Female Counselling in Southend-on-Sea

Photo of Dr Stephanie Anne Edwards, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Stephanie Anne Edwards
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
I'm a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Psychological Society (BPS). I have over 14 years experience of offering therapeutic interventions working in the prison service and in the NHS and am now working in private practice. My approach to therapy encourages compassion and self acceptance while also helping people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Using this information people can then consider whether change needs to occur and we can work together to make this change.
I'm a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Psychological Society (BPS). I have over 14 years experience of offering therapeutic interventions working in the prison service and in the NHS and am now working in private practice. My approach to therapy encourages compassion and self acceptance while also helping people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Using this information people can then consider whether change needs to occur and we can work together to make this change.
01702 967255 View 01702 967255
Photo of Dr Farah Mitha, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Farah Mitha
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Farah has over 20 years clinical experience of working both in the NHS and private sector, providing evidence based psychological treatment and guidance tailoring her approach to the individual clients needs. These may be short term goals, that lend themselves to briefer therapy, or longer-term goals leading to more in-depth exploration of longer standing issues. Her clinical expereince include a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties from mild depression and anxiety, to complex trauma, with a special interest in OCD. She is able to offer specialised trauma treatment for PTSD in the form of EMDR.
Farah has over 20 years clinical experience of working both in the NHS and private sector, providing evidence based psychological treatment and guidance tailoring her approach to the individual clients needs. These may be short term goals, that lend themselves to briefer therapy, or longer-term goals leading to more in-depth exploration of longer standing issues. Her clinical expereince include a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties from mild depression and anxiety, to complex trauma, with a special interest in OCD. She is able to offer specialised trauma treatment for PTSD in the form of EMDR.
01702 967132 View 01702 967132
Photo of Karen Faires, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Karen Faires
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
As someone who has suffered from anxiety in the past and who has a son with ADHD, I understand how these problems affect clients and the frustration they cause. I recognise that clients want to learn how to reduce and control their symptoms so that they can lead a more fulfilling and functional life.
As someone who has suffered from anxiety in the past and who has a son with ADHD, I understand how these problems affect clients and the frustration they cause. I recognise that clients want to learn how to reduce and control their symptoms so that they can lead a more fulfilling and functional life.
01702 967037 View 01702 967037
Photo of Bukola Ruth Aina, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Bukola Ruth Aina
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
My name is Oluwabukola Ruth Aina, and I am qualified therapeutic counsellor, an accredited member of National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and a member of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I am dedicated to helping individuals on their journeys of healing and self-discovery. My practice integrates on current, contemporary, evidence-based approaches to mental health. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable to explore and express their thoughts and emotions. I have supported clients in gaining greater self-awareness, overcoming personal obstacles,
My name is Oluwabukola Ruth Aina, and I am qualified therapeutic counsellor, an accredited member of National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and a member of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I am dedicated to helping individuals on their journeys of healing and self-discovery. My practice integrates on current, contemporary, evidence-based approaches to mental health. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable to explore and express their thoughts and emotions. I have supported clients in gaining greater self-awareness, overcoming personal obstacles,
01702 967907 View 01702 967907
Photo of Lauren Page, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Lauren Page
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Do you often feel weighed down by low self-esteem, anxiety, low mood, or painful memories from the past? Maybe you put others first, speak harshly to yourself, or feel stuck in patterns that are hard to shift. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Whether you're just beginning your journey or already on the path to healing, I offer down-to-earth, compassionate therapy to help you manage anxiety, build self-kindness, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
Do you often feel weighed down by low self-esteem, anxiety, low mood, or painful memories from the past? Maybe you put others first, speak harshly to yourself, or feel stuck in patterns that are hard to shift. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Whether you're just beginning your journey or already on the path to healing, I offer down-to-earth, compassionate therapy to help you manage anxiety, build self-kindness, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
01702 655017 View 01702 655017
Photo of Kasia Kulis - AmberWell Therapy, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
AmberWell Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Are you carrying the pain of grief, the weight of codependency, or the uncertainty of big life changes, such as moving abroad? You may feel lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed by your emotions, yet you hold a quiet hope for relief and a new beginning. Do you long to feel understood and supported, release old patterns, and rediscover your own strength and clarity? As a person-centred counsellor, I work holistically using life coaching, mindfulness, and sometimes sound healing to help you feel more grounded, build healthier relationships, and regain a sense of balance, purpose, and belonging.
