Counselling & Shiatsu

Counselling and Shiatsu Therapy – Exeter, Devon

  • Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    Here’s my Counselling space

    Counselling with true connection, Exeter, Devon

    My space is multi-functional and this is it set up for Counselling.

    It’s used for Counselling, Shiatsu and Meditation.

    I offer affirming and supportive Counselling.

    I work hard to build a strong therapeutic relationship, providing connection and trust.

    My Counselling is very much client-led. 

    I advocate and promote autonomy and personal choice.

    I work with anyone over the age of 13.

    I specialise in supporting those who are neurodiverse – ADHD, AuADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic. 

    I also support those struggling with hormonal imbalances, including teenage years, Perimenopause and Menopause.

    I work from home, in Exwick, Exeter.

    I also offer online sessions.

    If you are drawn to having Counselling with me…….do get in touch….I offer a free 30 minute chat.

    More info can be found on the various pages and blogs on this site…..or get in touch with questions

    amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

  • Counselling & Shiatsu, Exeter Devon

    I offer supportive and welcoming Counselling and Shiatsu in Exwick, Exeter, Devon.

    A warm, welcoming and nurturing treatment space, fitting well with how I am as a therapist.

    I offer an open and non-judgmental space.

    A well held therapeutic space where healing and transformation can take place.

    A space clients can explore and question their present reality and health….looking to take control for themselves, to makes change and feel shifts.

    Although new to Counselling I am an experienced therapist….having practiced Shiatsu for over a decade, so I understand my trade well.

    I specialise in supporting people who are Neurodivergent – ADHD, AuADHD, Dyslexic, Dyspraxic.

    I also work a lot with women who are, or think they may be, Neurodivergent and being heavily impacted by hormones. Often in the Perimenopause and Menopause years.

    Hormones can have a massive impact at any age, being misdiagnosed as mental health, for instance.

    Here’s the space set up for Counselling:

    Here it is for Shiatsu:

    Appointments across the week, day and evenings.

    I am always happy to answer any questions or queries.

    Do feel free to get in touch through my contact me page.

    I offer a 30 minute, free, call for Counselling.

    This is to understand your goals and ensure I can meet your needs as a therapist.

  • Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Good Monday Morning! How is your week shaping up?

    I am ready to get into a week of Shiatsu treatments, in my special treatment space – know fondly as the Shiatsu Shed!

    Shiatsu works on many levels so I get to work with a lot of different clients…..those with pain and physical concerns, those with stress and anxiety, those with fatigue and sadness.

    I love that Shiatsu meets the client where and how they would like to be met.

    Along with being a physically satisfying experience it can be nurturing, supportive and transformational.

    I have watched my clients take control of their situation – be it a bad back, chronic fatigue or a bad life situation – and start to make steps towards a healthier space.

    I am looking forward to another week or being in the privilege place of supporting and facilitating people’s journeys.

  • Shiatsu Therapy, Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu Therapy, Exeter, Devon

    So what is Shiatsu? How does if work?

    A client once said ‘It’s not like any massage I’ve ever had.’ It does use massage techniques but is always given through clothes. It is also given on a futon mat on the floor, although can be given on a couch or chair.

    Although it isn’t a talking therapy, psycho-therapy or counselling it can release held emotions, traumas, stresses and strains from the body.

    Shiatsu is body-work, most definitely and although it comes at things from a different angle to physiotherapy or sports massage, it can still help ease pain and increase mobility.

    Shiatsu is energy work. Although it is different to Reiki and other forms of healing it can still help build the levels of energy in the body. Shiatsu can help with the balance of mind and body and spirit.It is an unique form of hands-on therapy that can provide balance in the body. Whether the clients concerns are physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or a bit of all of them, Shiatsu has the ability to re-balance the energy and ease the symptoms. It can be good for aches and pains, for stress and anxiety, for sleep and relaxation.

    It is a pretty physical form on therapy, with some great stretches and rotations. Obviously it is only as physical as appropriate for each client. It is a little like Thai or Yoga massage but looks to work the Meridians, lines of energy, that Acupuncture and Acupressure use.

    Maybe you have tried various forms of massage and other therapies, Acupuncture, Reflexology for instance. If what you have tried hasn’t scratched your itch, as it were, then you may want to try a session on Shiatsu with me.

    I am interested in providing a space for my clients that is safe – where they can feel and express in anyway they want to. Clients have their own stories and journeys and generally want to move on, away from physical issues or leaving behind past habits or upsets. I look to support them to do this by bringing their attention to their bodies, where and how is the body holding trauma and what touch provides relief or release.

    I work in Exwick, in Exeter, just behind Exeter St. David’s train station. I offer appointments on most days of the week and I have evening appointments available.

