Short answer: Menopause is associated with shrinkages in parts of the brain responsible for memory and emotional regulation. It is also linked with changes in mood, reaction times, and sleep. HRT can improve some menopause symptoms, but not all of them. CBT is a...
Short answer: If you’re a woman in the UK seeking counselling for menopause or midlife, strong options include Release Counselling and Therapy for Women for women-centred counselling, the Menopause CBT Clinic for specialist CBT, and NHS Talking Therapies for free...
ADHD and depression: the short answer ADHD and depression often co-occur in women. Shared symptoms such as low motivation, poor concentration, and trouble sleeping can make it hard to tell the two apart. Having ADHD doesn’t mean you’ll develop depression, but...
In December, the Employment Rights Act became part of UK law. The legislation has been “lauded as the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation,” said Iman Kouchouk, employment lawyer at Farrer & Co. “Workers include pregnant people and people who are...
Therapy offers a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can discuss the issues affecting your mental health with a licensed professional. It's a popular treatment for women struggling with depression, anxiety or stress. Over 70% of adults in the UK who...
As of 2025, 35% of adults in the UK had turned to a counsellor or psychotherapist at some point in their lives, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov. Over 70% of them reported finding the experience helpful, and 75% would recommend it to others seeking...
By Elissa “Before I joined the group, life was a bit of a blur with a 3-month-old baby. I was in complete shock. “There was a real camaraderie in the group and a sense of community and support. The people who led it were fantastic at holding the group and there was...
In October last year, the UK government officially presented the Employment Rights Bill before parliament. The new piece of legislation is designed to introduce a range of rights and protections for employees, and is expected to come into force before the end of 2025....
By Pip“Four years ago, after having my first son, I found the shift in identity really difficult. I can’t quite remember who first pointed me toward Release Therapy for Women, but I found myself at a 'Mother Nurture' group for first-time mums in Hove.It was the...
Counsellor
I am an Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and have six years of clinical experience in the NHS. I also hold a diploma in Integrative Counselling. My work is primarily grounded in CBT, whilst also drawing on the strengths of a counselling approach.
Counsellor
Hello, My name is Carly and I offer a warm, supportive and accepting space where you can feel safe to talk openly about whatever you may be facing. I believe that being truly heard and understood can be a powerful part of healing, especially during difficult or overwhelming times.
My work with clients is tailored to each person, drawing on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for the individual. My approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity and genuine human connection, with a strong belief that therapy should feel collaborative and relational.
I am a registered member of the BACP and have experience supporting clients through mid-life challenges including anxiety, trauma, grief and struggles with self-worth, offering a space where they can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. My aim is to help you feel more connected, better understood and more able to move forward with confidence and self-compassion.
Counsellor
I am a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor offering a reflective and culturally sensitive space for all adults who want to understand themselves more deeply. My work is grounded in the belief that our early experiences, relationships and unconscious patterns shape how we feel and relate today. I work with individuals experiencing various mental health challenges including anxiety, low mood, depression and relational difficulties, as well as those who may feel stuck, conflicted, or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. I acknowledge how family issues and gender expectations, along with religion, culture and sense of belonging can form how we perceive ourselves and relate to others. I have great insight on how the power of shame, honour, and responsibility can create pressures for individuals to be silenced, people please, or be estranged. By exploring and reflecting on your experiences both in the past and present, many individuals find greater clarity and self-compassion, allowing for more meaningful connections and lasting personal growth.
I work in a non-judgemental, thoughtful, supportive and collaborative way, aiming to provide a safe, containing and supportive space while helping clients explore any difficult feelings around various life challenges. I have lived experience of navigating difficult menopause symptoms and being a mother, I understand how it can be a challenging but very rewarding role. My vast clinical experience within the NHS, charities and a private hospital private has allowed me to gain a solid therapeutic foundation working with a vast range of clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds aged from 18 – 70, which has deepened my understanding of how mental health difficulties can be formed by experiences including migration, racial identity, grief, sexuality, and relational dynamics. I look forward to us working together.
Counsellor
Hi, I’m Zoe, a qualified CBT therapist with experience supporting clients with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief and interpersonal challenges.
My approach is warm, compassionate and collaborative. I use mindfulness, ACT and compassion-focused approaches to help you make sense of your experiences, process difficult emotions and develop skills that will support you in everyday life. Curiosity is the heart of our work and will guide us towards a life that feels nourishing, connecting and meaningful.
