Stephen Garvey

Member Status: Accredited

Member No: NCS22-00319

Location: Liverpool

Sometimes we just need another person to fully listen to us, without judgement or offering us solutions. To be heard and accepted, even if at first it is hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words.

My clients have said that being listened to without someone offering advice or trying to fix them as if they are broken, and being able to speak freely without being judged has helped them be more open and authentic in other relationships, and more self accepting, and has helped them clarify changes they want to make in their lives.

There are times when for everyone life can become overwhelming. You may feel depressed, stressed or anxious, unable to sleep, or have a sense of being stuck or lost, a feeling that life isn’t working out how you wanted it to, but you don’t know what to do about it.

There may be particular current events which are troubling such as being being bullied at work, unsupported by colleagues and your complaints ignored. You may have had a childhood in which you suffered abuse, or a childhood that was unremarkable in that there was no obvious abuse, but it left a lasting sense that something was lacking in your relationship with your parents that still affects you deeply.

The death of friends, relatives or beloved pets can leave you struggling especially when the people around you expect you just carry on as before. Sometimes multiple difficulties build on each other, and we see patterns repeating leaving us wondering how we can cope or break the pattern.

Having a long work history in dispute resolution, together with voluntary work with the Samaritans and a bereavement charity, I have learned how important it is for each individual to be heard. Whether it be loneliness, bereavement, death of beloved pets, career changes, being bullied at work, or relationship conflict and difficulties, past or present, people find courage and way forward to live their best life best life if they are allowed to express what is truly going on for them.

The most important thing when choosing a counsellor (apart from making sure they are adequately qualified, insured and registered) is to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Someone who “gets” you.

A relationship between a counsellor and client grows over time, but often your first “gut instinct” on meeting a counsellor is the best predictor of how good the relationship is likely to be. Because if you don't feel comfortable, you won't feel safe enough to talk honestly and trust them, and then your therapy won't be effective.

That’s why I offer a free 30 minute consultation without obligation, so we can meet, I can find out a little bit more about you, explain a little more about counselling and my approach, and you can decide if you want to book a session. The first step is to phone or email me, and we can set up a time for us to talk.

A relationship between a counsellor and client grows over time, but often your first “gut instinct” on meeting a counsellor is the best predictor of how good the relationship is likely to be. Because if you don't feel comfortable, you won't feel safe enough to talk honestly and trust them, and then your therapy won't be effective.

That’s why I offer a free 30 minute consultation without obligation, so we can meet, I can find out a little bit more about you, explain a little more about counselling and my approach, and you can decide if you want to book a session. The first step is to phone or email me, and we can set up a time for us to talk.

My phone number is: 07916028200 If you text or leave a voice mail, I will almost always respond within one working day. Alternatively, drop me an email to: stephengarveycounsellor@gmail.com Your email will only be seen by me, and I will always respond promptly.
As a counsellor and psychotherapist I regularly undergo my own therapy and personal development work. This ensures that I never forget how it feels to sit in the clients' seat and can respond to the feelings of vulnerability that sometimes arise for everyone who goes for counselling and psychotherapy. It is a normal part of the therapy process to feel this. Making your first approach to a therapist is a brave and sometimes daunting thing to do. I will put you at ease.
I hold an enhanced DBS check, and I am fully insured.