Counselling in Ripon & online across the UK
I’m Gemma Antcliffe, a BACP-registered counsellor based in Ripon. I offer in-person and online sessions, with a specialist focus on fertility counselling alongside support for anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, grief and relationship difficulties.
You’ve probably landed here because something isn’t quite right.
Maybe you’re the person who keeps everything going, at work, at home, for everyone around you; but inside you’re exhausted, anxious, or just not feeling like yourself.
Perhaps you’re navigating fertility struggles; treatment, loss, or the quiet grief of trying and hoping month after month.
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to keep carrying it alone. Let’s work through it together.
Are you exhausted from holding everything together?
Are fertility struggles taking over your life?
Are you stuck in anxiety, self-doubt or grief?
If any of this sounds familiar, I’d love to help.
How I can help you
Fertility Counselling
Whether you’re going through treatment, facing loss, or navigating the emotional toll of trying to conceive, you don’t have to carry it alone. I offer specialist fertility counselling informed by additional training and personal understanding of this journey.
Counselling for Adults
If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, grief, self-esteem or relationship difficulties, counselling can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and find a steadier way forward. You don’t need to be in crisis for your struggles to matter here.
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.
“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’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.”