Outside the box counselling
for creative thinkers, sensitive souls, cultural rebels & the queer community.
Pull up a seat - lets really talk about what matters to you.
Hello, I’m Vicky, a counsellor and facilitator based in the North of England.
I work with people based all over the UK - by Zoom, telephone and in person.
Thank you for visiting. The practice is currently unable to accept any new clients until further notice. I will update this page as soon as I am able to. In the meantime, please see the “about me” page for details of how to find colleagues who may be a fit.
About you
I often work with people who self define as highly sensitive, neurodivergent or alternative in some way. You may think, feel and experience the world differently and that can come with huge ups and downs.
Perhaps you look around and wonder how everyone else seems to be holding it together when you feel and think so deeply. I get it - life is often messy, unpredictable, and confusing, and at times it can feel like the cliff of overwhelm and burnout looms large.
I'm passionate about helping you to befriend your feelings and understanding why you think, feel and behave in the ways you do. I love collaborating with people who are exploring their identity, their next move or their place in the bigger scheme of things
All of you and your uniqueness is welcome here.
About me
I am an Integrative counsellor which means I bring a range of approaches, tools, and insights into our collaboration. Life sends ups and downs and you may need different things at different times. Whether it is short term and focused, or we collaborate over a longer period, I believe your therapy should be as unique as you are. I see myself as a bit like a personal trainer - someone to be alongside you, help you make the changes you want, be a cheerleader and coach. Active wear is optional!
I am able to adjust my approach to your needs, whether that’s space to process, helping you to stay with tricky feelings and experiences, or strategies to help manage stress and change.
I am always curious about the best parts of evidence based approaches for living authentically. I have undertaken recent training in DBT and somatic approaches which were specially adjusted to support the wellbeing of neurodivergent people.
I am also able to offer structured Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy which is a well evaluated approach for OCD and draw from I-CBT. Both of these can be adjusted to be neuro-affirmative and for delivery remotely.
I work part time within a university counselling service and am committed to maintaining a culturally humble and anti-oppressive approach. I understand the pressures and conflicts of work in schools, universities, charities and arts organisations.
About collaborating
I believe in understanding our reasons for collaborating and your unique needs. This helps to identify an approach which is a good match for your hopes and goals and to assess what progress might look like.
Whether that’s over 6 weeks, 6 months or longer, is up to you. I can make some suggestions, but there’s no set number of sessions.
Would you feel comfortable with establishing goals and a shared direction? Would you like to work in a way which is structured, but flexible? Would you value an approach which draws on evidence based approaches for distress tolerance and managing uncertainty? Are you willing to consider trying new things outside of sessions?
If so, lets connect! Get in touch to book your free consultation.
I look forward to meeting you.
Warmly, Vicky (she/they)
Counselling isn’t a magic wand.
But there can be real magic in a safe and confidential space just for you.
Work with me:
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Face to Face
Soul Space - Huddersfield
Thursdays and Fridays
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Walk & Talk
Almondbury, Huddersfield
Thursdays and Fridays
March to October
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Remote Therapy
Across the UK, from the comfort of your home
Thursdays and Fridays
Who is it for?
I work with people like you and my door is open to all.
You might be experiencing:
feeling ruled by your emotions
bereavement and loss
difficulties with OCD, overthinking or repetitive thinking
low confidence in your self, work and relationships
work related stress and burnout
minority or identity related stress
shame and guilt
the impact of childhood trauma or other difficult experiences
conflict or disintegration in your relationships
confusion - you want to make a change but are unsure how to go about it
increased challenges because of a long-term condition or dynamic disability
burnout as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent person
feeling like an outsider or ‘black sheep’
increased anxiety or distress because of world events or the political climate
Some of the communities that I work more often with include:
LGBTQIA+ and GRSD communities
I have worked for years supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Bread & Roses has been developed to be a kink/bdsm and enm (ethical non monogamy) friendly space. I undertake regular specialist training and development in gender, relationship and sexual diversity as well as neurodiversity.
Arts Professionals & Organisations
I understand the pressures of working in the cultural sector and have good experience of supporting managers, supervisors and anyone who self-defines as “creative” to navigate the challenges of this unique and dynamic sector.
I provide off the shelf and bespoke workforce development and training for arts organisations, with a particular expertise in compassionate leadership, managing change, trauma responsive practice & neuro-affirmative approaches.
Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families (ACA)
Anyone who experienced difficulties at home as a child is welcome here, whether or not you identify with the term “adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families”. I understand how difficulties may show up in your relationships, life and work through patterns of people pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety and rumination. I offer a supportive and affirmative approach to help you regain your sense of self and power.
Helpers & Carers
I’m passionate about supporting helpful people who are experiencing stress, burnout and compassion fatigue within the helping professions or their personal life. I am pleased to offer counselling, supervision and training to individuals and professionals working in learning and caring support roles.
(Late realised) Neurodivergent Folks
I get the challenges of navigating life, work and relationships as someone who may feel deeply or think differently. I view experience through the social model of disability and have a particular interest in sustainable burnout recovery. I often work with people who are exploring whether or not they may be neurodivergent, and those who are looking for ways to honour and support their unique nervous systems. I have got a particular interest in how OCD and other identities may intersect.
Get in touch:
Sessions last 50 minutes.
They cost between £55-£85 on a sliding scale. I offer a lower scale for freelancers, part time workers, students and those receiving benefits.
I offer a free 30 minute consultation to see if we are the right fit, so please get in touch to book yours.
E: breadandrosescounselling@gmail.com