About

ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE
TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH

WHO WE ARE

NWCH was founded on 1st April 2017 by Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska and Alex Parkin. As co-founders, they felt there were gaps in the local community for supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing. They decided to create the Counselling Hub to fill those gaps. Their vision was to provide a central hub to support children, young people, adults, couples and families within Lincolnshire. NWCH's Mental Health Hub is doing exactly that.

Meet our CEO

Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska

Naomi's biggest achievement was being awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2019. She travelled to Australia and New Zealand to research Suicide Prevention in 4yrs-30yrs.

Please contact her for more information or to connect.

  • Read More

    Naomi was an IoD 2021 finalist for Director of the Year for Resilience and a 2020 finalist in the third sector category, following being awarded the IoD Director of the Year award itself in 2019 in the start-up category.  In 2015, Naomi was also awarded an Angel Outreach Award, which recognised excellence in commitment to the community.


    Naomi is one of the UK’s leading Domestic Abuse consultants, as featured by the BBC and commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council, Bristol City Council and the University of Lincoln.


    Naomi has worked in the fields of Emotional Wellbeing, Healthy Relationships and Domestic Abuse for over a decade. She is a Safe Lives trained IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) and a YPVA (Young People's Violence Advisor), having worked with high risk cases, at risk of homicide. She has chaired MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) and worked closely with the CPS (Crown Prosecution Services). She has been trained in Emotional Wellbeing by the NSPCC and ChildLine and has worked with them for 8 years.


    Naomi has worked with young people from the ages of 0-25 years, and adults in varying capacities. She has been a nursery worker, deputy manager in a nursery, project worker, support worker, housing officer, drug and alcohol worker, counsellor, domestic abuse worker, ChildLine counsellor and supervisor. She has strong expertise in working with young people and adults; she has had specialist training in Emotional Wellbeing and Healthy Relationships from the NSPCC.


    Naomi is a fully qualified counsellor and EMDR therapist and has worked with those affected by domestic abuse, low emotional wellbeing,  low self-esteem, low confidence, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm and suicide.


    Naomi is a highly-exoereinced trainer and has delivered a variety of training to volunteers, staff members, professionals, children and young people.  She has written workshops for all levels and delivered to small and large groups alike. 

THE HUB

Our hub provides a warm and welcoming environment for all your counselling and training needs. We thought long and hard about how it feels to be a client and a student, so we have designed our hub to feel safe and calm to allow you to feel comfortable.

Our Team

Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska

CEO

Read About Naomi

Christopher Morris

Clinical & Safeguarding Lead

  • Read About Chris

    Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Christopher worked for many years in health and social care settings, where he gained a great deal of experience in establishing and managing bespoke services for people with severe mental ill health, Autism and learning disabilities.


    Christopher has also worked as a vocational learning assessor and has delivered a range of Mental Health and Autism awareness training to frontline staff, such as Teachers, GPs and Support Workers.


    A qualified counsellor/psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, Christopher is a registered member of the BACP and has experience of working with children and young people as well as with adults, couples and groups. Having trained as an integrative and relational psychotherapist, he is able to make use of a range of models and approaches to therapy. Christopher has recently gained an accredited qualification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and is able to integrate this into his therapeutic practice, on a one to one basis.  


    His work as a therapist is influenced by Existential philosophy, which explores what it is like to be human and to come to terms with life in all its confusing complexity. After all, life can be tough, and many of us need a little help to make sense of the world and our place in it.


    Christopher also believes that counselling should be available to everyone and has a keen interest in making therapy more accessible to people affected by Autism and Learning disabilities.

Sally Watkins

Client Manager & Head of Assessments

  • Read About Sally

    Sally is a first-class administrative manager with a solid track record of achievement. A genuine ‘people person’ with sound business ‘know-how’.


    She is adept at understanding tasks, processes and people in order to deliver solutions that meets the needs of the clients and the organisation.


    Sally has had a varied career spanning over 40 years and has worked in many client-facing roles including retail, the car industry, relocation, and latterly in family law within a solicitors' practice. This has given her the poise and acumen to excel in the customer service environment and to understand the high standards demanded by our clients.


