About Andrea Emmerson: Counsellor

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website.

My name is Andrea, I am a fully qualified adult, couple counsellor, and a counselling supervisor. I am a accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). My comfortable clean office is easily accessible located near Chesterfield town centre with space for parking for your convenience.

I studied at the Worksop College and since qualifying over 15 years ago I have gained a wide range of valuable experience and learnt many life skills along the way. Including working with anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual and emotional abuse, self esteem and suicidal thoughts.

I would describe myself as a friendly, genuine talking counsellor without the professional jargon! As an experienced professional I have worked across a wide range of issues and worked with various challenges. I find counselling so rewarding when I see clients start to heal and begin to change their lives in a positive way.

Starting counselling can be a difficult and often frightening experience, once you have the strength to take the next step. You will be welcomed into a safe, warm comfortable space so you can find the courage to begin healing.

Identify

I take a patient, understanding and analytical approach, identifying the triggers for the feelings – which are often very deep-rooted – and is the starting point to recovery.

Time

Everyone is different and counselling should take as long as necessary to help you to deal with their own particular issues so that they can begin to move forward and embrace the future with positivity.

My experience  

I qualified over 15 years ago and aswell as running a successful private practice I have worked in many different organisations including NHS and Education where clients have presented with a wide array of personal, family, and/or work-related issues. Offering Short and long term counselling (in-person, online and over the telephone to suit clients needs.

I spent a number of years as a support counsellor for a local hospice and CRUSE Bereavement Care. Exploring issues of grief and loss in a safe environment, helping clients explore and discuss what they are dealing with, around illness and bereavement.

Having worked with Sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape survivors over the years. I offer a trauma informed approach to help gain an understanding of yourself, help you develop positive ways of coping. focusing initially on stabilisation and emotional regulation before moving on to safely processing your thoughts and feelings in a safe comfortable space.
I am a fully qualified accredited counsellor. Please find me on linkedin. I trained at Worksop College for five years, achieving my counselling qualification over 15 years ago. Since qualifying I have gained valuable experience and learned many different life skills, working and volunteering in a wide number of sectors.
Counselling is a two way process, the client -counsellor relationship is the most important part of the work. I offer a safe confidential space to explore worries and concerns without the use of professional jargon! I counsel people seeking support for work related issues such as stress, low self esteem depression and anxiety. Feeling stressed for a prolonged period of time can greatly affect your life, physically and mentally. You may have trouble sleeping and have a feeling of sadness. I can help you understand what may be the cause and ways you may be able to overcome it by understanding your triggers.
As a Bereavement Counsellor for a local hospice I provided counselling for patients and their families who are struggling with bereavement and grief. Grief is associated with feelings of sadness, yearning, guilt, regret, and anger. I can show you effective ways to learn to cope with the stressors associated with the loss and how to manage symptoms.
I am trained in Suicide Awareness and support people who have been affected by Suicide. Suicide can be devastating. many people – friends, family, professionals, colleagues and wider society will feel the impact. I believe that too many people die from suicide. And in many cases deaths can be prevented if warning signs are recognised and appropriate support provided.
I volunteered as a counsellor in Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse and telling their stories can be very difficult. Many adults keep this a secret well into their adult life, often finding that the effect upon them has had devastating consequences not only throughout their childhood but also in their adult life with feelings of anger, low self esteem and trust issues. Counselling is a chance to be heard, and to talk about what has happened to you. I will listen to you. You will be supported if you would like to make changes in your life.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, I can support you through them: Counselling for depression and anxiety Grief Counselling Low self-esteem or lacking in confidence Work and Career issues Stress Management Addiction & Recovery Family problems Obsessive thinking and intrusive thoughts Emotional, verbal and sexual abuse Conflict Resolution Suicidal thoughts

Past Experience

Fully qualified

Two way process

Bereavement

Suicide Awareness

Volunteered

Issues

Qualifications

Dip HE Counselling Practice

ITA – 101 (Institute of Transactional Analysis)

Dip Couns. Suicide

Adult Education & Teaching Award

Post Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Supervision

Post Graduate Certificate in Person-Centred Couples Training

Diploma in Couple Counselling skills and Techniques

Diploma in Trauma The Brain and Recovery

My Approach

I work in a Person-Centered approach, which was devised by Carl Rogers, an American psychologist. Counselling is a personal growth model. It has three core conditions which provides a climate encouraging clients growth and therapeutic change. It relies on the importance of the counsellor client relationship. Given the right relationship of empathy, honesty and without judgement clients can decide what they want to do with their lives and learn to trust their own judgement living life with their own values rather than the value of others.

Identify

I take a patient, understanding and analytical approach, identifying the triggers for the feelings – which are often very deep-rooted – and is the starting point to recovery.

Time

Everyone is different and counselling should take as long as necessary to help you to deal with their own particular issues so that they can begin to move forward and embrace the future with positivity.

