Frances Dennehy (my pronouns are she/her)

As a counsellor and in life in general I am always meeting people who are struggling and have no idea why.Their identities are solely bound up in how other people perceive them and how they can change themselves to meet the expectations of others. People pleasing can lead to anxiety, depression and trauma as they betray themselves and their values for others.

The benefit of counselling can be in talking to someone who is only there to hear and understand your experience. I believe I offer a relationship with clients where they are cared for and feel worthwhile for their own sake. I am curious about their thoughts,feelings, beliefs and values and it is a privilege to watch their self-esteem and self-belief grow. Through the work I do, I have watched clients discover who they are, decide how they want to be in their world and begin to live inline with their values. While this can be difficult and cause conflict with others in their lives, the anxiety and depression fade away as they are no longer in conflict with themselves.

My main focus is always the relationship with the client. By being curious, respectful and understanding I can offer empathy to the client which deepens the relationship. By demonstrating a sincere belief in their capacity for growth and change I can help them believe it too.