    In her spare time Sally loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, friends and has latterly become a dog lover and therefore now enjoys spending time with her daughter’s dog.



Diane Haines

Hub Co-ordinator & Finance Officer 

  • Read About Diane

    A highly professional people-focused person, Diane brings 33 years of experience working in Administration and Customer Service roles. She pays close attention to detail, is highly organised and enjoys meeting new people and learning new skills.


    Before joining the team on a full-time basis, Diane volunteered at the Hub two evenings a week. She has had a varied career to date starting in banking, moving to the water industry and on to a supermarket bakery and an RAF coffee shop whilst bringing her children up and travelling around the country due to her husband’s RAF career. Since moving to Lincoln in 2007, Diane has worked as the Work Experience Co-ordinator at a local secondary school and in the BG Futures: Careers, Employability & Enterprise Team at Bishop Grosseteste University as Administrator and, most recently, was seconded to the role as Projects Compliance Officer for 3 funded projects.


    In her recent roles, Diane’s organisational skills were brought to the fore as she was responsible for organising Volunteering Fairs and was a key member of the team organising the Lincoln Teenage Market held 4–5 times a year in Lincoln city centre.


    In her spare time, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading and looking after the family’s cats, chickens and fish! A keen motorsport fan, Diane enjoys watching virtually anything racing on 2 or 4 wheels and has been to Silverstone on a number of occasions. She is now looking to try out new experiences and, to that end, recently climbed over the top of London’s O2 Arena!

Nick Briggs

Assessment Handler

  • Read About Nick

    Nick works full-time at NWCH helping to carry out the assessments with new clients before they are placed with counsellors.


    He has extensive experience in client focussed roles having worked in financial services, independent dispute resolution and healthcare sectors.


    Nick has a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Financial Services and is in the process of completing his Level 4 training with NWCH to become a fully-qualified counsellor.


    Nick’s hobbies include travelling to new destinations on holiday, cycling, going to the gym and taking his dog Milo out for good mindful walks.


Emma Conway

Operations Manager

  • Read About Emma

    Emma began working as Operations Manager for NWCH in February 2023. 


    Emma graduated from the University of Lincoln with a Degree in Social Policy and Criminology. Emma has a background in Policing in various strategic roles, as well as operationally including working within the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit. She enjoys working in person-centred roles and being able to assist people in changing their lives for the better. 


    In her spare time, Emma enjoys working on her small business making candles and reed diffusers, as well as playing badminton, gardening, baking and spending time with her family.

Diane Haines

Hub Manager & Finance Officer 

  • Read About Diane

    A highly professional people-focused person, Diane brings 33 years of experience working in Administration and Customer Service roles. She pays close attention to detail, is highly organised and enjoys meeting new people and learning new skills.


    Before joining the team on a full-time basis, Diane volunteered at the Hub two evenings a week. She has had a varied career to date starting in banking, moving to the water industry and on to a supermarket bakery and an RAF coffee shop whilst bringing her children up and travelling around the country due to her husband’s RAF career. Since moving to Lincoln in 2007, Diane has worked as the Work Experience Co-ordinator at a local secondary school and in the BG Futures: Careers, Employability & Enterprise Team at Bishop Grosseteste University as Administrator and, most recently, was seconded to the role as Projects Compliance Officer for 3 funded projects.


    In her recent roles, Diane’s organisational skills were brought to the fore as she was responsible for organising Volunteering Fairs and was a key member of the team organising the Lincoln Teenage Market held 4–5 times a year in Lincoln city centre.


    In her spare time, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading and looking after the family’s cats, chickens and fish! A keen motorsport fan, Diane enjoys watching virtually anything racing on 2 or 4 wheels and has been to Silverstone on a number of occasions. She is now looking to try out new experiences and, to that end, recently climbed over the top of London’s O2 Arena!

Adele Griffin

Client Co-Ordinator

  • Read About Adele

    Adele is a mum of two who leads a busy a family life, she enjoys watching her son play rugby and daughter play Netball. In her spare time she keeps fit and healthy by running, and walking her cockapoo exploring the Lincolnshire countryside.



Anna Foxx Neal

PA to the CEO

  • Read About Anna

    Anna supports our busy CEO and the management team with a wide variety of administrative tasks.  She is proud to be part of the NWCH team.


