Someone to listen
Are you feeling stressed, tired, alone? Do you sometimes think that no one understands? I’m a trained listener – in a counselling session with me, you’ll have plenty of time to talk and share your feelings confidentially. New ideas and solutions can emerge from this – sometimes it only takes a few sessions for you to have a change of perspective, and move forward in a positive way
Counselling for Individuals and Couples
Welcome, and thank you for visiting A Way Forward
My name is Thalia Martin and I am a counsellor providing both short-term and open-ended therapy in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. I also offer counselling online, and by telephone.
We all experience times of difficulty in our lives, when events or relationships feel overwhelming, or we can feel a loss of direction or purpose. Talking to a trained professional helps us make sense of those challenging times and offers a way through them, moving towards a better understanding of ourselves and our feelings.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. I have ten years experience as a counsellor, and 25 years in mental health generally. As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a member of the National Counselling Society, and the Association of Trauma Informed Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and a Certificate in Person-centred Counselling. Other training includes the Open Dialogue Foundation Training, the Philadelphia Association Introductory Course in Philosophy and Psychotherapy, and bereavement counselling with Camden Bereavement Service and Cruse Bereavement Care. All these courses have deepened my understanding and interest in mental health issues and emotional difficulties, and in how we live through them and develop from them.
Making the decision to see a counsellor is a big step to take – but it can be a positive one. Please read on to find out more about how I could help you . . .
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
Life brings many challenges, and it is understandable that at times we might look for support in facing them. As a counsellor my role is to provide space and guidance to help you on your journey of self-discovery; to enable you to examine your life and make new, meaningful choices within it.
I offer a chance to reflect on the difficulties or problems you are experiencing in a safe and confidential environment, with someone from outside your day-to-day life. Together we can explore your situation in a way that leads to fresh perspectives – and a better understanding of yourself. Counselling isn’t about giving you solutions or advice, but empowering you to make your own changes.
My approach to therapy is a person-centred and integrative one. This is a non-judgmental way of working, where we create the right conditions to help you increase your self-awareness; so you can move towards – and reach – your full potential.
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationships
Grief, loss, and bereavement
Family
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
Depression
Low confidence or self-esteem
Issues relating to sexuality
Work/life balance
Addiction
Bullying at home or at work
Feeling alone
Speak in confidence
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy – and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
“To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem”
Carl Jung
Couples and relationship counselling
I’ve trained in Open Dialogue, which is a way of working with couples, families and social networks. It gives importance to making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. When each person has a chance to express their views and feelings, this helps you both to have a change of perspective and see a way forward.
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07807 371735 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
MY LOCATION
I see clients in person in central Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Online and telephone sessions are also available
FEES & AVAILABILITY
Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £45 per session. For couples, longer sessions of 1 hour 20 minutes are available, with a fee of £65. Concessions for both individuals and couples are available for online sessions – please enquire.
Note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer.
YOU MAY NOT KNOW IT, BUT YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP…
It can be scary and confusing making the decision to contact a counsellor or therapist. Sometimes a friend has proved a source of comfort, but this help can only go so far. Realising that resolving a problem requires something more means you have actually already taken the first step towards improving your life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Counselling and therapy cover similar areas – a more helpful distinction is between short-term and longer-term sessions. A few sessions can be very effective in resolving a specific problem. Continuing sessions for a few months or more, provides an opportunity to look at things in more depth, and to explore underlying themes in your life that are affecting long-term or recurring issues. In my experience, longer-term work has longer-lasting benefits.
This depends on you, and if you feel the counselling is helping. Some people feel that a few sessions are enough, in order for them to get on with their life in the way they want. Others prefer to stay longer, to work on more deep-rooted problems, at their own pace.
My aim is to offer a first appointment – known as an initial assessment – within 1-2 weeks. Then we can arrange a mutually convenient time for regular sessions.
I have worked as a counsellor in private practice, for Cambridgeshire Consultancy in Counselling (now known as Evolve), and for Counselling Initiatives in London. I have many years experience in the voluntary sector for mental health, including the Stress Project in Islington, London.
Here are a few resources that may be helpful—
Samaritans 116 123 (24-hour helpline)
Email jo@smaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
National helpline, for everyone
0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day)
thecalmzone.net
NHS
Every NHS area has an urgent mental health helpline. To find the number for your area, look up NHS 111 online.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247 (24-hour)
Andy’s Man Club
Local groups for men to talk to each other
andysmanclub.co.uk
©2022 Thalia Martin
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