Terry Balby

In-person and online.

I’m Terry Balby, a BACP Accredited Counsellor and EMDR Accredited Practitioner based in Whitstable, Kent.

I know that deciding to contact a counsellor can be a big step. Perhaps you have been struggling for some time, or something has happened that has left you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low or simply not quite yourself. You may not even be sure what you need help with. You don’t have to have all the answers before you come.

My approach is warm, accepting and non-judgemental. I offer a safe and confidential space where you can talk openly and honestly about whatever is troubling you, without feeling that you have to put on a brave face or have everything worked out.

I believe that therapy is a very personal experience and that it is important to find a counsellor you feel comfortable with. I will listen carefully to what you are experiencing and work alongside you to understand what you need from therapy.

Sometimes having the time and space to talk and make sense of your experiences is what is needed. At other times, particularly when distressing experiences continue to affect you, EMDR may offer another way of working.

My aim is to provide a calm, genuine and supportive space where you can feel heard and understood, while helping you develop greater understanding and find ways of moving forward that feel right for you.

I offer face-to-face counselling and EMDR from my practice in central Tankerton, Whitstable, as well as online sessions.

I have over 25 years’ experience working in mental health services, with a career that has included counselling, management and clinical work. I have worked as a manager within commissioned NHS IAPT services and local counselling charities, as well as running my own private counselling practice for the past 10 years.

Throughout my career, I have supported adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Alongside my counselling work, I have developed specialist expertise in EMDR.

I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and an EMDR Accredited Practitioner for the UK and Europe, and a member of the EMDR Association UK. I undertake ongoing professional development to maintain and extend my knowledge and clinical practice.

I am fully insured and hold an Enhanced DBS.

My experience across NHS, charitable and private practice settings has given me a broad understanding of mental health and the different circumstances in which people seek support.

I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Areas I commonly work with include:

• Anxiety, excessive worry and panic

• Depression and low mood

• Stress and feeling overwhelmed

• Trauma and the effects of distressing experiences

• Difficult experiences from childhood that continue to affect life in the present

• Grief, loss and complicated bereavement

• Relationship difficulties and changes in relationships

• Difficult life changes and transitions

• Self-esteem, confidence and self-worth

• Fears and phobias

• Social anxiety

• OCD

• The emotional impact of illness, difficult circumstances or major life events

• LGBTQ+ issues, including identity, relationships, self-acceptance and experiences of shame or rejection

EMDR

I am an EMDR Accredited Practitioner and offer EMDR for people who have experienced trauma or other distressing life experiences.

EMDR can be helpful when something from the past continues to affect how you feel, think or respond in the present. You may understand what happened intellectually but still find that particular memories, emotions, physical sensations or reactions remain very strong.

EMDR can be used when someone has experienced abuse, assault, bullying, accidents, difficult medical experiences, crime, childhood experiences, loss and other events that have felt overwhelming or continue to cause distress.

I also work with people who may not identify with the word “trauma” but feel that something from their past is still affecting their relationships, confidence, emotional wellbeing or everyday life.

EMDR is not necessarily right for everyone. We can discuss your circumstances and consider whether EMDR, talking therapy, or a combination of approaches would be most appropriate.

I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable enough to be open and honest, without fear of being judged. I aim to create a safe and confidential space where you can talk about whatever is troubling you at a pace that feels manageable.

I don’t believe there is one way of doing therapy that suits everyone. I draw on different therapeutic approaches and adapt our work according to your circumstances and needs, rather than expecting you to fit a particular model.

Sometimes the most helpful starting point is having time and space to talk, understand your thoughts and feelings, and explore patterns that may have developed over time. At other times, you may want something more structured or practical to help you manage particular difficulties.

I will listen carefully and work alongside you, but I won’t simply tell you what you want to hear. Where it feels helpful, I may gently challenge your thinking or invite you to look at something from a different perspective. I believe this can be an important part of therapy, while respecting that you are the expert on your own life.

Where appropriate, I may incorporate EMDR into our work. This can be used alongside talking therapy or as a more focused approach, depending on what you need.

My aim is to help you develop a better understanding of yourself and your experiences, recognise your own strengths and resources, and feel more able to make choices about how you respond to life.

We work together at a pace that feels right for you.

info@whitstablecounselling.co.uk

Telephone 07401816148