I would describe myself as an intuitive and empathetic therapist, adapting sessions and interventions with your needs central to our work.
I listen with care and walk beside you as you explore your thoughts, strengthen your resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I support you in setting realistic goals, and I also offer a space where you can simply be yourself
Training & Experience
My foundation is in Person‑Centred and Humanistic Counselling, and over time I’ve woven in further training and lived experience to create a flexible, responsive way of working. I use a variety of therapeutic skills, so each session is shaped around your needs and your pace. I am trauma‑trained and work from a trauma‑informed perspective.
I am also a parent‑carer of a neurodiverse young person, which gives me insight into the challenges, pressures, and strengths within neurodiverse families and the systems around them.
Who attends Counselling?
Clients come to counselling for many different reasons — feeling distressed, facing work or personal issues, experiencing health or relationship difficulties, or wanting support with personal development. Counselling can also be helpful when you feel low or anxious without knowing why.
Whatever brings you to therapy, you will be listened to, respected, and never judged.
People often seek counselling for reasons such as:
- having a safe space to talk, be heard, and offload
- supporting positive changes in thoughts or behaviour
- navigating a specific life event or challenge
- increasing awareness of self and others
- exploring difficult feelings and emotions
- coping with loss or bereavement (such as a person, relationship, or job)
“The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give another.” Carl Rogers
Testimonials
Dr Stewart Richmond – York University (on behalf of the ACUDep research team)
“We were pleased to include Julie as a counsellor supporting the ACUDep study in the Darlington area. ACUDep is a large randomised controlled trial that aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture and counselling for people with moderate to severe depression. Julie made a positive contribution to the research study and her input was valued by research participants. She was both pleasant natured and reliable to work with. Under similar circumstances we would be happy to refer patients to her again.”
David Walker – Former Team Manager, Darlington Schools Counselling Service.
“Julie provided an absolutely invaluable service to children, young people and carers through her work with the Darlington Schools Counselling Service. Julie was particularly noted for the professional relationships she managed to forge and the effectiveness of the work which these facilitated. At all times Julie practices in an ethical, systematic and sensitive way and I would have no hesitation in whole-heartedly recommending her to anyone seeking counselling or therapy.”
Client Feedback
“I visited Julie to seek counselling, having become progressively unhappy with some of my behaviour over the last few years. Though I was new to counselling and somewhat anxious about seeking help, I felt immediately comfortable with Julie, who was approachable and gave me the space to speak freely and without judgement. I was able to reflect and explore my thoughts and feelings at my own pace. Julie offered input and direction where appropriate, helping steer me towards a position of clarity. She treated me like an individual, taking a genuine interest to understand me as a person and considering the best ways forward. My counselling with Julie helped create a position effect on my behaviours that I am now building on. I am more self-aware, compassionate towards myself and mindful in daily life. I’m greatful for her support and would recommend Julie without hesitation”