Bay Whitaker

I am an experienced BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, and UKRCP Registered Independent Counsellor/Psychotherapist, having previously worked for many years at the Universities of Cambridge, East London and Sheffield Hallam.  My academic interests are rooted in analytic philosophy, and existentialism, and I researched and taught philosophy before developing an interest in counselling and psychotherapy that has grown over the years through voluntary working as a befriender and advisor for mental health charities and Trades Unions.  I am constantly fascinated by people's journeys through life, and feel passionate about helping them find and develop new ways forward.

My philosophical background allows me to help clients to unravel ‘illogical’ thinking about their issues, while at the same time recognising that it’s OK, even desirable, to be illogical some of the time.

I will aim to establish with you a safe, encouraging and honest relationship, that can offer you some fresh perspectives on your situation.  I work with individuals and couples, and depending on what feels appropriate to the clients' personal style, I may draw on techniques and concepts from a variety of therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, gestalt, transactional analysis.

I have previously worked as a counsellor at Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service and ATOS Healthcare, and South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association, work that has helped me to develop a special interest in psychological trauma and child abuse. I am also a guest lecturer for the University of Hull, where I have recently delivered courses on Working with Child Abuse and Trauma.  I am committed to offering affordable counselling, and I value the commitment to change that is made by clients who choose to pay for counselling.

Feedback from my clients

"Thanks Bay, it has really helped. I've been able to talk about things I've never discussed with anyone before. And I've begun to see how some of that deeply hidden stuff has been affecting me."

“Thank you so much Bay, I feel as if a door has been opened for me. Although I can't change what has happened in the past, I feel I now have the tools to deal with it in a more productive and creative way."

“It's been a life-changing experience. I feel completely different about my most important relationships now, and I feel better equipped to deal with difficulties as they arise.”

"I would like to say thank you so much for my counselling sessions. I really did not know what to expect from them and entered into them with the attitude of at the worst they could do was maintain the 'status quo'. After going through them with you, I can honestly say that they have helped me to look at some close relationship issues a different way and as a consequence approach and deal with them in a way that I feel much better about."

"I have benefitted a great deal from our conversations, even though they were few... I feel pretty sure I won't be going back to the way I was feeling when we began."

"Words cannot possibly convey truly how much of an impact you have had on my life. The snake around my throat has gone and I finally have my voice back."

"I found my counselling sessions with Bay very helpful and rewarding!  I would have no hesitation in recommending Bay to anyone who needs help"

Email: bay@sheffieldcentralcounselling.co.uk