Bay Whitaker

A fresh perspective can transform a life

I am an Integrative Humanistic Counsellor, 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 that has grown over the years through voluntary working as a befriender and advisor for mental health charities and Trades Unions.   Educated to Masters level, and a BACP member, I am constantly fascinated by people's journeys through life, and feel passionate about helping them find and develop new ways forward. I have special interest and experience in the following issues:

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Marriage breakup
• Work related stress
• Abuse
• Sexual orientation (including BDSM)
• Low self-esteem
• Mid-life crisis 

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 may draw on techniques and concepts from a variety of therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, gestalt, transactional analysis and person centred therapy, and I will tailor my approach to suit your personal style.

   Registered with Counselling Directory

I currently provide counselling services to Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service and ATOS Healthcare, and until recently was counselling with South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association.  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

“I have great confidence in Bay's ability as a counsellor and have a high regard for the work she does....” 

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

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Gill Wier

Freedom to begin living life to the full

I am a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. As well as seeing private clients, as a Counsellor working in an NHS setting I have helped individuals of all ages with a wide range of issues. In addition to my counselling experience I have worked for many years in the helping professions and I have considerable experience of working one to one with people from a range of backgrounds, providing emotional and practical support.

For me counselling is often about gaining understanding and awareness of who you are as an individual. Counselling can help you resolve underlying issues in your life which hold you back, leaving you free to begin living life to the full.

My Christian faith informs my view of human beings as unique and valuable individuals. I am open to discussing spiritual and religious issues in the context of counselling. However, I don’t expect you to necessarily agree with my views and I seek to help people of any faith or none. I have worked with:

• Low mood/depression
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Stress, including work related stress
• Low self esteem
• Low confidence
• Sleeping problems
• Relationship difficulties
• Loss and bereavement

I aim to provide a safe and non-judgemental space where you can speak freely, gain new insights and find your own way forward. My priority is to build a good relationship with you. My approach to counselling is integrative which means that I draw on various different models including Gestalt, person-centred and cognitive-behavioural approaches, depending on your particular situation and what seems to work best for you.

Registered with Counselling Directory

Feedback from my clients

“Counselling helped me to accept my feelings and believe that they were valid – this helped to gain self awareness and acceptance.”

“Gill helped me enormously in working things out for myself and understanding the reasons for me feeling, at that time, so very low.”

“Gill gave me the strength to see that I wasn’t such a bad person”

“Counselling helped me not to feel so alone with my depression – which was a great relief to me”.