Body Image Counselling in Irvine
My name is Nicola and I am an integrative counsellor registered with the BACP.
I believe everyone is unique and so is their path to healing. My approach blends a range of therapeutic techniques, drawing from CBT, Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Mindfulness Based Practices. This flexibility allows me to tailor sessions to your specific needs.
I create a warm, supportive space where we can explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences at a pace that feels right for you. Let’s work together to create meaningful and lasting change.
My name is Nicola and I am an integrative counsellor registered with the BACP.
I believe everyone is unique and so is their path to healing. My approach blends a range of therapeutic techniques, drawing from CBT, Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Mindfulness Based Practices. This flexibility allows me to tailor sessions to your specific needs.
I create a warm, supportive space where we can explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences at a pace that feels right for you. Let’s work together to create meaningful and lasting change.
What if the things you have been doing to cope are now the very things keeping you stuck? Perhaps routines have become rigid, fears are shaping your choices, or you are carrying a weight that feels increasingly difficult to put down. You are not alone. Having experienced the therapy process myself, I appreciate how daunting it can feel to talk to someone and share parts of your life that may be difficult to talk about. I want to honor the courage that takes and aim to give you a space to feel seen and heard: providing a deeply empathetic, non-judgmental approach to collaboratively unpack challenges and move toward a better future.
What if the things you have been doing to cope are now the very things keeping you stuck? Perhaps routines have become rigid, fears are shaping your choices, or you are carrying a weight that feels increasingly difficult to put down. You are not alone. Having experienced the therapy process myself, I appreciate how daunting it can feel to talk to someone and share parts of your life that may be difficult to talk about. I want to honor the courage that takes and aim to give you a space to feel seen and heard: providing a deeply empathetic, non-judgmental approach to collaboratively unpack challenges and move toward a better future.
Life can feel messy at times, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Having a safe, confidential space where you can talk things through and feel heard can make all the difference. If you’re here, you might be going through a tough time. Life’s struggles are part of our story, and our past experiences play a role in what we’re facing today. You may be searching for relief from your worries, to make sense of your thoughts or to feel good enough. I offer warmth and compassion to help you feel at ease to explore your difficulties, recognise your strengths and support meaningful change.
Life can feel messy at times, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Having a safe, confidential space where you can talk things through and feel heard can make all the difference. If you’re here, you might be going through a tough time. Life’s struggles are part of our story, and our past experiences play a role in what we’re facing today. You may be searching for relief from your worries, to make sense of your thoughts or to feel good enough. I offer warmth and compassion to help you feel at ease to explore your difficulties, recognise your strengths and support meaningful change.
I work with adults and young people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or held back by anxiety, low self-esteem, OCD, low mood, perfectionism, or difficult life experiences. Together, we'll understand the patterns keeping you from moving forward, develop practical coping strategies, and build the confidence to live the life you want. My approach is rooted in CBT and tailored to your individual needs by implementing other modalities, offering a warm, supportive, and collaborative space where you'll learn skills for life.
I work with adults and young people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or held back by anxiety, low self-esteem, OCD, low mood, perfectionism, or difficult life experiences. Together, we'll understand the patterns keeping you from moving forward, develop practical coping strategies, and build the confidence to live the life you want. My approach is rooted in CBT and tailored to your individual needs by implementing other modalities, offering a warm, supportive, and collaborative space where you'll learn skills for life.
I am a qualified counsellor, registered with BACP. My training specialises in supporting children and adolescents, with which I have extensive experience, in particularly in trauma; having provided counselling sessions, in both Primary and Secondary Schools for over ten years. I am empathic and accepting of all. No young person should have to go it alone. Every behaviour is a form of communication, often of an unmet need. When we meet that need, the behaviours can change. Early intervention through counselling support, can help the young person make sense of what is going on in their minds, bodies and lives.
I am a qualified counsellor, registered with BACP. My training specialises in supporting children and adolescents, with which I have extensive experience, in particularly in trauma; having provided counselling sessions, in both Primary and Secondary Schools for over ten years. I am empathic and accepting of all. No young person should have to go it alone. Every behaviour is a form of communication, often of an unmet need. When we meet that need, the behaviours can change. Early intervention through counselling support, can help the young person make sense of what is going on in their minds, bodies and lives.
