Jess Standish Counselling
In person and online therapy for adults and young people 14 +
Welcome
When you are feeling stressed, anxious or low, everyday life can feel challenging and overwhelming. Feeling listened to and understood can open up the possibility of choice and change.
I'm Jess, an experienced BACP accredited therapist committed to offering you support at a difficult time in your life. I provide a warm and compassionate, confidential space where you will be listened to and valued.
I offer face to face sessions in two central Dorking locations and work online nationwide. I also work as a young person's counsellor for Heads Together, part of YMCA East Surrey.
A trusting relationship is at the very heart of the work we do together. Our sessions will always focus on respecting your needs and wants, at a pace which is comfortable for you.
By choosing an accredited member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) you can be reassured that you are making an informed decision to be supported by a very experienced therapist who meets the highest training and professional standards.
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How counselling can help
When life starts to feel overwhelming it can seem like nothing will ever change. It can feel difficult to talk to friends or family for fear that you might be judged, that they might see a vulnerable side that you don’t want to share or that you might be burdening them.
Over time unresolved issues can not only affect your mental health and emotional wellbeing but can start to impact your physical body.
Working alongside a counsellor can feel liberating as it allows you to be open and share your thoughts and feelings without a sense of being judged.
Talking helps you to gain perspective and an understanding of yourself and how you respond to the people around you and your environment. This awareness can enable you to work towards and embrace acceptance and this in turn, helps you to address the changes you would like to make in your life.
Anxiety
Life events such as relationship and health issues, work and study stress, bereavement and loss demand that we must constantly adapt to change. Without support, this can take its toll leading to stress, anxiety and depression.
Depression
Exploring and challenging coping behaviours which may have developed over time and can start to become increasingly unhelpful leading to avoidance and self-criticism. Listening to your inner critic can lead you away from the self-compassion needed to live a fulfilling life.
Relationships
Recognising how past experiences and patterns of behaviour have shaped you and how you enter relationships and communicate your wants and needs. These insights can help you understand yourself in the present, enabling choices that lead to healing, acceptance and change.
Neurodivergence
An estimated one in seven people in the UK are thought to have neurodivergent differences including autism, ADHD and dyslexia. Some may feel a pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations which can take its toll on your mental health and self-esteem.
Trauma
Trauma can mean many different things to different people but the source can sometimes lie in ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Understanding your mind and body's internal alarm system and processing it can help you address the sources and work towards living your life wholeheartedly.
Adolescent Therapy
If you are a young person, life can feel challenging and confusing, navigating the pressures of our complex society and learning to understand yourself. You may be struggling to live up to your own and other people’s expectations, the school or college environment, relationship and friendship issues, exploring identity and sexuality.
Myapproach
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My approach
The foundation of my training is Humanistic and Person-centred, focusing on the warmth and openness of the therapeutic relationship we develop. I believe that you are your own expert, you know yourself better than anyone and with compassionate support you can find your own answers.
Each client requires a holistic approach and I draw on techniques from different types of therapy to tailor an approach specifically for you, regularly reviewing the work to ensure your needs are being met.
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed and confused and may need a bit more guidance or direction. I might bring in elements of CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) to address negative thoughts and unhelpful patterns of behaviour.
TA (Transactional Analysis) looks at embedded core beliefs which might need challenging and helps to address relationship and assertiveness difficulties.
Psychodynamic therapy examines deep-rooted thoughts and feelings from your past which affect your emotional wellbeing in the present.
Elements of DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) can help when we feel overpoweringly strong emotions which de-stabilise us and Mindfulness techniques can be learned and practised to help ground us and offer long lasting change.
Issues I can help with
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Anxiety
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Anger
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Abuse (domestic, bullying, online)
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Assertive communication
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Bereavement and loss
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Depression/low mood
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School/university stress
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Emotionally based school non- attendance
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Family issues
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Health and health anxiety
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Identity and gender identity
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Insomnia and sleep issues
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ASD ADHD Dyslexia
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Relationships
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Self-esteem
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Self-harm
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Trauma and PTSD
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Women's health including fertility, post natal issues and menopause
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Work and career including stress
About the sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes long. I offer face to face counselling in comfortable surroundings in central Dorking and online via Zoom.
Free initial session
It is important to feel comfortable from the outset and therefore I offer a free 30 minute session where we can get to know one another.
We can discuss what you would like to get out of counselling, you can ask any questions and have time to decide if you would like to proceed with counselling.
I offer both open-ended therapy where we will regularly review our work together and time limited goal focused work which can also be effective depending on your specific needs.
I also offer counselling through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with Axa, Aviva and Vitality.
Parking is available for face to face sessions at my garden therapy room.
Fees: £60 per session
Experience and qualifications
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Accredited Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
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Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic and Existential Counselling
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In addition to my private practice I work for Heads Together, a youth counselling service in Surrey, part of YMCA East Surrey. Previous work includes GP practice counsellor.
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Recent training: ADHD, ASD therapy, social anxiety, working with suicide and self-harm, autism and risk, safeguarding children and young people, working as a trauma therapist, neglect and relational trauma, relationships and transactional analysis, working with the adult child in therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy.
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Current DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring service)
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PGCE Education (15 years as a teacher in London and Surrey)
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BA (Hons)
Working with young people
Recent surveys show that young people in the UK are finding life really tough.
You are not alone and may feel your mental health and wellbeing are being impacted.
I have a wealth of experience working with young clients who are struggling with anxiety and low mood, relationship and friendship issues, family problems, education, self-harming behaviour and suicidal thoughts and neurodivergence including dyslexia, ASC and ADHD.
It is important to maintain your autonomy in our work together and to feel guided and supported, listened to rather than led. In this way you can develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.
Together we can work towards developing your self-esteem and confidence through reframing your sense of self and learning assertive communication skills so that you feel able to ask for ask for what you need.
I have an advanced DBS Disclosure.
Client testimonials
Chris
Jennifer
"During a particularly difficult time when I was struggling with depression, I was fortunate to find Jess. She is an exceptional listener who not only heard my concerns but truly understood what I was going through. Her unwavering support and compassionate guidance provided me with the strength and clarity I needed to navigate my way back to a better place."
"I was having a difficult time finding my way through the end of a relationship. I felt I had completely lost myself and talking to Jess was really helpful. We looked at the way I communicated, often in a passive aggressive way and how this tapped into a childhood where I didn't feel listened to. Her kindness and warmth helped me to open up and trust again which has helped me develop my self-esteem.
Jacob
"Talking to Jess has helped me to understand myself better especially around my anxiety, anger and feelings of shame. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and have spent a lifetime thinking I was difficult, a disappointment and everyone found life easier than me. Jess has never judged me and it feels amazing to be listened to and understood. I feel more able to cope with future challenges."
If you would like to find out more about how I may be able to help, you can email me at:
jhstandishcounsellor@gmail.com
or call or text me on 07960 889805 .
I will get back to you as soon as possible.