Solihull
Counselling
& Psychotherapy
Individual Counselling
Understanding what's happening beneath the surface and finding a
way forward
Compassionate Support When Life Feels Difficult
Sometimes it can be difficult to explain exactly what's wrong. You may look like you're coping on the outside, while inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, unhappy or simply stuck.
Perhaps you're constantly overthinking, struggling with your confidence or self-worth, feeling emotionally drained from looking after everyone else, or finding that the same patterns keep repeating themselves in your relationships, work or everyday life.
You may have reached a point where you know you don't want to keep feeling this way, but you're not sure what needs to change or where to start.
Individual counselling gives you the opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and have some space that is genuinely yours. My role is not to judge you, tell you what to do or give you a set of answers. Instead, I offer a safe, confidential and supportive space where we can explore what's happening for you, understand where your feelings and patterns may come from, and begin to make sense of things together.
How I Work with Individuals
Every person who comes to therapy is different, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
I work integratively, drawing on Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Systemic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic perspectives depending on what feels most helpful for you.
At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. I want you to feel listened to, understood and accepted, while also feeling able to explore things honestly and openly.
Therapy isn't simply about talking about what's happened. It's about beginning to understand yourself differently and, over time, developing greater awareness of your emotions, your relationships and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Danielle Templar-Coates
BA (Hons), Dip.Couns, MBACP
A Person-Centred Approach: A Space Where You Can Be Yourself
You don't have to present yourself in a particular way in therapy. You can arrive having had a difficult week, feeling confused, angry, tearful, overwhelmed or simply unsure of what you want to talk about.
I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what is really going on, without having to worry about how your thoughts or feelings might be received.
I believe that being genuinely heard and understood can be an important part of beginning to understand yourself. Together, we can explore what you need, what matters to you and what you would like to be different.
A Psychodynamic Perspective: Understanding the Patterns Beneath the Surface
Sometimes we know what we are feeling but don't understand why. You may find yourself reacting in ways that surprise you, becoming anxious in certain relationships, struggling with rejection, constantly seeking reassurance, putting everyone else's needs before your own, or repeatedly finding yourself in situations that leave you feeling the same way.
These patterns can sometimes have roots in earlier experiences, relationships and the ways we learned to understand ourselves and other people.
Exploring these experiences doesn't mean dwelling in the past. It can help us understand why certain situations affect you so strongly today. With greater understanding comes the possibility of responding differently.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
What you're experiencing doesn't happen in isolation. Your relationships, family, work, responsibilities, life experiences and the pressures around you can all affect how you feel and how you respond.
Together, we can look at the bigger picture and explore the different influences that may be contributing to how you're feeling now.
This can help you understand not only what is happening, but what you might need in order to feel more balanced, confident and in control of your life.
Is Individual Counselling Right for You?
You don't have to be in crisis to come to therapy. Counselling may be helpful if you:
- Feel anxious, overwhelmed or constantly on edge
- Find yourself overthinking or unable to switch off
- Struggle with confidence or self-worth
- Feel unhappy despite everything appearing “fine” from the outside
- Feel exhausted from always looking after other people
- Are experiencing difficulties in your relationships
- Keep repeating patterns that you don't understand
- Feel stuck or unsure about what you want
- Are struggling with work-related stress or burnout
- Are experiencing a significant life change or transition
- Are dealing with loss, bereavement or the end of a relationship
- Feel that something isn't quite right but can't put your finger on what it is
- Simply want to understand yourself better and make some changes
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong before you come to therapy. Sometimes knowing that something needs to change is enough.
What to Expect in Sessions
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about. Our first sessions will give us an opportunity to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you would like to be different. As we work together, we may:
- Explore what you're experiencing and how it is affecting you
- Look at thoughts, feelings and behaviours that may be keeping you stuck
- Identify recurring patterns in your relationships or responses
- Explore experiences from the past that may still be influencing you
- Develop a greater understanding of yourself and your emotional needs
- Consider different ways of responding to difficult situations
- Build your confidence in making choices that feel right for you
Sometimes therapy involves looking deeply at longstanding issues. Other times, you may need support with something happening right now. We will work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Take the First Step
Deciding to come to therapy can feel daunting. You may be wondering whether your problems are “bad enough”, whether therapy will actually help, or whether you will feel comfortable talking to someone you don't know.
You don't have to commit straight away.
I offer a free 15-minute phone or Zoom conversation where you can tell me a little about what is bringing you to therapy, ask any questions and get a sense of whether you feel I might be the right therapist for you.
If you're tired of simply coping and would like some space to understand what's happening and find a way forward, I'd be very happy to hear from you.
Not sure if I'm the right Therapist?
Get in touch
Taking the first step can feel hard - but you're very welcome to reach out. I offer a free, informal call so you can ask any questions you have, and I can share more about how I work so you can get a sense of whether therapy with me feels like the right fit.
If you'd prefer, you can fill out the booking form to request a call-back at a time that works for you.
I treat all enquiries with care and keep them strictly confidential. I aim to respond within 48 hours. If there are any times it's not appropriate to leave a message, please let me know - I'm happy to contact you at a time that feels safe and comfortable for you.