I’ve always been drawn to people who feel on the edges of things. The ones trying hard to fit in, as if there’s a rulebook everyone else understands. I believe everyone deserves to have their story heard, and that being truly heard can be deeply transformational. Most people go through difficult times, and often it’s not just what’s happened, but having to go through it without support. Many of the people I work with have spent years adapting to keep going and reach a point where they can't continue to cope alone. I offer a steady presence alongside you- a hand to hold as you find your way, at a pace that feels right.
I’ve always been drawn to people who feel on the edges of things. The ones trying hard to fit in, as if there’s a rulebook everyone else understands. I believe everyone deserves to have their story heard, and that being truly heard can be deeply transformational. Most people go through difficult times, and often it’s not just what’s happened, but having to go through it without support. Many of the people I work with have spent years adapting to keep going and reach a point where they can't continue to cope alone. I offer a steady presence alongside you- a hand to hold as you find your way, at a pace that feels right.
North Ayrshire Psychology (Dr Harriet Hockaday)
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Irvine KA12
Not accepting new clients
My name is Dr Harriet Hockaday, and I am a HCPC registered qualified Clinical Psychologist. I am an experienced and specialist therapist, who has worked in various mental health services within the NHS since 2014, including in adult mental heath, older adult psychology, and neuropsychology services. I currently offer online and telephone based therapy to adults (18+) across the UK. I also offer face-to-face appointments in comfortable surroundings in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
My name is Dr Harriet Hockaday, and I am a HCPC registered qualified Clinical Psychologist. I am an experienced and specialist therapist, who has worked in various mental health services within the NHS since 2014, including in adult mental heath, older adult psychology, and neuropsychology services. I currently offer online and telephone based therapy to adults (18+) across the UK. I also offer face-to-face appointments in comfortable surroundings in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
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Do you often feel a sense of guilt or shame around food? Do thoughts of food become intrusive or overwhelming? Are you often binging or eating until you feel uncomfortable or sick? Perhaps you are fixated on 'healthy' or 'clean' eating? Maybe you 'purge' by excessively exercising, restricting, making yourself sick, using laxatives, or have a history of yo-yo dieting? Perhaps you avoid whole food groups and are often called a 'fussy' or 'picky' eater? Or a combination of any of the above? It sounds like you are struggling with an Eating Disorder!
Do you often feel a sense of guilt or shame around food? Do thoughts of food become intrusive or overwhelming? Are you often binging or eating until you feel uncomfortable or sick? Perhaps you are fixated on 'healthy' or 'clean' eating? Maybe you 'purge' by excessively exercising, restricting, making yourself sick, using laxatives, or have a history of yo-yo dieting? Perhaps you avoid whole food groups and are often called a 'fussy' or 'picky' eater? Or a combination of any of the above? It sounds like you are struggling with an Eating Disorder!
I did not become a therapist for no reason, and I know what it's like to experience anxiety, shame and self-hate, and to deeply believe in not being enough and to truly believe that others think that too. Therapy only started working when I found a therapist with whom I felt seen, heard and felt with. I am passionate about my work. I show up as human being first and a therapist second. I am down-to-earth, honest, and compassionate. If life feels too much, you don't have to face it alone. I am here to walk alongside you to help you as you find your way back, or maybe for the first time, to your true self.
I did not become a therapist for no reason, and I know what it's like to experience anxiety, shame and self-hate, and to deeply believe in not being enough and to truly believe that others think that too. Therapy only started working when I found a therapist with whom I felt seen, heard and felt with. I am passionate about my work. I show up as human being first and a therapist second. I am down-to-earth, honest, and compassionate. If life feels too much, you don't have to face it alone. I am here to walk alongside you to help you as you find your way back, or maybe for the first time, to your true self.
