education as the head of Psychology for over 17 years and am also a qualified Hypnotherapist. I work with relationships, both individuals and couples in particular those that are survivors of or current Narcissistic abuse. I offer support to work through unresolved chilhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, and self abandonment.
My role is to enable you to become more self aware and empowered in order to bring about the positive changes in your life.
I am a qualified integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor with experience o secondary school counselling. I use a broad range of therapeutic techniques such as the Person Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT and Mindfullness, tailoring our therapy sessions to meet your individual needs. I have been teaching in education as the head of Psychology for over 17 years and am also a qualified Hypnotherapist. I work with relationships, both individuals and couples in particular those that are survivors of or current Narcissistic abuse. I offer support to work through unresolved chilhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, and self abandonment.
01604 261757 View 01604 261757
Photo of Isabel Leming, MRes
Isabel Leming
MRes
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1  (Online Only)
How would it be to be living a joyous, fulfilled, and happy life? Free from anxiety, depression, limiting beliefs and that inner critic. Just imagine for a moment how life would be then. For clients looking to find answers and solutions to their problems. I support people to improve their lives and overcome issues when things get difficult. I take the time to listen and understand your challenges and history and provide personally-tailored sessions to help you move forward with energy, clarity and direction. I teach a range of tools, techniques and skills for you to implement and take back control of you mind and your life.
How would it be to be living a joyous, fulfilled, and happy life? Free from anxiety, depression, limiting beliefs and that inner critic. Just imagine for a moment how life would be then. For clients looking to find answers and solutions to their problems. I support people to improve their lives and overcome issues when things get difficult. I take the time to listen and understand your challenges and history and provide personally-tailored sessions to help you move forward with energy, clarity and direction. I teach a range of tools, techniques and skills for you to implement and take back control of you mind and your life.
0141 673 5538 View 0141 673 5538
Photo of Hema Patel, MBACP, Counsellor
Hema Patel
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
Life is stressful and coping with it can feel overwhelming. You are not alone and I am here to help you find clarity and calm by tailoring dialogue sessions to address your unique and specific needs in a safe and trusted environment. By visiting this page, you have already taken the first step to improve your quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I welcome you to send me a message for further details or to schedule an appointment.
Life is stressful and coping with it can feel overwhelming. You are not alone and I am here to help you find clarity and calm by tailoring dialogue sessions to address your unique and specific needs in a safe and trusted environment. By visiting this page, you have already taken the first step to improve your quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I welcome you to send me a message for further details or to schedule an appointment.
01604 279682 View 01604 279682
Photo of Justin Porter, BACP, Counsellor
Justin Porter
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN7
Even if you have people in your life that care, often their input is biased, conditional or unhelpful.
You are not alone! In addition to formal Counselling training, I bring to my work many years of life experience and of overcoming (and continuing to overcome) my own mental and emotional health challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by circumstances or internal struggles, I will use my experience and training to help empower you to overcome situations both inner and outer that may feel impossible to surmount. .
Even if you have people in your life that care, often their input is biased, conditional or unhelpful.
You are not alone! In addition to formal Counselling training, I bring to my work many years of life experience and of overcoming (and continuing to overcome) my own mental and emotional health challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by circumstances or internal struggles, I will use my experience and training to help empower you to overcome situations both inner and outer that may feel impossible to surmount. .
01604 343224 View 01604 343224
Photo of Carole Scarlett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carole Scarlett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
Through this process, I can support you in obtaining the awareness & clarity to move forward and take care of any worries in your life.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
Through this process, I can support you in obtaining the awareness & clarity to move forward and take care of any worries in your life.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
01442 953053 View 01442 953053
Photo of Lynsey Dee Martin, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lynsey Dee Martin
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
Hi, my name is Lynsey and I would like to help support you in this difficult time. Sometimes we go through life at such a fast pace that we ignore our underlying feelings and this can sometimes cause us upset and frustration. I wonder if you are Living a life with uncomfortable feelings and not knowing how to process them which can be holding you back from a more fulfilled life, are you finding it hard to understand yourself or Maybe you have felt things are too much right now and have a lot going on in your head. We get bogged down sometimes and tend to push our emotions to one side, which can lead to unwanted behaviour.
Hi, my name is Lynsey and I would like to help support you in this difficult time. Sometimes we go through life at such a fast pace that we ignore our underlying feelings and this can sometimes cause us upset and frustration. I wonder if you are Living a life with uncomfortable feelings and not knowing how to process them which can be holding you back from a more fulfilled life, are you finding it hard to understand yourself or Maybe you have felt things are too much right now and have a lot going on in your head. We get bogged down sometimes and tend to push our emotions to one side, which can lead to unwanted behaviour.
07599 334367 View 07599 334367
Photo of Carly Brown, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Carly Brown
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I specialise in a range of life's struggles from feelings of anxiety and depression to low self-esteem, emotional trauma, daily stressors, work related problems and relationship issues.
There are many reasons why you might reach out for counselling such as a challenging life event, transitional periods, seeking self -discovery or wanting to manage anxiety. Finding the right counsellor to share difficult thoughts and feelings with can be incredibly daunting. Studies show that the most important factor in the success of your treatment is your relationship with your therapist and the experience of feeling felt and heard. I provide a safe and compassionate environment that helps guide you towards your goals.
I specialise in a range of life's struggles from feelings of anxiety and depression to low self-esteem, emotional trauma, daily stressors, work related problems and relationship issues.
There are many reasons why you might reach out for counselling such as a challenging life event, transitional periods, seeking self -discovery or wanting to manage anxiety. Finding the right counsellor to share difficult thoughts and feelings with can be incredibly daunting. Studies show that the most important factor in the success of your treatment is your relationship with your therapist and the experience of feeling felt and heard. I provide a safe and compassionate environment that helps guide you towards your goals.
01234 860927 View 01234 860927
1

See more therapy options for Northampton

Life Coaching Counsellors

What can I expect from life coaching?

Clients and coaches will typically start by identifying the problem area(s) that the client hopes to address—then, the coach will help the client brainstorm potential solutions and explore concrete techniques to help the client attain their goals. Coaching is typically short-term and focused on finding solutions in the here and now, rather than exploring a client’s past. In addition to strategies aimed at the client’s specific concerns, coaches may encourage general stress management techniques such as meditation.

Can a life coach help treat anxiety?

Because the majority of life coaches are not licensed clinicians, they are not qualified to diagnose or treat anxiety. Anyone struggling with anxiety or another mental health condition should seek help from a licensed mental health practitioner. However, some coaching clients who struggle with subclinical anxiety report that working with their coach on other problems—such as career dissatisfaction or unhealthy habits—has a positive effect on their anxiety.

Can life coaching be done online?

Yes. While life coaching often happens in person, many coaches conduct sessions over the phone or via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Because life coaches are not subject to local licensing regulations in the same way that therapists are, they are able to see clients who live in other locations.

How long does life coaching last?

Life coaching tends to be a shorter-term process than therapy, though it does not always unfold over a specific period of time and is instead based on the coach’s or the client’s preferences. Coaching often takes place over three to 12 months but may be shorter or longer if necessary.