    Anna is also a Salsa dance teacher and enjoys muddy walks with her children.

Ben Wright

Non-executive Director
  • Read About Ben

    Ben graduated from The University of Lincoln with a degree in Marketing, he then worked for JML, the Bauer Media Group and Local World/Trinity Mirror (formally Northcliffe Media).


    After a number of years working for large media organisations he set up his own digital marketing company which specialises in Social Media (I Want Fish & Chips – ask him where the name came from!).


    In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby and watching his son play. He enjoys spending time with his family and loves drinking lots of coffee! Many great ideas and conversations start over a hot cup of coffee.


    Ben’s involvement with NW Counselling Hub began with a friendship, due to an unexpected event he started to use the services provided by the team. After experiencing how counselling helped him, he wanted to get involved with the team to help raise awareness for people that need help.

Charlton Blackwell

Non-executive Director

  • Read About Charlie

    Charlton (better known as Charlie), began his counselling studies at 19 years of age here in Lincoln with both Lindum and Ridgeway College. 


    Charlie first joined our team back in October of 2017 as a volunteer counsellor and then was later asked to become a more permanent member of NWCH’s team in February 2018 as our Business Development Manager. 


    With the continued growth of NWCH and his shared belief in our vision, Charlie was offered a Directory position within the company in recognition of his efforts in contributing to where NWCH is today.


    Charlie has a great passion for understanding the modern impacts on society, particularly on how social media has influenced our thinking and behaviours. Although younger than most qualified Counsellors, this has not impacted on his ability to work and connect with all ages as Charlie’s focus is on achieving relational depth with his clients to ensure effective therapeutic work can be achieved.


    As of September 2020, Charlie has now moved into a Non-Executive Directors position since moving to Manchester to continue studying within the Counselling Practice at Salford University. 

Asthildur Sveinsdottir

Volunteer Administrator
  • Read About Asthildur

    Asthildur volunteers for NWCH, alongside studying a Psychology & Counselling degree at Bishop Grosseteste University. She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing after experiencing first-hand how important it is to prioritise your mental health.


    Previously, Asthildur has volunteered in a local primary school, and travelled to America where she was an au-pair to a family with 2 children.


    She believes volunteering for NWCH is an amazing way to contribute to such an essential service, and that everyone could benefit from counselling in some way.


    In her spare time Asthildur enjoys spending time with her family, looking after her houseplants and doing DIY with her partner.



Alex Haines

Administrator

  • Read About Alex

    Alex has recently graduated from University of Lincoln with a degree in Accountancy and Finance.

     

    He has volunteered at NWCH since Summer 2022 assisting with administrative tasks and is now part of the employed team.

     

    In his spare time, he enjoys model kit building and gaming.

Anna Foxx Neal

PA to the CEO

  • Read About Anna

    Anna supports our busy CEO and the management team with a wide variety of administrative tasks.  She is proud to be part of the NWCH team.


    Anna is also a Salsa dance teacher and enjoys muddy walks with her children.

Ben Wright

Non-executive Director
  • Read About Ben

    Ben graduated from The University of Lincoln with a degree in Marketing, he then worked for JML, the Bauer Media Group and Local World/Trinity Mirror (formally Northcliffe Media).


    After a number of years working for large media organisations he set up his own digital marketing company which specialises in Social Media (I Want Fish & Chips – ask him where the name came from!).


    In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby and watching his son play. He enjoys spending time with his family and loves drinking lots of coffee! Many great ideas and conversations start over a hot cup of coffee.


    Ben’s involvement with NW Counselling Hub began with a friendship, due to an unexpected event he started to use the services provided by the team. After experiencing how counselling helped him, he wanted to get involved with the team to help raise awareness for people that need help.

Charlton Blackwell

Non-executive Director

  • Read About Charlie

    Charlton (better known as Charlie), began his counselling studies at 19 years of age here in Lincoln with both Lindum and Ridgeway College. 


    Charlie first joined our team back in October of 2017 as a volunteer counsellor and then was later asked to become a more permanent member of NWCH’s team in February 2018 as our Business Development Manager. 


