Purple Poppy Counselling

About me:

My names Amy, and I am an Integrative counsellor. I am based in Rochester/Gillingham/Gravesend, Kent where I work both face to face and online using the secure video call platform Google meet- offering sessions across the UK.

I previously worked in the NHS for 10 years helping individuals overcome common mental health problems such as depression, low mood, and many types of anxiety difficulties using CBT methods before becoming an integrative counsellor. 

I will work with any client who I feel I have the skills and resources to support, and throughout my work have experience on working with (but not limited to): 

• Low mood difficulties 

• Anxiety difficulties 

• Relationship issues

• Anger

• Stress 

• Bereavement

• Trauma  

• Pregnancy/post partum challenges - including baby loss, IVF and perinatal mental health challenges

• Exploring neurodivergence

• Parenting a neurodivergent child or being a neurodivergent parent

I work with many neurodivergent clients and can adapt my sessions to support those in this client group.  I have lived experience around various aspects relating to neurodivergence and offer a neuroaffirming space for those exploring or considering their neurodivergence.

I have worked with many individuals with many different difficulties, and have a wide range of experience and expertise. 

I have a special interest in all aspects of perinatal mental health, and as such this is one area I have specialised in. I have undertaken additional training working with parents, (largely mothers, but also fathers/partners) supporting them during pregnancy, and post-natally. I have helped many parents overcome common mental health difficulties (such as anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts etc) in this often challenging time period. I offer adapted work for neurodivergent parents due to the additional challenges the peri-natal period can bring for this client group.

In addition to a special interest in working within the area of peri-natal support, I also have experience and training to support those impacted by baby loss (any stage), conception or fertility difficulties, as well as any birth related trauma. I also offer support for other bereavement and loss work not just this area of loss. 

As part of the support I offer when working with the above difficulties, I am also a certified rewind practitioner which is a technique that can be used to help those who wish to address common symptoms associated with PTSD or trauma symptoms (to reduce flashbacks/nightmares).

I have built on my previous knowledge/experience, and enhanced my training and experience supporting a wider range of clients following training as an integrative counsellor. I have adopted an approach where I still use my CBT background if/when appropriate with a client, but primarily I use non-directive integrative counselling skills with clients. I feel this is especially important when supporting parents due to the variety of challenges that can arise during pregnancy and afterwards and the need to adapt your practice to suit clients varied needs.

I have also enhanced my professional development and practice skills to work with young adults following counselling work with adolescents in a school environment. As part of this work I am able to support/focus on working with a range of difficulties impacting this client group. 

If after we speak we do not feel that I am the right/best fit to offer you the support you may need, then we can discuss signposting you to other colleagues or agencies that may better suit your needs. The most important thing to me as a counsellor is supporting individuals in accessing the right support at the right time, this includes finding the best support which will help them get their current needs for sessions met.

I am a fully-qualified BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) counsellor, and registered member of the BACP (registered member: 389487). I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever may have led you to seek support at this time.