    Check out my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/shiatsuinexeter

    Have a look at the Shiatsu Society Website http://www.shiatsusociety.org.uk

    Thanks for reading

  • ADHD, AuADHD, Autism and Affirming Counselling. Exeter, Devon

    I offer Person-Centred Counselling to anyone….well those over 13 and individuals, opposed to couple or families.

    Supportive Counselling, Exwick, Exeter, Devon

    I work a lot with Neurodivergent clients, or clients questioning if they might be Neurodivergent.

    Supporting ADHD, AuADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic and Dyspraxic clients develop an understanding of how Neurodivergence has impacted them is such a privilege.

    Along with a deeper understanding often comes an unpacking of self beliefs, including ones that aren’t actually true and can be let go of.

    Plus with later diagnosis there is often some loss experienced, missed potential and opportunities.

    There is often a reclaiming of, and a looking forward to using, the attributes being Neurodivergent adds to life, to personal potential.

    This is all alongside processing the client’s life experiences, challenges, traumas.

    A safe space, where any and every emotion is welcomed can create an environment where change can happen and perspective can be gained.

    I work in a cabin, in my garden in Exwick, Exeter. A great physical space to support emotional work

    Cosy Counselling, Exwick, Exeter

    Do get in touch though the contact me page or email amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

  • ADHD and Counselling,  Exeter, Devon

    ADHD and Counselling,  Exeter, Devon

    Having had counselling myself, and seen the impact it can have on my own ADHD, I feel very lucky and privileged to offer this service to others.

    Just today I was working with a client who hadn’t understood why they could leave the house more easily one day (when they could easily convince themselves it was a bad idea to leave on many other days).

    It turned out thy had kept their shoes on, after stepping out to deal with a car issue earlier in the day.

    Simply as that, their ADHD brain didn’t have to think about the steps needed to leave the house and so they were able to leave with ease!

    It’s a ADHD strategy you know, to keep your shoes (or coat) on. It can make it easy to leave the house.

    The ADHD brain will avoid planning and organising. It doesn’t like it. So removing a  task helps the brain process the idea of leaving the house.

    Understanding the ADHD brain can, over time, help quietened the noisy Neurodivergence brain.

    A noisy brain, which can be brilliant and dynamic, which inevitable leads to over-thinking, questioning and personal criticism.

    Counselling gives the space to reflect and process our internal world.

    Maybe we can change our perspective on ourselves, maybe feel less pressure and maybe change our patterns a little.

    Also Counselling does not ask the ADHD client to engage the planning or organisational part of their brains.

    Being guided, or just therapeutically held, by another can really work for ADHD clients.

    No expectations to manage time, or think ahead, or know where to go next. Perfect!

    If you are ADHD, or are thinking/ questioning that you may be, then do get in touch.

    I offer a 30 minute free call, to understand and ensure I can meet your expectations.

    I work from home, in Exwick,  Exeter. I have a cabin in the garden.

    I also offer online sessions if you aren’t in, or local to, Exeter.

  • Counselling, Exeter, Devon. ADHD, AuADHD, Autism

    I have had a flood of response from my previous blog asking if people are considering having Counselling?

    A lot of people are disclosing that they are ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic and that they have had therapy, before but it just hasn’t hit the spot

    If you are Neurodivergent (Adhd. AuADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic or Dyspraxic)or wondering if you may be Neurodivergent maybe Counselling with me could work?

    I offer counselling to all and any individuals, from my space at home in Exwick.

    I specialise in supporting ADHD and AuADHD clients. Affirming and educating, giving a Neurodivergent perspective.

    Supporting Anxiety, Depression, OCD, obsessional thoughts and over-thinking with most clients.

    Also looking at the relationship between ADHD, AuADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia and Dyselxia and the Central Nervoua System, Trauma and Hormones.

    I have worked a lot with hormonal imbalances, particularly their impact on neurodivergence. Generally this is with women in their Perimenopausal/ Menopausal years.

    I am an experienced Shiatsu practitioner, so bring a strong therapeutic understanding into mh Coubselling practice.

    I have an affirming and non-judgmental approach, looking to build a strong relationship, and trust, quickly.

    I promote autonomy and self reliance, helping the client to trust and support themselves.

    I offer hour long sessions, from my cabin, in Exwick, Exeter.

    Sessions are £50. They can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. I work weekdays only, at the moment.

    If I seem like the counsellor for you then do contact me to arrange a 30 minute chat.

  • Supportive Counselling in Exeter, Devon. ADHD, AuADHD Affirming.

    Supportive Counselling in Exeter, Devon. ADHD, AuADHD Affirming.

    Are you searching for supportive, affirming and ultimately transformative Counselling?