    With the continued growth of NWCH and his shared belief in our vision, Charlie was offered a Directory position within the company in recognition of his efforts in contributing to where NWCH is today.


    Charlie has a great passion for understanding the modern impacts on society, particularly on how social media has influenced our thinking and behaviours. Although younger than most qualified Counsellors, this has not impacted on his ability to work and connect with all ages as Charlie’s focus is on achieving relational depth with his clients to ensure effective therapeutic work can be achieved.


    As of September 2020, Charlie has now moved into a Non-Executive Directors position since moving to Manchester to continue studying within the Counselling Practice at Salford University. 

Ellie

Therapy Dog

  • Read About Ellie

    Ellie has been registered as a pet therapy dog since December 2016, and has worked with us ever since. 


    Ellie has a calm and soothing nature and is very empathic to people’s needs and feelings. 


    Ellie loves walks in the long grass in her village by the lake, she loves to sunbathe in the garden and enjoys cheese as a snack. 


    Ellie also loves getting a belly rub and receiving cuddles.

Andrew Cox

Counsellor/Supervisor
  • Read About Andrew

    Andrew Cox has a long & varied experience working in counselling & social care settings.


    He has worked in community settings all his working life. He is a qualified psychiatric nurse & while working as a nurse underwent counselling training.


    He has worked in both statutory & charitable settings with vulnerable people of all ages. This has included working in mental health settings, with families for SureStart, with Young Carers and more recently with children in schools and students at University.


    He is a qualified Supervisor and has worked with trainee counsellors.


    He is also a qualified herbalist and has a keen interest in nature and plants which adds to his approach as a person centred counsellor. He likes to use his skills in an integrative way and believes strongly in building trusting, therapeutic relationships.


    He likes walking and cycling and is involved in community arts and drama. He is also a keen supporter of local sport particularly Lincoln City Football Club!

Carla Fox

Counsellor

  • Read About Carla

    Carla is a qualified Therapeutic counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. She has had over twenty years of experience working in the mental health sector, primarily working with adults who have learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. She has also worked for Leicestershire police as a support volunteer working with vulnerable adults and victims of low lever crime. She qualified as a counsellor in 2017 and started her counselling career working for St Barnabas hospice as a bereavement counsellor. Since then she has been working for herself in her own private practice and has worked with a wide range of issues including, anxiety, depression, grief, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and gender issues.


    She has a passion for extreme weather and would love to do some storm chasing in America one day. She also enjoys cliff top walking and loves to be near the ocean. 

Clare Boardman

Counsellor

  • Read About Clare

    Clare is an Integrative Therapist and a trained Couples Counsellor.  She is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.  She works with both adults and children.  Clare is qualified in a variety of therapeutic models including; Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, creative techniques and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.  


    Clare is dedicated to providing a safe space that enables people to talk openly, exploring their concerns and ways forward.  Her approach is to work empathically, supporting people in a non-judgemental way, whilst finding a way  to best suit their needs to bring about positive change.


    In addition, Clare has extensive experience and training in restorative work and conflict resolution.  She is registered with the Restorative Justice Council as an advanced practitioner.

Joy

NWCH Mascot

  • Read About Joy

    Joy has been the NWCH Mascot since May 2021, and loves woirking with our clients.


    Joy is full of energy and loves getting a belly rub or a treat.

Amy Bellas

Counsellor

  • Read About Amy

    Amy is an integrative therapist which means she adapts herstyle of therapy dependent on the needs of each client and how they prefer to work.


    Amy is committed to making sure the therapeutic journey is authentic and collaborative process for the individual, with your preferences at the centre of the journey. 


    Growing up, Amy didn't have access to a counsellor, nor did she have much of an understanding about the process of counselling. She felt she had to deal with her problems alone and not talk to anyone. 


    This was unhelpful, and she felt unheard. Now, Amy believes it is important that no matter how you feel, you have the opportunity to talk to someone, because even the feeling of having someone to listen to you can make all the difference.

Andrew Cox

Counsellor/Supervisor

  • Read About Andrew

    Andrew Cox has a long & varied experience working in counselling & social care settings.


    He has worked in community settings all his working life. He is a qualified psychiatric nurse & while working as a nurse underwent counselling training.