Are you carrying the pain of grief, the weight of codependency, or the uncertainty of big life changes, such as moving abroad? You may feel lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed by your emotions, yet you hold a quiet hope for relief and a new beginning. Do you long to feel understood and supported, release old patterns, and rediscover your own strength and clarity? As a person-centred counsellor, I work holistically using life coaching, mindfulness, and sometimes sound healing to help you feel more grounded, build healthier relationships, and regain a sense of balance, purpose, and belonging.
01702 967080 View 01702 967080
Photo of Angela McCleave, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Angela McCleave
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
I am a BACP Accredited therapist with a wealth of life experience, as well as experience with counselling people going through a wide range of emotional life events. You do not have to do this on your own. The first step is the hardest and that is to make the call to reach out for help. I offer sessions via telephone, video, or face-to-face. I am A qualified EMDR therapist . Please contact me for more information.
I am a BACP Accredited therapist with a wealth of life experience, as well as experience with counselling people going through a wide range of emotional life events. You do not have to do this on your own. The first step is the hardest and that is to make the call to reach out for help. I offer sessions via telephone, video, or face-to-face. I am A qualified EMDR therapist . Please contact me for more information.
01702 967623 View 01702 967623
Photo of Alicia Frimley - Alicia- CBT for Self-Esteem, Anxiety and Trauma, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Exhausted from saying yes to everyone but yourself? Get a heavy feeling in your chest when you even think about disappointing someone? Lie awake knowing you should say no but the guilt's too much? You're not selfish for wanting change (even if it feels scary!) I'm a specialist therapist who helps break these patterns. It's not as simple as "just set boundaries" when your nervous system is in survival mode. Theres often deeper roots like relational trauma or past experiences that taught you to shrink, perform or cope alone. I help you connect back to you, so you can rest without guilt, set healthy limits and build lasting confidence.
Exhausted from saying yes to everyone but yourself? Get a heavy feeling in your chest when you even think about disappointing someone? Lie awake knowing you should say no but the guilt's too much? You're not selfish for wanting change (even if it feels scary!) I'm a specialist therapist who helps break these patterns. It's not as simple as "just set boundaries" when your nervous system is in survival mode. Theres often deeper roots like relational trauma or past experiences that taught you to shrink, perform or cope alone. I help you connect back to you, so you can rest without guilt, set healthy limits and build lasting confidence.
01702 967368 View 01702 967368
Photo of Natasha Williamson, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Natasha Williamson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
01702 908322 View 01702 908322
Photo of Helen McDonald, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Helen McDonald
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I’ve been working with children and young people for over 20 years and I have extensive experience of supporting children and young people with a range of emotional needs and of supporting parents, caregivers and professionals to build better connections with the children and young people in their lives. I’m based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and I offer a range of support services for children and young people, including therapy (play-based and talking therapy), coaching, and advocacy. I have experience of working with children and young people with additional learning needs and those who are neurodivergent.
I’ve been working with children and young people for over 20 years and I have extensive experience of supporting children and young people with a range of emotional needs and of supporting parents, caregivers and professionals to build better connections with the children and young people in their lives. I’m based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and I offer a range of support services for children and young people, including therapy (play-based and talking therapy), coaching, and advocacy. I have experience of working with children and young people with additional learning needs and those who are neurodivergent.
01702 418208 View 01702 418208
Photo of Denise Gleed - Shine Counselling Therapy, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Shine Counselling Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Hi I'm Denise, i am a counsellor passionate about Neurodiverse minds including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and any kind of mind that just thinks a little differently. I get it because i live it too, i work in a very visual way, where you are heard, seen and understood, my Neurodiverse knowledge allows me to see things from a Neurodiverse perspective. Are you feeling scared of facing the reality of what is happening for you ? Knowing you want to feel better but just don't know where to start to get help. Are you feeling like there is no way out of these feelings ? Therapy provides an outsiders perspective, a space to talk, feel safe.