I draw on my own multicultural background to bring a culturally sensitive and open-minded approach, offering a non-judgmental space for you to reflect, feel safe and begin to move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Counsellor
I am an integrative counsellor who works with warmth, compassion and sensitivity to the many changes women experience across different stages of life. My approach recognises that periods such as the perinatal stage and menopause can bring emotional, physical and identity-related challenges, often alongside increased pressure, self-doubt or feelings of isolation.
I work in a non-judgemental and supportive way, offering space to talk openly and make sense of experiences at a pace that feels manageable. My practice is informed by an awareness of identity, power and lived experience, and by compassion-focused principles that support working with self-criticism, shame and feelings of “not coping well enough”.
I am committed to offering ethical, thoughtful and accessible psychological support, and I value working alongside organisations that aim to reduce isolation and increase understanding for women during times of transition.
Counsellor
Counsellor
Counsellor
Counsellor
Counsellor
Hi I’m Caroline,
I’m a licensed integrative counsellor with more than ten years’ experience supporting adults through life’s transitions. I provide a safe, welcoming space where you can slow down and gently explore feelings or experiences that may feel overwhelming. My aim is to help you release difficult emotions and find comfort, no matter what you’re facing.
About My Approach
My approach to counselling is integrative, drawing mainly on person-centred and psychodynamic ways of working to support you as an individual.
The person-centred approach offers a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk freely, feel heard, and explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Alongside this, the psychodynamic approach helps us gently explore how past experiences may be influencing current feelings, relationships, and patterns in your life.
Working together in this way can help you gain deeper self-understanding, make sense of what feels difficult, and support meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.
I am a registered member of the BACP, and I am committed to working to the highest professional and ethical standards, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout your journey.
Counsellor
I am a qualified integrative counsellor (PG Level 7 Diploma), offering confidential online therapy in a safe, supportive space. Working integratively means I tailor therapy to your individual needs, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic, CBT and solution-focused therapy.
We will work on whatever feels most helpful for you, recognising your unique experiences and circumstances. Online therapy provides flexibility and accessibility while maintaining a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can feel heard and understood.
Counsellor
“I am a person-centred, pluralistic counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I’m committed to creating a warm, inclusive and safe space for all, and I honour the many ways we can experience identity, neurodiversity, and ability. I am experienced in supporting women with a range of issues such as grief, loss, relationships, family dynamics, sexuality, health, work, trauma, shame/guilt, anxiety and depression. I have a specialism in bereavement counselling, and my practice is neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Being pluralistic in my approach means that I will work with you to uncover your own internal wisdom in a collaborative way that responds to your individual needs at this time in your life.
Together, we’ll go at your pace, talking about what feels most important to you. I’ll listen with care and support you to find clarity, new ways of coping, and a stronger connection to yourself.”
Counsellor
“As a person-centred counsellor, I understand how important it is to feel truly heard, accepted, and understood. I am committed to building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel valued and supported. I work with care, compassion, and integrity, and I hold a strong belief in your capacity for growth and change. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply need a space to reflect, I am here to support you on your journey.”
Counsellor
“Hello. I’m Helen, a late-diagnosed AuDD woman, mother of two and trained person-centred counsellor and yoga therapist. I offer a trauma-sensitive space where you can truly be yourself and be met with understanding and acceptance. I genuinely care about and want to hear about your unique lived experience. We will work at your pace in ways that meet your needs. This could include talking, nervous system regulation and somatic awareness.
Since 2008, I have worked therapeutically supporting people to think and feel differently in private work and community settings (Mill View Mental Health Hospital, Rise, Oasis, As You Are, Plumpton College, Cruse) 121 and with groups. I have specialist training and experience in working with women, trauma, teens and neurodiversity around all kinds of life challenges including self-harm, suicidal ideation, gender identity, chronic pain, sexuality, anxiety, grief and loss, abuse and substance misuse across all stages of womanhood.”
Counsellor
“Hello, I’m Kelly, an integrative therapeutic counsellor. I draw on different modalities allowing to see different perspectives and seeing how they feel for you. I always ensure you are at the heart of the work and provide a warm, calm, supportive space where you can be exactly who you are with no fear of judgement. A space for you to be you, most importantly a space to be heard, listened to and seen, to navigate and explore what is happening for you. All of which will give us the grounding for a strong, respectful, and safe working relationship.”
