Before we meet
We send a short note with directions or a video link, and a one-page agreement to read.
You don't need the right words to get in touch
Thistlewick Counselling is a small private practice: Nell Averill, her colleague Rafi Belhaven and two quiet rooms above a bookbinder's on Larkhill Terrace. We see adults, one person or one couple at a time.
What people come about
You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis to come here
These are some of the things people often bring. Sometimes it is none of them, only a sense that something isn't right. That is a perfectly good reason too.
Anxiety
The worry that follows you to bed, or the feeling of always bracing for something.
Low mood
When things have gone flat, or you cannot quite remember what you used to enjoy.
Grief
After a death, and also after losses other people may not see as losses.
Relationships
The same argument again, a marriage changing, or loneliness inside a family.
Burnout
Being worn down by work or caring, and no longer sure how to stop.
Big life changes
A move, a diagnosis, a child leaving home, retiring or a separation.
Other things people bring
Not sure how to describe it? You don't have to. Tell us as much or as little as you like, and we can work it out together.
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Burnout
- Caring for a relative
- Couples difficulties
- Family tension
- Life changes
- Loneliness
- Low mood
- Retirement
- Separation
- Stress at work
- Trouble sleeping with worry
We see one person or one couple at a time, and you can stop whenever you choose.
What happens in a first session
The first minutes
We explain confidentiality, then ask what brought you here. You can start wherever you like, or say you do not know where to start.
Most of the hour
You talk and we listen, with a few questions about your health, your family and what you have tried before.
The last ten minutes
We talk about how it felt and whether it makes sense to carry on. You do not need to decide in the room.
Who you would see
There are two of us. Tell us if you would prefer one or the other.
Nell Averill
Counsellor and psychotherapist, founder
Came to this work after a first career in teaching. Sees individuals, mostly around grief, burnout and long stretches of low mood.
Rafi Belhaven
Associate psychotherapist
Sees individuals and couples on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including evenings. Often a good fit for relationship difficulties and big life changes.
Clinical supervisor
Outside the practice
Like all therapists, we discuss our work with a supervisor, without using your name. You would not meet them.
Registration details
Add your own here
Add each practitioner's training and registration details here.
Questions people ask
Do I need a referral?
No. You can get in touch yourself. Some people are pointed here by their family doctor, and that is fine too.
How many sessions will I need?
We do not know yet. Some people come for six or eight weeks, others for much longer. We review how it is going together every so often, and you can stop whenever you choose.
What if I do not know what to say?
That is very common, and it is fine. Silence is allowed here too. We will help you find a place to begin.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The two words overlap a great deal. In practice, counselling often focuses on something specific, and psychotherapy may go more slowly and further back. We will talk about which fits.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, with limits. We may need to speak to someone else if we are seriously worried about your safety or someone else's, if a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm, or if the law requires it. Wherever possible we would talk to you first. We will not contact your family doctor without talking to you, apart from these situations.
Can I reach you between sessions?
We can't respond quickly to messages, so this is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. If you need to talk to someone today, your family doctor or a local crisis line can help.
Get in touch
Our rooms are on the first floor, up stairs only, so online sessions are always available. Cancellation is free with 48 hours' notice.
Larkhill Terrace
2 Larkhill Terrace, first floor
Weekdays and early evenings
(555) 016-3140
Online
By video, from anywhere private
Weekdays and early evenings
(555) 016-3140
Whenever you are ready
Send a few lines, or call. We will suggest a short phone call so you can ask anything you like before deciding.