    He has worked in both statutory & charitable settings with vulnerable people of all ages. This has included working in mental health settings, with families for SureStart, with Young Carers and more recently with children in schools and students at University.


    He is a qualified Supervisor and has worked with trainee counsellors.


    He is also a qualified herbalist and has a keen interest in nature and plants which adds to his approach as a person centred counsellor. He likes to use his skills in an integrative way and believes strongly in building trusting, therapeutic relationships.


    He likes walking and cycling and is involved in community arts and drama. He is also a keen supporter of local sport particularly Lincoln City Football Club!

Carla Fox

Counsellor

  • Read About Carla

    Carla is a qualified Therapeutic counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. She has had over twenty years of experience working in the mental health sector, primarily working with adults who have learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. She has also worked for Leicestershire police as a support volunteer working with vulnerable adults and victims of low lever crime. She qualified as a counsellor in 2017 and started her counselling career working for St Barnabas hospice as a bereavement counsellor. Since then she has been working for herself in her own private practice and has worked with a wide range of issues including, anxiety, depression, grief, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and gender issues.


    She has a passion for extreme weather and would love to do some storm chasing in America one day. She also enjoys cliff top walking and loves to be near the ocean. 

Debbie

Washington

Counsellor

  • Read About Debbie

    Debbie qualified as a Therapeutic Counsellor in 2013. 


    She enjoys working with children, teenagers and adults and is passionate about mental health issues and support. 


    She has worked for CASY as a volunteer working with young people in schools and for Park Practice supporting university students. She is a member of The National Counselling Association. 


    She has three wonderful boys who, despite promising to stay forever, have all left home to living productive and happy lives. She enjoys Pilates, reading autobiographies, socialising and cooking in her free time.


Emma Beeson

Volunteer

  • Read About Emma

    I studied psychology at the University of Lincoln and am due to graduate this year. I’m extremely passionate about mental wellbeing, with a particular interest in the psychological impact of stress. I believe that raising awareness is the key to combating the stigma that continues to surround mental illness.


    In my spare time I enjoy sewing and taking the dogs out on long country walks.

Ian Gillman

Counsellor

  • Read About Ian

    Ian has been a qualified counsellor for the last five years gaining extensive experience of working with children and adolescents within the NHS, schools and colleges as well as managing contracts on behalf of a charitable trust.


    After qualifying in 2012 Ian became part of the NHS working as part of a team within the Emotional Health sector. Since then Ian continues his work with the NHS alongside his counselling in schools, specialising in working with children who may have additional needs. Ian also supports families who are struggling and helps couples to find solutions and a way forward in their relationships.


    Ian is married with four daughters who have a variety of pets and always manages any challenges in a calm and considerate way having a positive approach to life.

Ingrid Gill

Art Psycotherapist

  • Read About Ingrid

    Ingrid is a qualified Art Psychotherapist and has been registered with the Health Profession's Council since 2012.


    She has a committed and professional approach having worked in a number of different fields, including a Mental Health unit, Schools and at a local Hospice.

Clare Boardman

Counsellor

  • Read About Clare

    Clare is an Integrative Therapist and a trained Couples Counsellor.  She is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.  She works with both adults and children.  Clare is qualified in a variety of therapeutic models including; Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, creative techniques and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.  


    Clare is dedicated to providing a safe space that enables people to talk openly, exploring their concerns and ways forward.  Her approach is to work empathically, supporting people in a non-judgemental way, whilst finding a way  to best suit their needs to bring about positive change.


    In addition, Clare has extensive experience and training in restorative work and conflict resolution.  She is registered with the Restorative Justice Council as an advanced practitioner.

Ian Gillman

Counsellor

  • Read About Ian

    Ian has been a qualified counsellor for the last five years gaining extensive experience of working with children and adolescents within the NHS, schools and colleges as well as managing contracts on behalf of a charitable trust.


    After qualifying in 2012 Ian became part of the NHS working as part of a team within the Emotional Health sector. Since then Ian continues his work with the NHS alongside his counselling in schools, specialising in working with children who may have additional needs. Ian also supports families who are struggling and helps couples to find solutions and a way forward in their relationships.