What you can expect from my counselling

At your first appointment we can discuss what you would like to talk about. Some people are clear at the start with what they are looking for and others need a few sessions to think it through. Either way is fine.

If your therapy is being funded, then a certain number of sessions may be confirmed and we will work together within that time frame.

If you are self-funding, this is called open-ended therapy where we do not decide on an end date. The therapy will be ongoing, incorporating review sessions along the way.

I will ask some general questions about you and if you have any concerns or questions, this is a good opportunity to discuss these too. We can then arrange a suitable time at the end of each session to accommodate peoples individual lifestyles.

My fee is One to One £60 per 60 mins.

Couples £75.00 per 60 mins.

Weekday, weekend and evening appointments available.

Parking is available.

If you think counselling sounds right for you, please feel free to get in touch to learn more or arrange an appointment.

Supervision

“I am most impressed with the fact that each human being has a directional tendency toward wholeness, toward actualisation of his or her potentialities.....if I can provide the conditions that allow growth to occur, then this positive directional tendency brings about constructive results”
Carl Rogers, A Way of Being

I am a qualified Supervisor. I offer supervisees a warm and encouraging environment based on a relationship of trust and transparency.

Supervision is a necessary important part of the process in a counsellor’s professional development, ethical practice, self-reflection, client welfare, accountability, and continuous learning. I will support counsellors whether newly qualified or in training and provide competent, ethical, and effective care to their clients while also promoting your own well-being and growth to find your own professional counselling identity.

I offer supervisees a warm and encouraging environment based on a relationship of trust and transparency. I would describe myself as an approachable, honest professional who is not frightened to challenge to help you develop. I am a Person Centered Supervisor however I am open and encourage engaging with other models.

Our first session would be an opportunity to ask questions, get to know each other and feel comfortable working with each other. We can discuss any expectations and concerns you may have regarding supervision.

Please get in touch to discuss your interest in supervision and arrange a meet and greet.

Ethics

Membership Association

I’m a accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) and I’m guided and work by their code of ethics.

The Code of Ethics is a guidance document that focuses on core ethical principles and standards that NCPS registered counsellors should aspire to in order to practise safely and ethically, in the best interests of clients, their wellbeing, and the profession.

Confidentiality

I may share any information you have given to me if I consider that you are at risk of imminent serious harm, another person has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, or I suspect that serious criminal offences have taken, or may be taking place, such as acts of terrorism and drug money laundering.

Data Protection

I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and manage all of my practice in compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (2018).

Insurance

I maintain Professional Liability Insurance with Holistic Insurance Services.

Common Questions

If you’re considering counselling, it’s natural to have questions. You might be wondering what to expect from your sessions, how the process works, or whether counselling is the right choice for you. This section is designed to provide clear and helpful answers to the most common questions people have when reaching out for support.

I understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting and having the right information can make all the difference. Whether you're curious about how sessions are structured, confidentiality, or practical details such as fees and availability, you’ll find the answers here.

To explore a question, simply click on the downward arrow, and the box opposite will expand with more information. This way, you can find exactly what you need without having to scroll through lots of text.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Every person’s situation is unique, and I am always happy to provide further information or reassurance. Counselling is about feeling safe, heard and supported - so whatever’s on your mind, I am here to help.

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A number of benefits are available from participating in counselling. Counsellors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief and stress management. Many people also find that counsellors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Counsellors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counselling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counselling include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek counselling
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behaviour patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counselling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realise they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking counselling, it can provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

People have many different motivations for coming to Counselling. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Counselling can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking Counselling are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counselling, counselling will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your counsellor (usually weekly). It is important to understand that you will get more results from Counselling if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of counselling is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in counselling sessions, your counselling may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviours or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and counsellor Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. However, professional ethics require counsellors to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations: If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or there is a threat or possible harm to another person.

Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will incur the full charge.

A Safe and Supportive Space for You...

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, low mood or simply struggling to make sense of things, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Here, you will find a calm, welcoming space where you can take a breath, feel heard and start to work through whatever is on your mind.

From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be met with warmth and understanding. The space has been designed to be comfortable, quiet and completely free of judgment – somewhere you can talk openly, at your own pace, about whatever is weighing you down. There’s no pressure, no expectations – just a listening ear and genuine support tailored to you.

Counselling is about more than simply talking; it’s about feeling safe enough to explore your thoughts and emotions, knowing that someone is truly listening and guiding you with care. Each session is shaped around what you need, helping you to untangle your thoughts, build resilience and gain clarity.

No matter where you are in life or what you’re going through, this is a space where you can pause, reflect and begin to move forward. When you’re ready, I am here to listen. Take that first step towards feeling lighter, stronger and more in control. You deserve the support you need.

Get in touch

Would you like to talk?

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to face things alone. If you're struggling or just need someone to talk to, completing this simple form is the first step towards getting the help you need. There’s no pressure or commitment - just a safe, understanding space where you can be heard.

Please fill in your details, send a message and I will be in touch to talk through how I can help. You’re not alone, and support is only a message away.

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