A warm welcome to Anna Harlow Counselling
Counsellor for individuals and couples in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Like most people, my personal journey has not been straightforward and there have been bumps in the road along the way. During those times when it felt too difficult to open up to friends and family, I found counselling helpful as it offered me a dedicated time and confidential space to explore my experiences and understand my feelings. Whilst my counsellor was well trained and knowledgeable, it was the feeling of being truly seen and accepted that stayed with me long after the counselling had finished.
As a counsellor now myself, my wish is to share that same experience with my clients. Whilst my training and qualifications are important and show that I have achieved a certain level of competence, it is within the safety and trust of the therapeutic relationship that the opportunity for change is created.
I trained as an Integrative counsellor, which means I studied more than one counselling style, and I believe this makes me more flexible in how we approach our work together. I have also undertaken further training specifically for working with couples and in Internal Family Systems. I offer both short- and long-term counselling working in person and online.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds and identities and I strive to provide a safe, affirming space for everyone.
My qualifications include:
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Staffordshire University)
• Post Qualifying Certificate in Relational Counselling (Relate)
• Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy Externship (BEFT)
• Internal Family Systems Level 1 Therapist (IFS Institute)
Counselling
People come to me for counselling for many different reasons such as personal or professional development, feeling stuck in life, finding relationships difficult or having suffered abuse or trauma…whatever your reason and whether you’re new to counselling or not, I know it takes courage to make that first step, to put your hope for change in a stranger.
Hopefully I won’t feel like a stranger for long…more like a friendly and safe guide who can help you navigate through unfamiliar territory to the place you’d like to arrive. As your counsellor I will be alongside you with kindness, warmth and without judgement offering a confidential space to safely explore the past, present and future you.
Through our work together you will get more clarity about how and why you might respond to situations and people in certain ways and what might keep you stuck in certain patterns. I will help you to integrate this new knowledge into your life, bringing you greater choice about how to shape the present you have and the future you want.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems offers a framework for healing, inviting us into connection with different aspects of ourselves in a gentle and compassionate way. IFS therapy can bring about increased balance and harmony in both our internal and external worlds and since completing the training it has become a core part of my personal and professional life. More information about IFS can be found at this link https://ifs-institute.com or you are welcome to ask me about it.
Couples counselling
My work with couples aims to rebuild trust and connection in the relationship. When negative cycles of interactions are active they eventually empty out feelings of goodwill, safety and trust resulting in conflict, loneliness and resentment. A distressing place to be for everyone involved. Using Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy as a framework, we work together to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening, disrupt the negative cycle and find our way back to connection.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Addiction
ADHD
Trauma and PTSD
Stress or anxiety
Health related issues
Depression
Low self esteem
Anger issues
Sexuality
Work related issues
Menopause
My location
I offer counselling in person from my comfortable office in Shrewsbury and also online session using zoom.
Sessions and fees
I offer a free initial 15-20 minute telephone/zoom call to introduce ourselves.
After this, sessions take place weekly (or occasionally fortnightly) and last between 50 minutes and an hour (for couples). The first session is an opportunity for you to see how comfortable you feel talking to me and for us to explore your reasons for coming to counselling. We will also discuss important aspects of counselling such as confidentiality. If it feels right for you, we can identify some goals or a direction that you would like to be going in and this can help focus our work together. Alternatively you may want to see what feels important to explore on a session by session basis.
My fees are £50 for individuals, £60 for couples and I offer a reduced rate of £35 for students.
Frequently asked questions
How would I get started?
Simply use the form on this website, email me at annaharlowcounselling@gmail.com or call/text me on 07375101570.
What happens after I send my enquiry?
I will contact you to arrange a free initial chat where we can introduce ourselves, discuss what you are looking for support with and you can ask any questions you might have. We can then book a first session which I would aim to offer you within 1 – 2 weeks.
What are your costs?
My fees are £50 for individuals, £60 for couples and I offer a reduced rate of £35 for students.
When and where do we meet?
We would meet weekly or fortnightly either from my comfortable office in central Shrewsbury or online via Zoom.
How many sessions will I need?
This is different for each person. Sometimes a crisis or immediate challenge can be resolved in a relatively short time period such as 6 – 10 sessions. For those that want to change deeper patterns of behaviour or significant issues from the past, a longer commitment would be required. However, I do not ask you to book sessions more than one in advance and I commit to regularly reviewing our work together. We will always go at the pace that feels right for you.
Are sessions confidential?
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some legal and ethical situations where I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. I would always endeavour to discuss this with you first.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me at annaharlowcounselling@gmail.com or via the below form 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 07375101570 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 48 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
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