Julie Reynolds
Experienced birth, early parenting and family life specialist.
Are you finding the demands of parenting much tougher than you imagined, leaving you overwhelmed and anxious, but unable to see a way out of the current chaos and fog? Are you feeling constantly exhausted, sad and tearful, inadequate and not finding much joy in anything? Did you have a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, feeling on-edge, suffering flashbacks and trapped in a cycle of depression, anger and guilt? Or are you pregnant and worried about your forthcoming birth?
Availability confirmed 5 days ago
About me and my practice
Counselling with me can:
- Help you to cope with the demands of being a parent, giving you confidence to make sound decisions, find the real you again, and be the best parent you can be.
- Give you relief from the distressing symptoms of trauma, so that you can see a way forward and enjoy life with your baby.
- Give you tools and techniques for those moments when anxiety and overwhelm and self-doubt strike, helping you to feel calmer and more in control.
If you feel ready, we can discuss options and alternative courses of action for as long as you need, until you feel confident that you can see a way forward. But I will never try to tell you what you to do, or insist that my way is the right way. I will listen and help you to explore what feels important to you, at the pace that feels right for you. There are no 'musts' or 'shoulds' in counselling with me.
If you've had a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, sadly I cannot rewind time and take away what has happened to you but I can help with specialist memory processing techniques to support you in getting to a place of greater safety, where you can find a way to continue with your life without feeling overwhelmed by the accompanying terror and distress. I have undertaken specialist trauma training to minimise the risk of re-traumatising you.
How I work
As both a professional and a mother of two, I'm very familiar with the challenges of difficult birth experiences, the ups and downs of parenting, the ongoing struggle to adapt to new roles and the loneliness that can bring.
I have 10 years professional experience supporting and empowering parents and parents-to-be through support groups, workshops and classes (including remotely for parents who found themselves isolated and struggling through the pandemic), as well sensitively supporting those who have had a very difficult journey through fertility treatments, baby loss and stillbirth.
Experience
Previous counselling roles:
Choices Islington - volunteer counsellor - offering counselling for those who are pregnant or in the perinatal period experiencing low mood, anxiety or other challenges due to the pregnancy.
MumsAid - volunteer counsellor - offering specialist counselling to help new mums with their mental health.
Other:
SeeHearRespond project (Barnardos) - lead facilitator of antenatal and postnatal support workshops for groups of parents suffering from mild to moderate mental health problems during the pandemic.
Antenatal course leader and group facilitator - support of parents in challenging circumstances (e.g. babies in special care, bereavement, high risk pregnancy, multiple birth)
Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Counselling (NCPS Accredited)
Diploma of Higher Education - Antenatal
Additional training and CPD:
Safety Techniques in Trauma
Treating Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Working with Baby Loss
Traumatic Birth Recovery 3 Step Rewind
Additional Information
Your time with me is a chance to focus on you and your needs, and I would encourage you to arrange care for babies and children if you can, however I understand that that is not always possible.
You don't need to wait for the mythical 'good day' that rarely comes, and you don't need to dress up, or put on 'nice clothes' or make up (unless you want to of course!) - just be brave enough to get in touch and we can take it one step at a time from there.
Available online nationally through Zoom, also in person in Coulsdon, South London.
Professional Membership
Accredited Registrant MNCPS (Acc.)
Professional Register
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
Verified by Counsellingo on Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Initial Consultation
The first session is very much an exploratory one, for us to begin to get to know each other, to explain how I work, to understand your motivation for seeking counselling and what you hope to gain, and of course for you to ask any questions. There is no obligation at all to continue if it doesn't feel right for any reason.
Fees
Fees are £55 day times and £65 for evenings after 6pm, weekends and Bank Holidays.
Fees are payable in advance before each session please, by bank transfer or PayPal.
Cancellations within 24 hours are payable in full please, as I cannot fill the slot at short notice.
If I have to cancel your appointment with less than 24hrs notice for any reason, I will provide your next session free of charge.
Occasional reduced cost sessions may be available - please ask.
When I Work
I can offer appointments at the following times:
Monday morning and evening, Wednesday day time and evening, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, Saturday morning
Daytime sessions are 9.15am to 3.15am
Evening sessions are 6pm to 9.30pm
Saturday sessions are 9am and 12pm - very limited availability.
Occasional Sundays and other evenings may be available on an ad-hoc basis - please enquire.
Therapeutic Approach
Integrative approach incorporating the person-centred approach, CBT, TA, Gestalt and Mindfulness
Video Platforms
Zoom
Additional Languages
N/A
Pronouns
She/her
Area
Greater London
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