Hi, I'm Janine.
I help people move beyond their current struggles to restore peace and balance to their lives.
Your healing begins here...
Hello, and a very warm welcome.
I'm Janine, a qualified therapeutic counsellor, passionate about supporting people through life's ups and downs by providing both short and long-term therapy to adults.
Have you been struggling for a while, trying to manage your issues on your own, but feeling stuck, like things just aren't getting better? Or maybe you're looking for some support to help you take control before things start to spiral.
Many of us wait until things feel like they are at breaking point before we ask for help. Often we try talking to friends or family but sometimes, even well-intentioned loved ones don't fully understand our issues, or they may give us well-meaning advice based on their own perspective. They may even interrupt and tell you about a similar problem they had which often leaves us feeling closed down and not listened to.
Talking to a trained professional is different; you are completely free to express what's on your mind without feeling like a burden or worrying you might say the wrong thing. Each session is completely focused on you.
Sometimes its not advice we need, it's a safe space where we can offload our feelings on to someone impartial and gain clarity on our situation. That's where I come in. My role is to give you the time and space to explore your thoughts and feelings, without judgement, and without thinking I know what's best for you.
How I Can Help
I offer 1:1 support for as long as you need it. There are no minimum or maximum amount of sessions you can have. We will work together to figure out what type of support you need.
I work with many clients on a short-term basis supporting them through challenging situations or difficult life changes as well as other clients over a longer period where they may wish to talk about things from their childhoods or events from the past that are impacting them or holding them back. Together we work towards making positive changes, learning how to increase your self-care and self acceptance. Often we can be our own worst critics, but I am passionate about helping my clients develop self-compassion as they untangle their feelings. In fact, self-compassion is the very foundation on which I have built my therapy practice and underpins my warm and empathic approach.
I work with clients face to face from a comfortable counselling room in the heart of Rayleigh High Street, Essex, and online using Teams. This means I can support you wherever you are in the UK.
Whether you are suffering with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, past traumas including childhood sexual abuse, loss, bereavement or something else entirely, I am passionate about supporting you through the tough times, and helping you to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
In fact, I believe this is my calling in life and I've been on my own journey of self-discovery which has landed me right here, doing work that I love, supporting others so they can discover more about who they are, enabling them to feel listened to, understood and accepted.
If you are struggling to cope with aspects of your life and would like to speak to someone in complete confidence, without being judged, why not book a free initial consultation with me to see how I can help.
Janine Clifton
Therapeutic Counsellor
MBACP
Counselling or Therapy?
The terms 'counselling' and 'therapy' are often used interchangeably although counselling generally focuses on shorter-term specific life challenges, such as a bereavement, health issues, relationship breakdown or redundancy for example, whilst therapy tends to be a longer process that explores deeper emotional issues and patterns of relating to ourselves and others. Both are based on principles of trust, respect and client autonomy. In other words, I respect your right to make decisions that feel right for you about the level of support you require from me. It's your journey after all; I'm just here to travel this part with you.
Through both therapy and counselling, you will develop the tools to help you to move forward and to make whatever changes you wish. As well as being a safe space to explore your feelings and issues, its is also a place to learn new skills from implementing boundaries, learning how to say no, to finding new healthy ways of responding and learning how to sit with difficult feelings plus many more.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. There is no right or wrong way to have counselling or therapy. Each client I work with is completely unique and no issue is too big or small. If you are new to therapy, you can read my blog article about What To Expect As A New Client.
As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a Registered Member of the BACP, (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), and abide by their code of ethics. I hold full Professional Indemnity Insurance and have a Current DBS certificate. I am a committed life-long learner and undertake regular training and CPD to enhance my knowledge and skills.
Issues I Work With
I have experience of working with a wide array of issues and common mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex issues such as difficult upbringings, trauma, relationship issues and much more.
Areas of special interest include working with low self-esteem, anxiety, loss of purpose/identity, divorce/separation and life transitions.
My specialist area, and a branch of my practice is dedicated to working with vegan clients (new, established or those transitioning) who may be struggling with their mental health. (Please see my About Me section for more info on Veganism). My work is not limited to vegan clients only.
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 can 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 perhaps a new 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 person-centred. This is a non-judgmental way of working, where I create the right conditions to help you increase your self-awareness; to move towards - and reach - your fullest potential. I believe my clients know best what they want from their therapy and so I work in a pluralistic way which means we collaborate together to ensure your therapy is as unique as you are.
I draw on other counselling theories, techniques and practices as appropriate and work with you as you explore life's big questions or come to terms with a difficult reality.
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:
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. I pride myself in being warm, friendly and relatable and I believe that the therapeutic relationship we create together is of the utmost importance. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence; whether this is face-to-face, or over Teams.
A PROBLEM SHARED...
Whether its problems within a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings, depression or something else - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them. The sessions belong to you and so you are free to discuss any topic that's important to you, without judgement.
MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES
As a counsellor, I won't tell you what to do. Instead, by working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward. I believe in empowering people to make their own decisions so that they can live the rich, fulfilling lives they want.