After a number of family bereavements, the most recent of which had been very traumatic, I was struggling. I realised I needed help and I found my way to Shelley. I had no previous experience of counselling and I wasn’t sure what to expect. However Shelley was very welcoming and explained to me how it would all work. This was particularly important as we connected through Zoom rather than face to face, as I live abroad.

Over 18 months Shelley ‘held my hand’ as she helped me to remember, to express what I felt, to understand what had happened and to allow time to make sense of the experiences I have had. With well-timed questions and comments Shelley offered me support, and provided challenge to some of the feelings I have. And at the end of each session Shelley would bring me back to a calmer place.

Also, to help alleviate the distress I felt with my traumatic memories, Shelley used EMDR therapy. This did help me to feel less distress.

I understand that people seek counselling for a range of reasons and with a range of expectations, and also may not know where to start. I can certainly recommend Shelley Holland. For me she offered a valuable ‘port in a storm’.