Maddie Cook (my pronouns are She/Her)

I'm a Psychodynamic Counsellor offering weekly, in-person counselling sessions. I provide a supportive and empathetic space where you can explore your experiences, gain deeper self-awareness, and navigate life's challenges with greater understanding and confidence. Life often moves so quickly that we rarely have the time or space to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. Counselling gives you the opportunity to slow down, explore what's going on inside, and make sense of your experiences. While you may come to counselling with a specific concern, there might be underlying patterns in other areas of your life that could offer insight into why you're struggling. By exploring different aspects of your experience, we can start to connect the dots. This deeper understanding can help you see your challenges from a new perspective and give you the tools to approach them differently. Sometimes, simply making the time to focus on yourself can be transformative. Setting aside that hour each week is a way of prioritising your needs and carving out space for self-care--something that can often feel rare in our busy lives.

What to Expect - 15 minute Phone Call - I offer a free 15 minute phone call so we can connect and schedule in our first session together. Please feel free to email me to organise a time to talk, or leave your details on my answerphone and I will contact you. 

First Session (in-person) - In our first session, I'll ask questions to understand what has brought you to counselling, your key relationships and family dynamics and we'll see if it feels right to continue. The first session is a chance for you to get a feel for how I work, and for me to understand your needs. Afterward, you'll have the space to decide whether we're a good fit and if you'd like to move forward. If we decide to continue, we'll meet for sessions at the same time each week. 

Sessions (in-person) - Each session lasts 50 minutes and will be held in person. This is your time to explore whatever is on your mind. Often, the things that matter most to you will naturally surface, sometimes in unexpected ways. Counselling is a process that takes time. As we continue our work together, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your past, your relationships, and how you experience the world. This growing self-awareness can lead to meaningful change. 

All sessions, including the first session, are charged at £60. Payment will be taken in the room (card machine) or through bank transfer. Deciding on a counsellor is very personal choice. Often the best way to decide is to have a first session to see how comfortable you feel. I don't offer direct advice. Instead, I help you explore your feelings and make connections between your experiences. I believe that the answers you're seeking are already within you--sometimes, you just need a supportive environment to access them.