    I work as a Person-Centred counsellor in Exwick, Exeter.

    ✨️Relaxed cabin setting

    ✨️ On street parking, near railway station and on a bus route

    I work a lot with

    ✨️People who are Neurodivergent

    ✨️People who question if they may be ADHD, AuADHD, Dyslexic

    ✨️Those impacted by hormones and Neurodivergence
    (commonly Perimenopause/ Menopause/ teen years.)

    ✨️ Parents of Neurodivergent children

    I enjoy helping clients understand their relationship with Neurodivergence, how it has impacted and shaped their lives.

    Nearly always looking at anxiety and over-thinking are important parts of the work.

    I have daytime, weekday spaces available at the moment.

    ✨️Sessions are an hour

    ✨️They can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly….whatever suits

    ✨️Cost is £50 a session

    If you think I may be a therapist you can work with then do get in touch

    ✨️30 minute free chat….to understand and ensure I can meet your counselling needs.

    ✨️ Message me to begin the process

    🙏💛🙏💛🙏💛🙏💛🙏💛🙏💛

  • Counselling and Shiatsu for ADHD, AuAustism, Autism, Dyslexia and More – Exeter, Devon

    Yes, I’m talking about this again! Yes, it’s important!

    There is a lot of talk about people being diagnosed with ADHD. This is because there is a better understanding of the condition, particularly in terms of how it is displayed in females.

    There are more and more people identifying as AuADHD and feeling a sense of relief, and understanding of themselves.

    The understanding of what Autism looks like and how it should be supported is also changing

    Also the understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder has really expanded. People with ADHD, AuADHD, Autism and Dyslexia can now recognise the extra pressures and/ or input they are managing every day

    Most neurodiverse people have been on a journey, even with an early diagnosis. There is a lot of stigma around these conditions. There is a lot of learning and understanding needed, to be comfortable and confident about the reasons you may act a certain way,

    People with ADHD have often heard a much higher percentage of negative comments than those who are neurotypical. Neurodiverse people are very likely to have been bullied or critisied by their peers.

    There is a lot to unpick!

    Affirming and supportive therapy can really help. I’ve seen it, I’ve experienced it!

    If you are interested in finding out more about Counselling or Shiatsu then get in touch through the contact me page

    Beautiful Autumnal Colours, outside the therapy space

  • Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    It’s a dreary day here in Exeter and I’ve arrived early for school pick up….

    …..it does give me the opportunity to say I hope you get a sense of the therapy I offer from past blogs….but I have been thinking recently about what I do offer, and to whom…

    (I have pretty much the same client base for Counselling and Shiatsu)

    So as I have been on my own path of understanding mine and my kids neurodiversity…

    ..I have been working more and more with amazing clients facing challenges and learning to understand their own ADHD, AuADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia and Dyselxia….men, women, children and teens

    As I experience the Perimenopause/ Menopause I have been working with women facing this alongside me..

    I’ve always worked to support women with hormonal imbalances, around menstruation mostly… 

    The ‘biggy’ is when Hormones and neurodiversity clash…..boy this can be hard and challenging…Counselling and Shiatsu can support this so well…

    I also work a lot with chronic fatigue and low energy levels

    My Counselling is affirming but I will question, both the client and myself and only when is therapeutically helpful.

    Do get in touch if you want to discuss if and how I may be able to support you.

    🙏🌧🙏🌧🙏🌧🙏

  • Menopause, ADHD, AuADHD, Autism and Counselling – Exeter, Devon

    I am a late diagnosed ADHD woman. It became clear that I was ADHD when I realised both my sons were.

    I always knew I was different, I just isn’t know how….sound familiar?

    I am also experiencing the Perimenopause period of life, I am very close to being officially Menopausal. (This is classed as 12 months since your last period – I’m counting the months!)

    I am going through it with the hormonal changes….boy it’s been tough at times.

    It is obvious that my ADHD symptoms are more pronounced now, and cause me more challenges. Sound familiar?

    I have been supporting women for well over a decade with Shiatsu and now also offering Counselling.

    Throughout the female life hormones play such a massive role.

    They can impact ADHD, AuADHD and Autism pretty dramatically, most noticeably in puberty and Menopause.

    Woman who are ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic can be missed diagnosed, or misunderstood, quite easily.

    Often late diagnosed woman have managed, and masked their symptoms, brilliantly.

    But often there is a belief that there is something wrong, that they have mental health issues, that they need to do something to change themselves.

    The Perimenopausal/ Menopausal period can be super tough. Some women stop being able to function, or work.

    Both with Counselling and Shiatsu I can offer support in this challenging time.

    Helping client’s understand what might be happening for them and reflecting and processing on their life and experiences.