Counsellor
“I am a person-centred therapist who offers a calm, supportive and non-judgmental space where you can bring whatever feels difficult or important in your life. My approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity and respect, and I aim to create an environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that you hold the wisdom of your own experiences. I will be guided by you in our sessions – whether you wish to reflect on past experiences, understand what is happening for you in the present or explore hopes and possibilities for the future.”
Perinatal Coaching – Supporting Mums through Every Season
I offer specialised support for mums navigating the perinatal journey — from pregnancy through early parenthood. With a background in maternity investigations, specialist health visiting, and two decades of frontline healthcare experience, I understand the emotional, physical, and identity shifts that mothers face during this transformative time.
My approach is rooted in deep listening, compassion, and the belief that every mother carries her own inner wisdom. I create a safe, confidential space where you can explore your feelings, reconnect with your sense of self, and find clarity in moments that often feel overwhelming or uncertain.
Whether you are preparing for birth, adjusting to life with a newborn, healing from a difficult experience, or trying to balance motherhood with your personal aspirations, I walk alongside you with empathy and practical guidance. Together, we explore what you need to feel grounded, supported, and empowered — in your body, your relationships, and your identity as a mother.
Perinatal coaching will help you:
This is not about giving advice or telling you how to mother.
It’s about helping you rediscover your voice, your intuition, and your power — so you can step into motherhood feeling supported, seen, and valued.
As part of the journey, you are held with dignity, compassion, and the reminder that you are of royalty — worthy of care, rest, and a life that honours your whole self.
Nutritionist
Menopause brings physical, emotional, and mental changes to women’s lives. Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and reduced libido are common and can be challenging. While this transition may feel isolating, support and strategies are available to help manage it.
Nutrition can be a powerful source of support during menopause, helping to ease symptoms and improve how you feel day to day. Daiana says: “Our 12-week nutritional therapy programme is gently tailored to support you through this transition with care, aiming to reduce discomfort and help you feel more balanced and well in yourself.” It includes:
1. All aspects of diet and lifestyle consultation
2. Three additional follow-up meetings
3. Meal planning support alongside information handouts
4. Email support throughout the entire programme
Menopause Coach
Susana offers personalised 1:1 online career coaching sessions to support women navigating professional transitions during perimenopause or menopause. Whether you’re considering a career change, seeking better work-life balance, building confidence at work, preparing for a promotion, or dreaming of starting your own business.
As an ICF-certified coach, Susana provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your goals with clarity. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based coaching practices and is always tailored to your unique situation, values, and aspirations.
After an initial consultation, Susana will co-create a coaching path with you that suits your needs.
As part of our work together, you’ll be asked to complete an Intake Document before the first session. For each subsequent session, you’ll also complete a brief Preparation Form to help focus our time and ensure we make meaningful progress.
Susana says: “This is your time. A space to feel heard, supported, and empowered to take meaningful action with confidence and purpose.”
Menopause Coach
Lir brings a wealth of professional expertise and a deep, personal commitment to supporting women through midlife. She is an ICF (International Coach Federation) Accredited Coach, a globally recognised standard of excellence in professional coaching. Lir also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching from the University of Chester.
More than her qualifications, Lir offers a warm, non-judgmental, and deeply compassionate approach. She understands the unique and often unspoken challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause. Lir is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore your needs, build on your strengths, and find your unique way forward with confidence and clarity.
Lir says: “It’s a privilege to walk alongside women during this significant life stage. My aim is to provide a space where you feel truly heard, helping you to reconnect with your inner wisdom and create practical, positive changes. Seeing women move from feeling overwhelmed to empowered is what drives my work.”
Art Therapist
“I am a registered Art Psychotherapist, who holds an MSc in Art Psychotherapy, and is a full member of the British Association of Art Therapy (BAAT). You do not need to be good at art to do art therapy; it is about the journey of creating art and what may arise from creating it. Art therapy may bridge the gap where words no longer can describe a feeling, or help us process how something may have made us feel. If in our sessions you would prefer to talk, then the space can be used for that too and there is never any pressure to make art. As each session with me is client-led, you choose what makes you feel comfortable each time you meet, and I will support you and walk alongside you on your therapeutic journey.