I’ve worked with many men, teenagers and young adults. If you've ever spoken at length and not felt heard or understood or if you've reached a point where something has to give, you aren't alone. If you're wondering if your problems aren't severe enough for therapy, be assured, there is no threshold or minimum. You deserve care and support. All you need is the desire and determination to change, to make things better, to heal and to move forward. Whether it’s childhood trauma, work stress, anxiety, your health, relationship issues or you just find some days that bit too difficult, I'm here to help you find the change you crave.
I’ve worked with many men, teenagers and young adults. If you've ever spoken at length and not felt heard or understood or if you've reached a point where something has to give, you aren't alone. If you're wondering if your problems aren't severe enough for therapy, be assured, there is no threshold or minimum. You deserve care and support. All you need is the desire and determination to change, to make things better, to heal and to move forward. Whether it’s childhood trauma, work stress, anxiety, your health, relationship issues or you just find some days that bit too difficult, I'm here to help you find the change you crave.
I have a genuine desire to help others who are experiencing difficulties with their low mood. If I were to ask you how your mood has been lately what would you say? Irritable, frustrated and angry with bouts of crying, tearfulness or distress. Have you been struggling with relationships, your job, a significant loss maybe or feel very alone just now? Is it starting to affect your sleep, appetite and your day to day living which is starting to feel more like an effort. Living with depressions doesn't have to be so difficult, understanding and making sense of it all can help. This is where i come in.
I have a genuine desire to help others who are experiencing difficulties with their low mood. If I were to ask you how your mood has been lately what would you say? Irritable, frustrated and angry with bouts of crying, tearfulness or distress. Have you been struggling with relationships, your job, a significant loss maybe or feel very alone just now? Is it starting to affect your sleep, appetite and your day to day living which is starting to feel more like an effort. Living with depressions doesn't have to be so difficult, understanding and making sense of it all can help. This is where i come in.
Many of my clients appear to be coping on the outside but feel anxious, low, or stuck underneath. They may struggle with overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic. Often these patterns developed in response to difficult or overwhelming experiences. I help them understand why they feel this way, make sense of their patterns, and begin to shift them so they can feel more confident, grounded, and in control.
Many of my clients appear to be coping on the outside but feel anxious, low, or stuck underneath. They may struggle with overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic. Often these patterns developed in response to difficult or overwhelming experiences. I help them understand why they feel this way, make sense of their patterns, and begin to shift them so they can feel more confident, grounded, and in control.
I studied at Northern Guild in Transactional Analysis. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer long and short term therapy to help you reach your goals. I work with adults aged 18 and over, offering both short and long term work to achieve your therapeutic goals, from my home in the Eden Valley. I work with individuals and couples. I have completed a second specialist diploma training as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.
Facebook: Cumbria Counselling - Alison Goldie
I studied at Northern Guild in Transactional Analysis. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer long and short term therapy to help you reach your goals. I work with adults aged 18 and over, offering both short and long term work to achieve your therapeutic goals, from my home in the Eden Valley. I work with individuals and couples. I have completed a second specialist diploma training as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.
Facebook: Cumbria Counselling - Alison Goldie
My specialist areas include managing anxiety, overcoming low self esteem, and support with body image issues and low confidence.
To any potential new clients - I offer you a very warm welcome.
Sometimes navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming on your own. Sometimes your true self can feel far away.
Whether you are trying to find a sense of self, feeling anxious and stressed, or battling low self esteem, I believe that every individual has the ability to form their own unique path forward.
My specialist areas include managing anxiety, overcoming low self esteem, and support with body image issues and low confidence.
To any potential new clients - I offer you a very warm welcome.
Sometimes navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming on your own. Sometimes your true self can feel far away.
Whether you are trying to find a sense of self, feeling anxious and stressed, or battling low self esteem, I believe that every individual has the ability to form their own unique path forward.
We all go through times when life feels challenging, and it’s not always easy to know how to move forward. Maybe you feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, or difficult emotions are getting in the way of living the life you want. Whatever you're going through, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I provide a supportive space where you can explore what’s on your mind and make sense of the challenges that have brought you to therapy. I work with a wide range of issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and more.