Hi I'm Denise, i am a counsellor passionate about Neurodiverse minds including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and any kind of mind that just thinks a little differently. I get it because i live it too, i work in a very visual way, where you are heard, seen and understood, my Neurodiverse knowledge allows me to see things from a Neurodiverse perspective. Are you feeling scared of facing the reality of what is happening for you ? Knowing you want to feel better but just don't know where to start to get help. Are you feeling like there is no way out of these feelings ? Therapy provides an outsiders perspective, a space to talk, feel safe.
01268 202732 View 01268 202732
Photo of Laura Gillet, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Laura Gillet
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
I am an Integrative Counsellor, meaning I am trained and work from Psychodynamic, CBT and Person Centred approaches. I have further training in treating PTSD, OCD and counselling children and adolescents. This means I can adapt sessions that suit the individual client and the needs they bring to session. I am experienced in working with a range of issues including Trauma, OCD, anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, self esteem and confidence. I am an experienced and qualified Children's counsellor, and you can find me on the NCPS Accredited Children's therapists register.
I am an Integrative Counsellor, meaning I am trained and work from Psychodynamic, CBT and Person Centred approaches. I have further training in treating PTSD, OCD and counselling children and adolescents. This means I can adapt sessions that suit the individual client and the needs they bring to session. I am experienced in working with a range of issues including Trauma, OCD, anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, self esteem and confidence. I am an experienced and qualified Children's counsellor, and you can find me on the NCPS Accredited Children's therapists register.
View
Photo of Catherine Taylor, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Catherine Taylor
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
My ideal client is someone seeking clarity, connection, and support in navigating life’s challenges. They may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, and want a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions. Their goal is to understand themselves better, build healthier relationships, and develop practical strategies to improve wellbeing. They want guidance that is compassionate, relatable, and actionable—help that empowers them to feel seen, heard, and in control of their life.
My ideal client is someone seeking clarity, connection, and support in navigating life’s challenges. They may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, and want a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions. Their goal is to understand themselves better, build healthier relationships, and develop practical strategies to improve wellbeing. They want guidance that is compassionate, relatable, and actionable—help that empowers them to feel seen, heard, and in control of their life.
01702 655352 View 01702 655352
Photo of Sarah Bunce - Lightwell Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Lightwell Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging and profound moments in life. Lightwell Counselling is a private (fee-paying) counselling service supporting people across Essex through the darkness of bereavement and into the light of recovery. Our private counselling service is open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Essex who is struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one. We use an expert team of qualified staff to deliver our services and help manage the complex emotions around death and dying.
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging and profound moments in life. Lightwell Counselling is a private (fee-paying) counselling service supporting people across Essex through the darkness of bereavement and into the light of recovery. Our private counselling service is open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Essex who is struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one. We use an expert team of qualified staff to deliver our services and help manage the complex emotions around death and dying.
01702 655131 View 01702 655131
Photo of Dr Nomsa Sandra Wayland, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Nomsa Sandra Wayland
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
As a qualified psychologist who offers a holistic, integrative approach to therapy that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, social, and cultural influences on well-being, my work is grounded in Western and non-western psychological theories, allowing me to tailor therapy to each client’s unique background, needs, and worldview. Most of my clients seek therapy because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from others. I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, have clarity in their thoughts and emotions.
As a qualified psychologist who offers a holistic, integrative approach to therapy that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, social, and cultural influences on well-being, my work is grounded in Western and non-western psychological theories, allowing me to tailor therapy to each client’s unique background, needs, and worldview. Most of my clients seek therapy because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from others. I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, have clarity in their thoughts and emotions.
01702 908353 View 01702 908353
Photo of Sharon Tracy Horwood - Sharon Horwood Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Sharon Horwood Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
4 Endorsed
Expectations to live up to? Let me help you to face the challenges. I’m Sharon and I get it! My speciality is helping age 16 - 116yrs with anxiety, low self esteem, stress, self-worth and more. I’m passionate about working with young adults in quarter life crisis, or stuck, especially men who’ve been told to ‘be strong’ & those at life crossroads who need direction. I also deeply connect with people navigating chronic illness & their loved ones too (I had a catastrophic stroke 20+ years ago, when my family were young). You wonder if life will ever feel normal again. I bring both professional expertise & lived experience to our work.