I am warm, empathetic, curious and playful. I am trained in a psychodynamic approach and I also draw inspiration from person centred and compassion based therapy. I continue to grow and develop my practice and my areas of interest include depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, LGBTQIA+ experiences and neurodiversity. My hope is to offer a space where you feel understood, supported, seen and heard.”
Counsellor
“I’m a qualified Psychotherapy Counsellor dedicated to supporting women through the unique challenges we face at every stage of life. While my professional background began in the delicate area of grief and loss, my path took a meaningful turn during my placement. There, I bore witness to the silent struggles of women of all ages – from the weight of low self-esteem and the exhaustion of people-pleasing to the complexities of parenting and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Seeing these patterns inspired me to refocus my area of work. I am passionate about creating a safe, women-only space where you can explore these tendencies without judgment. Together, we can work together to dismantle old patterns and build a foundation of self-compassion and strength.”
Counsellor
“Hello, my name is Helen, and I am a counsellor psychotherapist with Post Graduate training in Person-Centred Counselling and specialist training in NLP, Timeline Therapy, and Brainspotting. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach and shaped by a strong interest and passion for personal development, therapy, and performance.
I love working with whatever personal challenges that are important to you and have a particular interest in supporting clients with anxiety, OCD, Misophonia and Misokinaesia, and performance blocks. I could not be more passionate about supporting you on your therapy journey and aim to offer a warm, genuine, and collaborative space where you feel safe to explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and move towards meaningful and lasting change. I so look forward to meeting you soon.”
Counsellor
“As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported at your own pace. I have worked in the NHS and other agencies supporting clients aged 14 to 84 from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of mental and physical health challenges. I have experience supporting clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, women’s issues, grief, postnatal depression, body dysmorphia, trauma, family difficulties, domestic abuse, health issues and addiction. I have additional experience working with creative individuals and am developing a strong and growing understanding of neurodivergence, like ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia and Autism.”
Counsellor
“I am a qualified BACP registered person-centred counsellor offering a warm, non-judgemental, safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings away from the noise of everyday life. My background includes supporting people through experiences such as domestic abuse, grief, relationship difficulties, confidence challenges, anxiety and depression.
At the heart of the person-centred approach is the belief that you are the expert of your own life. This means that the sessions are shaped by you – your pace, goals and whatever feels right in that moment. I will be there to walk alongside you, offering an understanding and supportive environment in which you can feel truly seen and heard.”
Young Person and Adult Counsellor
“Hello, I’m Charlotte. I am a qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist with over five years of experience working with both adults and children. I have spent much of my career providing therapy for people from disadvantaged backgrounds and am passionate about eliminating barriers that prevent people from accessing the support they need to live fulfilling lives. My approach encourages clients to lead sessions, believing that each person has the capacity to find solutions within a warm and enriching environment.
As a mum of two small children, I know how this life transition can completely pull the rug from underneath, and I am passionate about supporting other women through the often-complex journey of motherhood.”
Counsellor
“Hello, I’m Kate, and I’m here to support you through life’s more difficult moments. Sometimes things happen that leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. You might be coping with anxiety, sadness, loss, or relationship challenges — whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone.
I’m an integrative counsellor, drawing on person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. Together, we’ll build a safe, trusting space where you can talk openly and explore what’s happening for you. Through this gentle process, we can uncover your strengths, deepen your understanding of yourself, and help you find new possibilities for change and growth.”
Counsellor
“I am a qualified counsellor specialising in the person-centred approach, offering a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their experiences at their own pace. I have developed my skill set through an undergraduate degree in psychology and counselling and a master’s in counselling and psychotherapy. My background includes working with grief, complex trauma, addiction, cancer support, family dynamics, financial difficulties, mental health challenges, and substance misuse.”
Counsellor
“I am Laura, if your goal is to explore ways to improve and restore confidence, build resilience, and establish self-worth, we can do that together.
I am trained to blend various therapeutic methods, for example Transaction analysis (TA) to explain how your past might affect the present, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to implement new routines that break unhelpful cycles and Gestalt therapy, with some creativity designed to help you feel more confident, to move forward with a better sense of self awareness and improve your natural ability to regulate your emotions.
My background is working with neurodivergent, domestic abuse and traumatic experiences. I have been described as a warm, empathic and genuinely caring person who is sincerely available to listen and help people feel heard and understood with no judgement.”