We all go through times when life feels challenging, and it’s not always easy to know how to move forward. Maybe you feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, or difficult emotions are getting in the way of living the life you want. Whatever you're going through, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I provide a supportive space where you can explore what’s on your mind and make sense of the challenges that have brought you to therapy. I work with a wide range of issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and more.
We all need someone to talk to from time to time. Sometimes, though, the things we're experiencing can feel difficult to make sense of on our own, and we can find ourselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.
After spending 10 years working in retail management, supporting customers to feel confident and helping colleagues reach their potential, I felt drawn to working with people on a deeper and more meaningful level. This led me to retrain as a Psychotherapeutic Therapist, and I now support adults in exploring the experiences, thoughts and patterns that may be affecting how they feel and relate to themselves
We all need someone to talk to from time to time. Sometimes, though, the things we're experiencing can feel difficult to make sense of on our own, and we can find ourselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.
After spending 10 years working in retail management, supporting customers to feel confident and helping colleagues reach their potential, I felt drawn to working with people on a deeper and more meaningful level. This led me to retrain as a Psychotherapeutic Therapist, and I now support adults in exploring the experiences, thoughts and patterns that may be affecting how they feel and relate to themselves
As as a therapist, I offer the chance for a real relationship where you can feel seen and understood. Many of the people who come to see me have experienced abuse or other forms of harm in relationships, and I have particular experience supporting survivors of sexual violence. This includes helping if you are experiencing things like flashbacks or nightmares. Many others want to explore the relational patterns that they are in, and how to change these - whether that's struggling with trust, intimacy or conflict. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+, and I welcome all gender identities and sexual orientations in my practice.
As as a therapist, I offer the chance for a real relationship where you can feel seen and understood. Many of the people who come to see me have experienced abuse or other forms of harm in relationships, and I have particular experience supporting survivors of sexual violence. This includes helping if you are experiencing things like flashbacks or nightmares. Many others want to explore the relational patterns that they are in, and how to change these - whether that's struggling with trust, intimacy or conflict. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+, and I welcome all gender identities and sexual orientations in my practice.
My approach to therapy is founded in the belief that every individual deserves a safe and compassionate space to address their challenges and work towards their well-being. Drawing from my training, I use an integrative approach and value each client's unique experiences, beliefs, and cultural background, recognising that effective therapy must adapt to the diverse array of human experience. I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to reach their full potential and I am dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journey of self-healing
My approach to therapy is founded in the belief that every individual deserves a safe and compassionate space to address their challenges and work towards their well-being. Drawing from my training, I use an integrative approach and value each client's unique experiences, beliefs, and cultural background, recognising that effective therapy must adapt to the diverse array of human experience. I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to reach their full potential and I am dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journey of self-healing
I’m Rachael, a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist working integratively to provide a bespoke service for each individual client. I believe in the value of taking a holistic approach to therapy, and so I work with the whole person, rather than focussing on symptoms alone.
I’m Rachael, a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist working integratively to provide a bespoke service for each individual client. I believe in the value of taking a holistic approach to therapy, and so I work with the whole person, rather than focussing on symptoms alone.
I support people who feel stuck in challenging patterns with food and body image, trapped by panic attacks, or avoid places because of anxiety.
No one is 'broken', and we all have the ability to heal. We focus on changes we can make now to ease the impact of the past, find new ways to cope, and (re)connect with a more positive sense of self and wellbeing. I believe any level of pain or suffering deserves time, space and care, and I work with you at your pace, to find the best ways to ease this pain.
I support people who feel stuck in challenging patterns with food and body image, trapped by panic attacks, or avoid places because of anxiety.
No one is 'broken', and we all have the ability to heal. We focus on changes we can make now to ease the impact of the past, find new ways to cope, and (re)connect with a more positive sense of self and wellbeing. I believe any level of pain or suffering deserves time, space and care, and I work with you at your pace, to find the best ways to ease this pain.
Nearby Body Image Counsellors Searches for Irvine
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How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.
What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognise how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.
Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviours as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.
What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviours developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.