    I work in a cosy cabin, at home, in Exwick, Exeter.

    If you aren’t near Exeter or don’t want to travel I offer online appointments.

    Do get in touch, through the contact me page.

  • ADHD, AuADHD and Autism burnout. Counselling support, Exeter, Devon

    This is a thing! An absolute thing.

    It can be really common to feel high levels of daily fatigue with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism.

    Burnout is a whole other level of exhaustion, fatigue, inertia, collapse…an inability to function or even think.

    There is so much processing, and managing, happening for people with ADHD, AuADHD or Autism. …

    Sensory overload….scanning to understand expectations of those around them….fast paced thoughts…racing mind….

    Then potentially a constant internal questioning, quizzing, criticising…..

    Plus all the planning and preempting or crisis managing…

    So quite a lot is happening all the time in neurodivergent brain….it’s really not a surprise that burnout happens.

    Counselling can help people with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism

    Counselling can be breathing space, a chance to gain perspective, to stop (even for a minute ot two!)

    Counselling may build confidence and a sense of self, an understanding of the values that are important to the individual.

    Having a chance to step out of life can help those with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism. It may slow down the speeding brain.

    Processing and gaining insight into the difficulties that we face in life can provide a sense of security.

    All these aspects of counselling may help a neurodivergent person identify and recognise the signs of burn out.

    Counselling may help manage the fallout of a ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic burnout.

    If you are in the Exeter area I offer face to face sessions in a cabin at my home. I’m in Exwick, on the west side of Exeter. It is a 15 minute walk from Exeter St. David’s train station.

    If you don’t live in, or near, Exeter then I offer online sessions.

    If you feel you may benefit from counselling with me then do get in touch through the contact me page.

  • ADHD and Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    I am banging on about this a lot at the moment……that’s because I think it’s super important.

    Yes there is a lot of talk about ADHD, it seems lots of people are being diagnosed…..ACTUALLY there is more understanding of what ADHD looks like now so more peole relate to it…AND…this country has been very slow on diagnosing in the past.

    There are lots of people offering ADHD coaching out there….excellent, dont get me wrong, this is a brilliant service.

    The ADHD brain struggles with structure and planning so why not look for eternal support with this.

    However a lot of people with ADHD have experienced a lack of understanding or support. Particularly those who were diagnosed later in life. Counselling can really help.

    On top of life’s traumas and struggles people with ADHD often arrive at counselling with a belief there is something wrong with, or at least, different about them.

    People with ADHD often feel they aren’t worth much, they have often received a lot of negative comments which have been internalised.

    They may also experience Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, feeling anything, and everything, that comes their way so deeply and painfully.

    Counselling can be a space to unpack and understand some of the challenges living with ADHD can bring. 

    Counselling may even put a new slant or perspective on life. Also lets not forget that we can celebrate and appreciate the positive aspects of ADHD.

    Not the bluest, or clearest sky….but a reminder that ADHDers are known for their blue sky thinking

    Also counselling with me is a safe space that is non judgemental and most importantly deeply accepting.

    Many people with ADHD have received the message that they should be, or could be, acting differently. We should all be recognised for we are.

    I am going to shout out about how important I think counselling is for ADHDers. Actually for anyone who feels different, or is neurodiverse.

    Whether it’s counselling with me, or someone else who resonates better, I say give it a try.

    I offer counselling from home in Exwick, Exeter and online.

    Do email me at amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com or head to the contact me page if you feel you’d like to.

  • Counselling, ADHD, Autism, AuADHD and Sensory Processing – Exeter, Devon

    When you know, you know….sensory processing issues can cause so many issues and make life super tiring..

    …once you realise the extent that this can impact a neurodivergent person you can’t unsee it….it can get in the way of nearly everything

    Having counselling with someone who understands the possible impacts of ADHD, Autism and AuADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia can be such a relief.

    I have ADHD lived experience. I am ADHD and so are my children.

    There’s a child in here!

    My youngest as extreme sensory processing disorder. He struggles with so much and is constantly searching receiving too many signals for some senses….

    …He is constantly searching for more signals for other senses….the photo above is him looking for more proprioceptive signals!

    I have worked with clients who are Dyspraxic and Dyslexic and those who have Autistism or ADHD.

    There is so much understanding now about how Neurodiverse people experience the world…..and that is great…

    …but there is so much now sometimes it’s hard to understand how it impacts and individual..

    ..and also each person is so very different it is important to recognise the individual’s experience.

    Having space to process how you feel, to test how your thoughts feel when expressed to another, to take time to reflect on life events can all help.

    I work in a cabin, at home, in Exwick, Exeter, Devon. I offer online sessions as well.

    Do head to the contact me page to get in touch or email amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com