Hearts & Minds Counselling

Counselling in Huddersfield, Lindley & Marsden

Welcome to Hearts & Minds Counselling

A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life

“In the end, it’s not what happens to us that matters most- it’s what we choose to do with it.” (Edith Eger)

About Me

Hello

I’m Esmay Slator and I am a trauma informed, person centred counsellor. My intention is always to provide individuals with a warm, accepting and reflective space where they feel able to speak freely.

As a person centred counsellor, you will always be at the heart of sessions and my aim is to create an environment where you are respected as an individual, without judgement or expectations. Through building a therapeutic relationship where you truly feel heard and understood, we can begin to explore your feelings at a pace that suits you. Making this time for yourself and giving yourself space to reflect can be very powerful and have a profound impact on the way you choose to live your life.

I work in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am a registered member of the BACP. In line with this, I undertake regular supervision, engage in frequent CPD and have an up to date enhanced DBS and insurance.

My Background

Having graduated in psychology, I worked in Higher Education for over a decade, where I started to find myself naturally drawn towards a role which involved providing emotional support and helping others to work through their difficulties, so that they could start to feel happier in themselves.

I started working as a helpline volunteer for the Samaritans and later went on to gain a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which involved work experience with Unmasked, a local mental health charity. This was an enriching experience, from both a personal and professional perspective. It allowed me to work with a varied caseload of clients, who had experienced a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression and anger, many of them rooted in trauma. Recognising that trauma was something we were frequently sitting with in the room, I then undertook further CPD training to enable me to become a trauma informed practitioner.

Having personally experienced birth trauma, bereavement and many other difficult life changing experiences and having worked through these over many years, I am well aware of the myriad of ways that life events can impact our everyday behaviours and relationships. I have also experienced the transformative effect therapy can have and feel passionately that all individuals are capable of change and growth, if they are able to experience acceptance and support in a safe environment.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

  • Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
  • Fully insured member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • Level 4 diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Certificate in Trauma Informed Practice
  • Certificate in online and telephone counselling
  • Certificate in supporting parents following baby loss (stage one)

Counselling


An accepting space

There will always be times in life where we find that we are struggling to navigate our way through. Sometimes we might feel that we have lost ourselves amongst the pressures and challenges that have been thrown our way.

As a counsellor, I have helped many people to work through their depression or difficulties and to regain their sense of self. However anxious or overwhelmed you feel today, I can offer you an accepting, non-judgmental space where we can untangle things together.

A safe space

Maybe you feel as though you are experiencing emotions that you are struggling to process, or perhaps you are stuck in a loop of unhelpful or destructive behaviour. It could be that you have experienced things in your life such as bereavement which are causing you to feel as though you are unable to move forward. In sessions, you will find a place of safety where you can lighten the heavy load and begin to gain a greater understanding of yourself.

A supportive space

I will be by your side to help you process those thoughts and feelings and make sense of what is happening as you do so. Emotions such as anger or anxiety, that once seemed unbearable and impossible to overcome can start to seem less powerful as you start to unpick them. Together, we can find what works for you to support you through challenging times so that you can develop the awareness and psychological tools you need to overcome your obstacles.

I have experience in providing counselling for a range of difficulties including:

  • Depression or low mood
  • Anxiety
  • Low self esteem
  • Work stress
  • Anger management
  • Bereavement (including bereavement by suicide)
  • Attachment issues
  • Birth trauma and baby loss
  • Coping with life transitions (menopause, divorce, etc.)
  • Relationship issues
  • Neurodiversity (particularly ADHD)
  • Trauma
  • Addictions in the family (including alcohol/drug misuse and gambling)

My location

I work face to face from comfortable, private therapy rooms in Huddersfield, based in Lindley and Marsden. Both rooms are easily accessible from surrounding areas such as Oldham, Manchester and Leeds. Alternatively, some clients find that having sessions online via Zoom is more accessible, flexible and time effective. I am happy to work with you to find what best fits into your life.

Fees & availability

Short and Long-Term Therapy

I offer both short-term and long-term counselling, dependent on your needs.

Session Cost and Length

Each session is 50 minutes in length and usually takes place weekly, although they can be fortnightly in some cases. The charge for each session is £50.

Discounted Sessions

I offer a discount of 20% to full time students, individuals on means tested benefits and for trainee counsellors. These are available to a limited number of clients. Please don’t hesitate to enquire if you are in a situation where reduced rates should apply.


Get in touch


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.


You can also call me on 07842721471 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.


All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.


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