Things we can help with include...

Counselling can be personalised and is there to help with any issues that you consider a stumbling block, or which are causing you emotional distress or interpersonal/occupational problems. Problems may include or relate to workplace stress, bullying, lack of direction, chronic pain, friendships and relationships, low self esteem, loneliness & isolation or lack of life direction.  We may start or focus on CBT, integrated approaches or compassion focused therapy but we can also offer general support. 

 We can offer online support to individuals, carers and/or family members affected by psychosis and related disorders.  In some instances, we are also trained and able to provide CBT talking therapy to help you or your family to understand and manage voices, paranoia and unusual beliefs.  If you are under NHS care, we request that this is in partnership with your Care Co-ordinator or other assigned key worker.  We are also able to provide psycho-education and evidence based support for people diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder.  

 OCD & related difficulties involve recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive, unwanted and cause marked anxiety, interference or psychological distress.  Attempts to cope with these can sometimes involve ritualistic, avoidant or compulsive mental or physical actions, without long term alleviation. We predominantly use psychoeducation and CBT approaches to assist with recovery processes.  Bay Psychology also use cognitive and behavioural approaches to address phobias, which are excessive, unwanted and debilitating fears about specific things, objects or situations, particularly things that others would regard as relatively harmless or low risk. 

Bereavement, grief and loss can affect people in different ways, sometimes straight away and sometimes many years after the event(s). Grief is a process with various stages and there is no right or wrong way to feel or behave.  Sometimes people feel numb and detached and at other times powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly. Therapy can help you to accept your experience of loss and process your grief openly and safely, particularly where you have struggled or been unable to share this. We also recognise that grief can sometimes occur after loss of animal companions.   In addition, we can assist with different forms of loss that have not resulted in bereavement.  

Mental health problems such as depression, suicidal ideation or self-harm can affect any of us, but they appear to be more common among people who identify as LGBTIQ+.   Difficulties we all experience may be exacerbated by internalised stigma, gender/body image dysphoria, family/community dynamics and/or experience of daily microaggressions (covert homophobia, transphobia and/or LGBTIQ+ ignorance) or overt discrimination or abuse. Please note that we offer LBGTIQ+ affirmative therapy. Your individual identity is something to be embraced and supported.   Bay Psychology does not support, and actively opposes, harmful, outdated and discredited ''conversion'' approaches. 

This service can be for individuals looking to understand or change patterns of relationship difficulties or to cope with difficulties, breakups and losses.  Issues may include: Dysfunctional schemas, Attachment difficulties, Co-dependency, Communication problems; Coping with loss through break ups or bereavement; Psycho-sexual counselling; Trauma bonding etc. We can also offer extended sessions for couples & families. 

We refer to ''self-harm'' as Non-Accidental Self-Injury (NASI) on the basis that many people who injure themselves are ultimately trying to survive and cope with painful thoughts, experiences or emotions.  Our aim is to help you to cope in alternative ways so that injuries are minimised or eliminated and we are then able to focus on understanding the primary, underlying emotional issues.  You will also be helped with distress tolerance, self expression and any personal and inter-personal difficulties. We also offer a post-detox addiction and dependency counselling service, recognising that this is sometimes a means of self medicating. We encourage those with alcohol problems to first obtain medical detox via your GP, A&E or Recovery Steps if your drinking has been heavy or marked by repeat attempts to stop, as sudden abstinence can result in a ''kindling'' effect, including seizures, without medical assistance. We offer empathic and non-judgemental private therapy and are happy to liaise with other services you may be involved with.

Psychological therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection, in all stages of their relationship. Online sessions are held from the safety of your own home with both couples at a time that is convenient for you through our easy scheduling platform. It is also available for Carers, whose needs are often neglected or unmet.  We are also able to offer family therapy and support.