Expectations to live up to? Let me help you to face the challenges. I’m Sharon and I get it! My speciality is helping age 16 - 116yrs with anxiety, low self esteem, stress, self-worth and more. I’m passionate about working with young adults in quarter life crisis, or stuck, especially men who’ve been told to ‘be strong’ & those at life crossroads who need direction. I also deeply connect with people navigating chronic illness & their loved ones too (I had a catastrophic stroke 20+ years ago, when my family were young). You wonder if life will ever feel normal again. I bring both professional expertise & lived experience to our work.
01702 967443 View 01702 967443
Photo of Sally Willsher - Sally Willsher Counselling and Supervision, Counsellor, MBACP
Hello, my name is Sally and I will be present with you on your therapeutic journey. Having a safe space to explore current concerns offers a 'neutral' sounding board for you, as often well meaning friends and family will have an opinion on our life and decisions we make. We will work at your pace to prioritise your needs. Over the years many client issues I have encountered are about loss in various forms, and control - often from others. You may feel helpless or in despair, and would like to be able to clear a pathway for yourself to see with more clarity and establish an easier way of managing day to day.
Hello, my name is Sally and I will be present with you on your therapeutic journey. Having a safe space to explore current concerns offers a 'neutral' sounding board for you, as often well meaning friends and family will have an opinion on our life and decisions we make. We will work at your pace to prioritise your needs. Over the years many client issues I have encountered are about loss in various forms, and control - often from others. You may feel helpless or in despair, and would like to be able to clear a pathway for yourself to see with more clarity and establish an easier way of managing day to day.
01702 904111 View 01702 904111
Photo of Sian Elizabeth Hines, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Sian Elizabeth Hines
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
I can help you to reach the potential that you want and deserve to reach by helping you to understand your past, present and future. To help you to work through relationship problems, self esteem issues or letting go of the past. To enable you to see past blocks and obstacles so that you can control, minimise and eliminate any anxieties. To work with the negative emotions that you feel so that you can identify quickly what your emotions are telling you and then challenge them so that they do not control you. To magnify the positives and build on them for complete self confidence.
I can help you to reach the potential that you want and deserve to reach by helping you to understand your past, present and future. To help you to work through relationship problems, self esteem issues or letting go of the past. To enable you to see past blocks and obstacles so that you can control, minimise and eliminate any anxieties. To work with the negative emotions that you feel so that you can identify quickly what your emotions are telling you and then challenge them so that they do not control you. To magnify the positives and build on them for complete self confidence.
01702 967425 View 01702 967425
Photo of Karen Eves, Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Karen Eves
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
I am a fully qualified Child, Adolescent and Family Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and their families. I understand how worrying it can be when a child or teenager is struggling, and I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where difficulties can be understood and worked through at a pace that feels safe. Families often choose psychodynamic psychotherapy when they are seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional world and patterns of relating. This approach supports meaningful, long-term change by exploring underlying experiences and relationships...
I am a fully qualified Child, Adolescent and Family Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and their families. I understand how worrying it can be when a child or teenager is struggling, and I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where difficulties can be understood and worked through at a pace that feels safe. Families often choose psychodynamic psychotherapy when they are seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional world and patterns of relating. This approach supports meaningful, long-term change by exploring underlying experiences and relationships...
01702 908315 View 01702 908315
Photo of Tracey Anne Denton - Wright Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Wright Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the stresses in life? Feel unable to make decisions? Do you condemn yourself for making the 'wrong' decision? We can be good at condemning ourselves and be our worst critic. Discovering what patterns are happening for us over and over again, and preparing yourself for these, knowing what you can and can't do, can feel empowering. Being able to express yourself knowing that you can be heard without fear, embarrassment or shame but with acceptance of you as a person can be life changing. I can help you look at making changes and find bespoke ways to support and establish a way forward for you.
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the stresses in life? Feel unable to make decisions? Do you condemn yourself for making the 'wrong' decision? We can be good at condemning ourselves and be our worst critic. Discovering what patterns are happening for us over and over again, and preparing yourself for these, knowing what you can and can't do, can feel empowering. Being able to express yourself knowing that you can be heard without fear, embarrassment or shame but with acceptance of you as a person can be life changing. I can help you look at making changes and find bespoke ways to support and establish a way forward for you.
01702 411337 View 01702 411337

See more therapy options for Southend-on-Sea

Female Counsellors
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.

Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.