    Ian is married with four daughters who have a variety of pets and always manages any challenges in a calm and considerate way having a positive approach to life.

Ingrid Gill

Art Psychotherapist

  • Read About Ingrid

    Ingrid is a qualified Art Psychotherapist and has been registered with the Health Profession's Council since 2012.


    She has a committed and professional approach having worked in a number of different fields, including a Mental Health unit, Schools and at a local Hospice. 

Malcolm Bower-Brown

Counsellor

  • Read About Malcolm

    Malcolm brings a strongly existential outlook to life and to his practice as a therapist, staunch in his belief that ‘Life is a mystery to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.’ He works with adults of all ages and is a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.

     

    Malcolm has a non-directive, client-led, approach and is committed to creating a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic environment, in which people can explore the issues that brought them to therapy and choose their own way forward. He has particular experience in working with people who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual violence.

Karen Hopper-Peart

Counsellor

  • Read About Karen

    Karen is an experienced Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and has been counselling for seven years.


    Since qualifying Karen worked for a Charitable Counselling Service working with adults from a wide spectrum of social and emotional backgrounds and within Secondary Schools counselling students aged 11 to 18. At the same time Karen has continued her professional development and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Person Centred Counselling from the University of Hull in 2015.


    Karen finds her work with Young People to be fulfilling and immensely rewarding and finds that engaging in an empathetic non-judgemental way helps clients feel safe and confident, enabling them to relay their thoughts and feelings in order to find strategies, coping mechanisms and create personal awareness.

    Karen through her own difficult life experiences has encountered counselling first hand and and has come through the other side a grounded and non-judgemental person.


    Karen is a Mother of a teenager and enjoys a busy family life. However, she can always find time to walk her Rhodesian Ridgeback dog and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.

Nicola

Wickstead

Counsellor

  • Read About Nicola

    Nicola is a qualified counsellor & supervisor with over 10 years experience of working within mental health, initially supporting adults with a diagnosed personality disorder in a secure unit.  


    More recently, Nicola worked as Clinical Lead at a local mental health charity where she counselled clients aged 6 and older in schools and community venues and provided psycho-eductional sessions to professionals and parents.

Paula Ryans

Counsellor

  • Read About Paula

    Paula has worked in special needs education and family support over the last 20 years and has extensive experience in developing relationships with parents and children in distress to achieve change and better wellbeing.  


    This work led her to retrain as a therapist and she is registered with the BACP. 


    Paula has worked with children, young people and adults who have sought therapy for issues such as bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression and family separation.  


    She works in a way that puts clients at the centre of the session; if you need to be heard, she will listen.  Together, Paula helps clients to explore how they got to where they are today and where they want to be in the future.

Shirin Bahrami

Counsellor
  • Read About Shirin

    Shirin is a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor and registered member of the BACP. She is committed to providing counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment based on trust and respect. She endeavours to respect the specific needs and personal culture of each individual. 


    Shirin has experience of working with people from a variety of age groups and backgrounds with a wide range of issues such as Abuse, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cultural issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Loss, Post-traumatic stress, Relationships, Self esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues.


    Shirin speaks English, French and Farsi and with over 11 years of professional counselling experience, she has had the privilege of helping people to move towards healing, growth, to discover their abilities and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

Mandy Irons

Counsellor

  • Read About Mandy

    Mandy is a qualified counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.  She completed a Masters Degree in Relational Therapy in 2013 and training with the Centre for Child Mental Health and has worked extensively with couples and families on a wide range of issues.  She specialises in couple therapy and also sees individuals, couples and families through her private practice.  Mandy also works for St Barnabas Hospice specialising in palliative care and bereavement counselling


     


    In her spare time Mandy enjoys family, friends, is a keen (but not very good) golfer,  spending time in the garden and finding new hobbies.

Paula Ryans

Counsellor

  • Read About Paula

    Paula has worked in special needs education and family support over the last 20 years and has extensive experience in developing relationships with parents and children in distress to achieve change and better wellbeing.  


    This work led her to retrain as a therapist and she is registered with the BACP. 


    Paula has worked with children, young people and adults who have sought therapy for issues such as bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression and family separation.  


