How to Find the Right Counsellor in Solihull

Looking for a counsellor in Solihull? I'm Jordan Gooch, a PNCPS accredited counsellor and EMDR therapist. I see clients in person in Illshaw Heath (free parking) and online. Sessions are £65, and you're welcome to book a free 20-minute video consultation.

When people search for a counsellor in Solihull, they're often faced with a long list of names and not much to go on. These are the things I'd suggest looking for, and how I work with each of them.

1. Start with what you'd like help with

It helps to have a rough sense of what's bringing you to counselling, even if it's just "I'm not feeling like myself". It might be anxiety, low self-esteem, a relationship that's struggling, grief, stress at work, or something from the past that still feels heavy. You don't need the perfect words. Part of the first conversation is working that out together.

2. Check they're properly accredited

Counselling isn't a protected title in the UK, so it's worth checking that whoever you see belongs to a recognised professional body. That means they've completed proper training, work to an ethical framework, have regular supervision and keep their skills up to date.

I'm a Professionally Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS Acc.), which holds an Accredited Register with the Professional Standards Authority. I've also completed all parts of the standard EMDR Europe Accredited Training and I'm a member of the EMDR Association UK.

3. Think about where and how you'd like to meet

Some people want to sit in the same room as their counsellor. Others find it easier to talk from home. I offer all three:

• In person in Solihull. My counselling room is in Illshaw Heath, B94, within easy reach of Shirley, Dickens Heath, Cheswick Green, Hockley Heath, Earlswood, Knowle, Dorridge and south Birmingham.

• Online by video. Useful if you're busy, away from home, or would rather talk from your own space.

You can also mix and match if your week changes.

4. Look for experience with what you're facing

It's reasonable to ask a counsellor whether they've worked with something like your situation before. I work with adults with anxiety, stress and burnout, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, loss and grief, and life changes. I also offer EMDR therapy for trauma, and my practice is neuro-affirming, so therapy is adapted for people with ADHD, autism or dyspraxia.

5. Expect clear fees

You should know what you'll pay before you start, with no surprises. My sessions are 50 minutes: counselling is £65 and EMDR is £75. You can read more on my fees page.

6. Use the free consultation

Most counsellors offer a short call before you commit. It's a chance to ask questions and, just as importantly, to notice how it feels to talk to them. Do you feel listened to? Do they explain things clearly? I offer a free 20-minute consultation by video, with no pressure either way.

7. Notice how it feels after a few sessions

The relationship between you and your counsellor is one of the biggest factors in whether counselling helps. After a few sessions, you should feel safe, understood and not judged, even if the work itself is hard at times. We review how things are going together, and you can always tell me if something isn't working for you.

8. Be wary of red flags

Be cautious of anyone who promises a cure, is unclear about boundaries or confidentiality, or pressures you into committing to a long block of sessions up front.

Counselling in Solihull with me

Some people come to counselling for a few focused sessions. Many choose to work with me longer term, and that's often where the deepest change happens. I'll encourage you, and help you notice the progress you're making along the way.

If you're looking for a counsellor in Solihull, or online from anywhere in the UK, you're welcome to book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll talk about what's bringing you here and whether I'm the right fit for you.