Affirm Counselling

Counselling Services in Sheffield

My goal is to give a non-judgmental, comprehensive and safe environment for my clients, building a trustful therapist-client relationship.

Whatever you bring to counselling, I will aim to help you feel listened to and understood. Together we can uncover ways of helping you move forward, increase your resilience, rediscover your strengths.

Who I support and work with

Young People

I have worked with young people for over 20 years. From primary school age to university students. I aim to build a warm accepting relationship, building trust, creating a space where the young person can feel listen to and understood.

Families / Carers

I have been a Family Support Worker for over 12 years. I can provide bespoke parenting packages for parent/s carers who are struggling. This can be short- or long-term work.

Couples

Couple counselling typically brings couples or partners together for joint therapy sessions. Working with me, you’ll learn skills to solidify your relationship, by open communication, problem-solving.

Adults

I work with adults of all ages. I will engage collaboratively with you to find what works best for your unique situation & circumstances.

Testimonials

Female, 60s

I was really struggling with my relationship with my son. We always seem to argue and he could never see my point of view. It was affecting other areas of my life, as I felt so emotional and powerless. After 5 sessions I feel so much better. Your advice has been invaluable. More so because it helped my understanding of my relationship with my son and how to respond. I now use active listening skills and say how I feel rather than how he has made me feel.

Boy, 6

I have enjoyed working with Laura. I like everything about her she is fun. I feel I can’t talk about my feelings and I feel more confident. I am happier now things are good.

Female, 30s

I don’t know what I would have done without you. The skills you taught me to help me deal with my daughters’ behaviour and mental health has been amazing. I know she will always be challenging but I feel more resilient and more able to respond in a way that will not make things worse. Before it wold have ended up with her storming off or me losing it. I knew this wasn’t good, but I had no idea how to cope with her emotions and mine. Life is much calmer; it’s still challenging but I don’t blame myself anymore and I am more responsible for my own actions.

Male, 19

Counselling has saved my life. I can’t imagine where I would be now without it. I was in a very dark place and I thought my only way out was to die. You facilitated my emotions, allowing me to face what I needed to face…. Thank you, Laura. It was hard taking that first step to come to counselling, it’s just become normal now.

Female, 20s

Laura there aren’t enough words to express how thankful I am that God brought you into my life to get me through the last year. You are a truly special person and not only have you helped me to be rediscover joy in my life now but your impact I am sure will last long into the future. Thank you for being so compassionate and understanding.

Male, 40s

Laura has been superb in her work, sticking a balance between patiently listening & assertively, in a fair fashion, making interventions to provide the necessary counselling, critique & offering alternative suggestions for my actions/behaviours. This counselling has been the most comprehensive I have ever received because I’ve led it all the way with Laura’s professional guiding light. Finally, this counselling offers an ingredient no other secular guidance could ever do. The help, guidance & console of Jesus Christ & the undivided Blessed Trinity of God.

Male, 30

Laura I just want to thank you for all the help and support you have given me. You have helped me out of some very dark places.

Girl, 10

I will really miss you. You have been a great help to me. I was so nervous when I first met you but now you feel like a friend. I will remember you forever.

Female, early 30s

Attended 1-1 Zoom counselling

I think a lot of what was helpful was just having the freedom to talk, to break down what was happening, how I was feeling and being reminded that I wasn't responsible for their behaviour or emotions. In short, you were easy to talk to where I felt I could be truly honest, though it was clear I could behave and communicate better I never felt like I was being judged and listening to how you communicated with me was helpful in that it was examples of how I can communicate better too. I honestly believe that had I not took the step to contact almost a year ago, me and ###### wouldn't be together and little baby wouldn't be here either and speaking to you has kept us together. I know all the issues aren't resolved yet but the changes in us has been invaluable to our relationship and I genuinely can't thank you enough.

Female, Mother of 4, Early 30s

Attended an online Zoom 5 week parenting course using the Family Caring Trust Materials

‘I have found the parenting course really useful. In particular trying to understand the behaviours behind certain things my children did or didn't do and the feelings behind them. I also found that allowing my children to name their feelings, gave them the space to think and open dialogue, which help us to communicate more effectively. I have now noticed some of the good behaviours, which has increased since applying the taught techniques from Laura. The course content and the teaching from Laura was good, professional, I really enjoyed Laura's method of teaching and learnt from her skills and expertise.'

How counselling can help you...

Wellbeing

Counselling can be a valuable tool for promoting wellbeing by providing individuals with a safe space to explore their thoughts and emotions, gain insight into their behaviors and patterns, and develop strategies to cope with challenges and stressors.

Resilience

Counselling can help individuals build resilience by providing them with a safe space to process and understand their experiences, develop coping strategies, and enhance their problem-solving skills, ultimately empowering them to face future challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.

Mental Health

We all have mental health and its as equally important as our physical health. Mental health problems range from everyday worries that are part of life to long term and even serious conditions.

Areas I cover

Depression

Depression is a common mental health problem that causes people to experience symptoms such as: low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Some people find it hard to control their worries.

Abuse

Abuse takes many forms. Counselling can give an opportunity to talk in confidence. Counselling is a two-way relationship, in which the counsellor listens to whatever you want to say, in confidence and without making judgements.

Bereavement

As a trained facilitator for Rainbows I have gain a lot of experience in child grief. Although as a facilitator you work with groups of children, I have also worked in school providing one to one support for young people.

Relationships

With my relationship training and my parenting training I can provide support for couple, families, friendships, working relationships etc. Please select Family Support or Couple counselling below for more information.

Mindfulness

My aim is to teach you mindfulness to enable you relax more, to combat your anxieties. Therefore. challenge your thoughts and feelings in an accepting way that will bring about a clearer way of thinking about your stresses and anxieties. Thus, enjoy life more.