    She works in a way that puts clients at the centre of the session; if you need to be heard, she will listen.  Together, Paula helps clients to explore how they got to where they are today and where they want to be in the future.

Shirley Leth

Counsellor
  • Read About Shirley

    Shirley is a qualified integrative counsellor, working towards BACP accreditation.


    She has experience of working with people suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, gambling addictions, substance misuse issues and recovery, including grief counselling, helping clients to cope better and other forms of psychological disorders.


    Shirley is also committed to supporting and providing caregivers with emotional support, health & wellbeing and counselling. Moreover she has provided specialist mentoring for higher education students to overcome barriers to become independent learners and succeed academically.


    Shirley aims to support individuals with diverse needs on their journey to achieving a healthier and more balanced life, by applying evidence-based theoretical counselling approaches and experience to gradually empower individuals to alleviate their symptoms and enabling them to live more healthily and regain emotional stability.


    She enjoys cooking, hand-stitching, walking and photography as they are therapeutic and elevate her mood.

Sindy Wade

Counsellor
  • Read About Sindy

    Sindy is a qualified and MBACP registered counsellor based in Cleethorpes.


    Although she trained as a person-centered counsellor, she uses an integrative approach to her work enabling her to draw on a number of therapeutic methods to suit client needs. 


    In addition to her counselling skills, she also combines her spiritual and natural healing knowledge for a completely holistic approach. 


    Sindy believes therapy is your time to feel heard and gives you the opportunity to express your feelings in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.


    To help find your strength and direction you will look at your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing where necessary and appropriate.


    Together, Sindy will help you embark on a journey of self-discovery which can feel liberating, empowering, life changing and will hopefully uncover the real you.


    Sindy will assist you in your process of identifying any goals and then support your journey of growth and transformation towards optimum wellbeing and happiness.


    Her passion is to support people holistically, aiming to facilitate healing to your mind, body and spirit.


    As a professional requirement and for her personal wellbeing, she is fully insured and supported by regular supervision. 


    When not working, Sindy's passions are yoga, meditation, exercise, reading and being out in nature.


Shirley Leth

Counsellor
  • Read About Shirley

    Shirley is a qualified integrative counsellor, working towards BACP accreditation.


    She has experience of working with people suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, gambling addictions, substance misuse issues and recovery, including grief counselling, helping clients to cope better and other forms of psychological disorders.


    Shirley is also committed to supporting and providing caregivers with emotional support, health & wellbeing and counselling. Moreover she has provided specialist mentoring for higher education students to overcome barriers to become independent learners and succeed academically.


    Shirley aims to support individuals with diverse needs on their journey to achieving a healthier and more balanced life, by applying evidence-based theoretical counselling approaches and experience to gradually empower individuals to alleviate their symptoms and enabling them to live more healthily and regain emotional stability.


    She enjoys cooking, hand-stitching, walking and photography as they are therapeutic and elevate her mood.

Stephen

Hopkins

Counsellor
  • Read About Stephen

    Stephen is a qualified counsellor and a registered senior member of the ACCPH (accredited counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists). In addition to his work with NWCH Stephen works as a volunteer counsellor with the Shaw Trust (as part of their Health, Wellbeing and Employment programme)  and with Project5,  the support service for NHS staff. Stephen is also a crisis intervention volunteer with SHOUT the text based support service.


    Stephen is committed to a pluralistic approach to counselling which advocates ensuring that the approaches taken fit the needs of the individual client. He is a strong advocate of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a form of CBT) and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy.


    In addition to his counselling work Stephen is a qualified coach accredited by the IAPCM (International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring). He coaches leaders in the private and public sectors.


    Stephen is a Mental Health First Aider (adults and children adolescents) and is ASSIST qualified. He has a Ph.D is psychology from the University of Liverpool.


    Stephen has four grandchildren (two in the UK and two in the USA). He enjoys travelling, cooking, socialising and studying Indian philosophy.

Tina Scott

Counsellor
  • Read About Tina

    Tina qualified as a counsellor in 2013 and is a registered member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.


    She has previously worked at the Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss, and for CASY (Counselling and Support for Young People). She currently works in a variety of settings including schools, children’s homes, and Park Practice (working with university students). She also sees children and adults through her private practice.


