This "Therapist Thursday" we're chatting to Amelia Nelson. Amelia has been a counsellor here at the Centre for a year (infact it's her 1 year anniversary of working here this week!) so we thought it was appropriate to offer her the stage today. Here's Amelia's story...
"I am originally from London and moved down to Devon when my kids were little as I wanted them to experience a childhood with more freedom, surrounded by nature, walks on the beach and fresh air. I already knew this area well after spending many holidays with my dad who already lived here. I feel very blessed and lucky to live in such a beautiful area.
Before retraining as a counsellor I spent most of my life in education, supporting young people facing challenges in their lives. Working with young people who’d been excluded from school and supporting teenagers with learning difficulties and behaviour issues. It was rewarding and challenging but I felt that I wanted a change of direction. I wanted to do more to help people to have a secure sense of wellbeing, reach out to people who were struggling with their mental health. I have experienced first hand how counselling can really help people get their life back on track, what an important valuable service it is and I really wanted to be able to give back some of that help and support to those in need.
I took a leap of faith and left my job and joined a training course in Exeter and it was the best decision I have ever made...apart from moving to Devon! After training I spent two years working for a local charity providing valuable low cost support for those who wouldn’t be able to access services due to finances and set up private practice here at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre.
So tell us more about Counselling and how it works.
Counselling provides a safe, non- judgmental space for you to come and explore what’s going on for you. It’s totally confidential and can be a time and a place just for you, to focus on your wellbeing.
Life can be extremely challenging . At times you can be faced with painful situations such as Grief, loss, breakdowns in relationships or feelings that you just don’t understand but leave you feeling overwhelmed, devastated and isolated.
Or it could be that you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and fear which are truly exhausting when you don’t understand what is driving them and can’t see a way out. Sometimes past events or relationships may be hindering the way you are experiencing life now, events that are too painful to revisit on your own which shared with somebody who is empathetic and supportive can lead to healing.
You may just feel ‘stuck’ at a crossroads in life and don’t know which way to turn and you need some help navigating the path ahead. People can also seek counselling as a space for self reflection, a place to grow and build confidence.
No problem is too big or too small for us to work together with. Counselling restores a sense of hope of being back in control of your life.
It can be hard to reach out to family and friends as maybe we feel sometimes that we are being a ‘burden’ or that they will have their opinions, make judgements or want to offer advice and fix things. Sometimes we just need somebody who will just truly listen to us , hear what we are feeling and experiencing and support us through the process of trying to make sense of it.
That’s what counselling is, it’s a space for you to heal and go on to feel more in control of your life, have a greater understanding of who you are and blossom into the person you would like to be.
What would you say to somebody who is considering counselling but is nervous about reaching out?
It can take a lot of courage to want to change and to reach out to a stranger for support. I understand how daunting that can be sometimes.
I can assure you that I will greet you with warmth and understanding. I know what it’s like to feel vulnerable.
If you feel that Counselling is something that could benefit you. Give it a try! I offer low cost counselling to people on low incomes so if you need some support, but money is tight, please do reach out to me.
You can contact me and arrange a free 15 mins call and I can answer any questions you may have.
How can people contact you for help?
You can call me on: 07999 234913. I may be with a client so please leave me a message or text me if I don't pick up, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively you can email me at amelia@amelianelsoncounselling.com
For more information go to www.amelianelsoncounselling.com
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