Counsellor
“I am an Integrative Counsellor (BACP) who is committed to supporting you with empathy, openness, and with a genuine desire to support your well-being, no matter what you are facing. I work with a variety of different therapeutic practices (Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT etc), meaning I can tailor our time together to your specific needs.
I also hold an MA in Sexual Dissidence, and have experience working with issues relating to gender, sexuality, and identity, as well as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress management, and relationship issues. I feel it is of great importance to keep my practice anti-discriminatory in a way that celebrates difference and makes therapeutic support open to all.”
Counsellor and Support Group Facilitator
“I am a person-centred and experiential counsellor (PCET) and Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
BACP). I have a special focus on supporting women and mothers/birthing parents through difficult life events and life transitions (including motherhood) and supporting women who are at crossroads in life. Ecotherapy is an evolving part of her practice.
PCET is a talking therapy founded on empathy and compassion and the creation of an accepting space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions. The experiential aspect encourages clients to explore felt senses/feelings in the present moment. This means that I will provide you with a calm and compassionate space, where you will be free to express yourself honestly, openly and without judgement. I will help you to develop greater self-awareness and understanding, to gain a sense of clarity and will support you in finding your solutions to bring about lasting change.”
Counsellor
“I have had many years of experience working psychotherapeutically with adults in a variety of contexts, such as Universities, senior homes, mental health and social services, EAP organisations, and privately. My approach is psychoanalytically informed, individually tailored, and solution-focused. I also use CBT and coaching models when suitable. My areas of specialism include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship/ interpersonal/ communication problems, autism, learning disabilities, addiction and substance misuse, mood disorders, personality disorders.”
Counsellor
“I am a qualified therapist with training in Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I hold degrees in counselling and psychotherapy and a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in CBT. I am a registered member of the BACP and have many years of experience supporting children, young people, and adults who face various emotional and psychological challenges.
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I strive to create a warm and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore difficult emotions, build resilience, and develop practical tools for meaningful change.”
Counsellor
“I am a qualified, BACP registered therapist offering integrative counselling alongside EMDR. As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of modalities depending on the individual needs of each client. Key to my practice is the building of a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which we are able to work together to find which approach and which interventions are most helpful for you.
In addition to my general practice, I specialise in perinatal psychological support. If you are struggling following a difficult birth experience, or finding early motherhood overwhelming, I offer a safe, empathic space to explore these feelings, alongside effective methods such as EMDR and Rewind Therapy to alleviate any symptoms of perinatal or birth trauma.”
Counsellor
“I am a warm, kind and curious person who cares deeply about those who are struggling with difficult and upsetting things in their lives. I believe that our connections with others shape the way we see ourselves, and I am committed to supporting you to improve these relationships in your life. My core training is as a psychodynamic counsellor, which means I am particularly interested in childhood experiences and early relationships and how these might continue to affect us as adults, often without us being fully aware that these patterns of learning and influence are ongoing. I have experience of working with a wide range of presenting problems, including abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, despair, loss, relationship and parenting issues.”
Young People’s Counsellor
“I have over 10 years’ experience working with young people with a variety of needs; including care-experienced children, childhood trauma, attachment needs, neurodiversity, aggression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and difficulties with attending school.
I work with the whole child viewing behaviour as a communication of need, I aim to create spaces where people can bring their true selves to be met with compassion, empathy and no judgement. As an autistic therapist, it is important to me that I can create a safe and inclusive space for all types of differences.”
Counsellor
“I work integratively, meaning I see each person as an individual, tailoring my approach to create the right support for each client by blending aspects of different theories of counselling.
I incorporate elements of Transactional Analysis, a theory focusing on childhood experiences, and how these experiences can impact how our personality is formed, I also use components of Person Centred theory, an approach whose foundations are in displaying empathy, self-awareness and creating a space free of judgement.
I will be led by you, following you where you want to go in our sessions, whether that be the present, the past or the future.”
CEO and Clinical Lead
“I run Release and am a qualified counsellor and supervisor. I work in different ways, bringing in different tools depending on what will be most helpful to you. But most importantly, I try to create a relationship where you’ll feel safe to look at the difficult stuff and make the changes you want. As well as a counsellor, I also work as a writer. Since studying humanistic psychotherapy, I’ve trained in writing therapy and creative arts counselling and love bringing all of these elements together into the work.”