Face to face counselling in Ripon and on-line
Hello, I’m Gemma, a therapist based in Ripon, UK.
I work with people of all ages and backgrounds to navigate life’s challenges, including those unique to fertility treatments such as IVF. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles, rediscover your confidence, and move forward with resilience and self-compassion.
I provide tailored support for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unhelpful thought patterns, bereavement, and relationship challenges.
I help you explore and process the emotional impact of fertility struggles, helping you regain control and clarity during what can feel like an overwhelming journey.
Whether you’re dealing with a stressful or upsetting event, the complexities of fertility treatment, or simply feel something is holding you back, I’m here to help.
You can read more about the specific support I offer around infertility on my IVF counselling page.
How does counselling help?
Does this sound like you?
- You hide your true feelings because you’re afraid of being judged or labelled as ‘too much’.
- You feel anxious and down, and you’re looking for a change.
- You’ve noticed certain behaviours are holding you back in life. You keep repeating the same mistakes and feel like you’re going in circles.
- You recognise that a traumatic event from your past is holding you back in life, but you’re unsure where or how to begin in discussing it.
- You compare yourself to others and feel insecure, believing you’re not good enough.
- You often feel guilty.
- You’re always there for others, but no one notices that you’re struggling too.
- You struggle with negative thoughts and self-beliefs
Imagine how it would feel to understand what is holding you back, re-gain control and lead a more fulfilled life.
In my experience people who commit to counselling with me will:
- Feel supported, validated, and no longer alone.
- Gain a different perspective on past events and trauma.
- Feel better able to challenge unhelpful, critical thoughts and beliefs.
- Understand themselves better and make positive changes to their lives
- Feel calmer, less reactive and better equipped to manage difficult situations and relationships.
- Feel more confident in setting appropriate boundaries, leading them to feel more in control.
How I can help you
Just like you, I’ve faced moments of feeling overwhelmed, and I understand how difficult it can be to remain rational during such times. You want to get your life back on track, but being caught up in the experience can make it hard to see a way forward. This is where a helping hand can make all the difference. I am here to guide you through the challenges, help you find the root cause so you can make changes for the better and regain control over your life.
You may have been searched “therapist near me” a number of times, wondering whether you should make the jump. I can say with absolute confidence, counselling is one of the best forms of self-care and gives you the chance to start thrive in life.
Here’s what client’s have to say about their work with me…
“Gemma is a very empathic, calming and understanding lady. She provides a very calm and safe environment and is very patient and professional. I would recommend her totally to anyone”
“Gemma is a sensitive, empathic counsellor who has excellent listening skills. I would recommend her to friends and family. Thank you Gemma”
“Gemma’s work with me really helped me through a difficult time in my work life. I found the sessions uplifting and they gave me the opportunity to reflect on what was causing me stress and they prompted me to understand how I was going to feel healthy and happy moving forward. Thank you so much for your support.”
“Since seeing Gemma I feel like a weight has lifted from my shoulders, and everything doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it did before counselling….I am able to enjoy the present moment more.”
“I am so very grateful. Gemma has been amazing working with me. I know that Gemma enabled me to move forward, and for that I will always be truly grateful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if I need counselling?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, experiencing persistent sadness or anxiety, struggling with relationships, or facing major life changes, counselling might be beneficial.
Yet it’s also worth remembering you don’t need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit. Some people want to come as part of their personal development, keen to explore parts of themselves and increase self awareness.
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What can I expect in a counselling session?
Sessions provide an opportunity to talk about your concerns, worries and experiences. Some people may share something they have never shared with anyone else. It is my job to listen, provide feedback, and help you develop strategies for coping and making positive changes.
It can feel a little one-sided at the start and you may feel worried about “dominating” the air space but that is exactly what is for. In this modern, busy world there are rare opportunities for the sole focus to be on us.
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How long is a counselling session?
Each counselling session last 50 minutes.
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How long does the counselling process take?
It’s natural to wonder how many sessions you will need but there is no definite answer. Whilst some people will feel the benefit from a few sessions sufficient, others stay in therapy longer term. The length of time depends on the issues being addressed and your goals.
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Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling sessions are confidential. As a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) I work to ethical guidelines to protect your privacy, with a few exceptions related to safety and legal requirements.
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Can I have counselling with you online?
Yes, absolutely. Some clients are online only, whilst others may choose to have online sessions if they have issues getting to the session in person. I am very happy to be flexible.
Registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The BACP is governing body which supports safe, ethical, and competent practice in counselling and psychotherapy.
Member of BICA (British Infertility Counselling)
My qualifications, experience, and professional membership
- I have been working as a counsellor since 2012.
- Following achieving BSc (Hons) in Psychology, I achieved an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Therapy and Practice.
- I am an Integrative therapist Ripon which means I tailor how I work to the person sitting in front of me.
- For a significant part of my professional life, I worked for the mental health charity Mind. This has given me a good understanding of working with a broad range of mental health issues that can affect us all any point in our lives.
- I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP is governing body which supports safe, ethical, and competent practice in counselling and psychotherapy.
- I am a member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) and have achieved the Advanced Course in Fertility Counselling.
Your Next Step…
Counselling with me costs £60 per session.
If you would like to explore booking in for counselling with me, simply provide your contact details and short message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.