    In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her two dogs, yoga, cooking and gardening.

 Zaavit (Goldie)

Cohen-Alamgor

Counsellor
  • Read About Zaavit

    Zaavit is a qualified therapeutic counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. Counselling is her second career after teaching in both primary and secondary schools for many years. Supporting students in schools was immensely rewarding for Zaavit, and this led her to pursuing a career in counselling.


    Zaavit is a people person and values greatly the relational connection between two individuals. She is always involved in volunteering and supporting the community. Her experiences are varied; working for Age UK as well as in private care homes allowed Zaavit to support the elderly and their families. Training on working with dementia patients and their families endorsed Zaavit to offer therapeutic support in these challenging times. During her time volunteering for the NHS in the oncology ward at the Queen Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Zaavit was able to offer emotional and psychological support to patients, carers and staff.


    Zaavit is a trained Cruse Bereavement Care volunteer and a qualified group support facilitator. Her ongoing training for Cruse has allowed her to gain an extensive amount of knowledge through her experiences of different roles within Cruse; therapeutic one on one work as well as leading bereavement group support for Cruse Hull and East Riding branch. Zaavit was a member of the Cruse ‘Lets Talk’ team, as well as a member of the training committee; delivering internal training, on loss and grief, for Cruse and the Recovery College, Humber NHS foundation trust.


    Alongside her volunteer work, Zaavit works as a college counsellor, supporting young adults experiencing challenging situations. She also runs a successful private practice in Hull, where she supports clients with a variety of issues, such as loss, self-esteem, bereavement, chronic illness, end of life for patients and relatives, anxiety, depression, relational issues, parental struggles and more.

    Zaavit is continuously taking on further training in order to expand on her professional development, and keep up to date with new research on approaches and methodologies in the field.


    Zaavit was born in South America and has lived in many countries over the years, which has allowed her to experience different cultures and has exposed her to the beauty of diversity. In her spare time, Zaavit loves spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking, as well as going for walks, playing board games and watching comedies.

Stephen Hopkins

Counsellor
  • Read About Stephen

    Stephen is a qualified counsellor and a registered senior member of the ACCPH (accredited counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists). In addition to his work with NWCH Stephen works as a volunteer counsellor with the Shaw Trust (as part of their Health, Wellbeing and Employment programme)  and with Project5,  the support service for NHS staff. Stephen is also a crisis intervention volunteer with SHOUT the text based support service.


    Stephen is committed to a pluralistic approach to counselling which advocates ensuring that the approaches taken fit the needs of the individual client. He is a strong advocate of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a form of CBT) and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy.


    In addition to his counselling work Stephen is a qualified coach accredited by the IAPCM (International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring). He coaches leaders in the private and public sectors.


    Stephen is a Mental Health First Aider (adults and children adolescents) and is ASSIST qualified. He has a Ph.D is psychology from the University of Liverpool.


    Stephen has five grandchildren (two in the UK and three in the USA). He enjoys travelling, cooking, socialising and studying Indian philosophy.

Tina Scott

Counsellor

  • Read About Tina

    Tina qualified as a counsellor in 2013 and is a registered member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.


    She has previously worked at the Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss, and for CASY (Counselling and Support for Young People). She currently works in a variety of settings including schools, children’s homes, and Park Practice (working with university students). She also sees children and adults through her private practice.


    In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her two dogs, yoga, cooking and gardening.Paula has worked in special needs education and family support over the last 20 years and has extensive experience in developing relationships with parents and children in distress to achieve change and better wellbeing.  


    This work led her to retrain as a therapist and she is registered with the BACP. 

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We Give our Best Each and Every Time!

  • Every client is treated with respect
  • Everyone is offered a hot drink and warm welcome
  • From your first contact to your last session you are cared for
  • We do our best to make sure you are leaving us more confident

We Give Hope Where There is None!

  • No waiting list (unless funded then only 4 weeks)
  • We don't turn anyone away
  • We are often people's 'last chance'
  • We properly 'listen' to our clients needs

We Save Lives!

  • Fully qualified counsellors (we don't use trainees)
  • 'Out of the box' counselling
  • Funded sessions
  • Every team member is amazingly friendly & respectful
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