Welcome

Resolve Counselling Services promotes positive mental health and enhanced emotional wellbeing.

Throughout our lives we all experience ups and downs, some of which can negatively impact upon our mental health and emotional wellbeing. At Resolve Counselling Services we are committed to offering counselling support in a confidential, non-judgemental space, to help you deal with issues that you may be finding uncomfortable, painful, or confusing.

If you feel you are ready to face your feelings and resolve your issues, then now may be the time to consider contacting Resolve Counselling Services.

Sometimes, we can't see the wood for the trees

Why Choose Us?

At Resolve Counselling Services we know how difficult it can be to take the first step towards accessing counselling because it means we have to admit to ourselves that we are finding some aspects of our life/lives difficult. This could be because of a recent or past experience or because we are experiencing problematic thoughts and feelings about ourselves or others. We will work with you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours enabling you to build your resilience, develop coping strategies and overcome the difficulties you may be facing.

Each of our service providers are registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Our overall practice and each individual provider subscribe and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. This framework lays out best practices for safe and ethical ways of working and details the personal moral qualities to look for in a counsellor.

We specialise in short, medium and long-term counselling, offering private sessions to adults, young people, couples and families. Everyone who has counselling with us will receive

Empathy – We will do our best to understand you and your experiences by learning to ‘walk in your shoes’

Unconditional Positive Regard – We will care about you and not make presumptions about who you are, your life and the decisions you make

Congruence – We will be truthful with you

Confidentiality – Everything shared in the counselling room will be confidential, except when there is risk of harm to yourself or others
Individual Focus – The focus will be on the issues you want to work on

"Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn?" Marmeladov's question came suddenly into his mind
"for every man must have somewhere to turn".

Fyodor Dostoevsky

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a talking therapy that provides you with the opportunity to talk about your issues to begin to understand your related thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Working as integrative counsellors we combine different aspects from various approaches to create a unique therapeutic experience for each client.

Counselling can be used to deal with a range of issues that you may be facing. You might consider counselling if you want help with:

Anxiety (social, etc.)
Depression
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Parenting support
Self-esteem
Managing stress
Self-harm
Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
Bereavement and loss

What Are the Benefits of Counselling?

Enhanced emotional wellbeing.
Improved self-worth and acceptance.
Increased self-esteem and confidence.

Personal growth
Greater resilience
Healthier relationships
Personal healing and the ability to move forward in life.

At Resolve Counselling we believe the quality of the client-counsellor relationship is fundamental to effective counselling. In our roles as counsellors, we will accompany you on your own personal journey. We will work with you to support you. We will enquire and respectfully challenge your thoughts and feelings in order to gain an understanding of your perspective. This will enable you to recognise your own inner resources and acquire a deeper understanding of yourself and your problems.

Meet the Team

My name is Sandra Dodd. I am a professional integrative counsellor having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling Practice. Presently I am studying on the MA in Psychotherapy Studies at University College Bishop Auckland. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I work in accordance with BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. My background is working in education, as such I have a wealth of experience of working with children and young people in the school environment. I have also worked as a school counsellor in a secondary school. In my counselling practice I work with children, young people and adults. I have a special interest in working creatively with children and young people outdoors.

My name is Rachel Wall and I am a professional integrative counsellor having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling Practice. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I work in accordance with BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I work in a day care centre for elderly people, some of whom suffer with dementia. In this role I have many years experience of working closely with carers and families who look after their loved ones. This is reflected within my counselling practice. I also have experience of working with young people and adults.

Services We Offer

Walk & Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy takes counselling outdoors and into nature. Therefore, if the thought of sitting in an office or talking to a counsellor online makes you feel uncomfortable Walk and Talk Therapy may be more appropriate for you.

When walking side by side with a counsellor, eye contact can be avoided, significantly reducing tension, which is particularly beneficial if you suffer with social anxiety.

Walking outdoors also helps us to reconnect with the natural world, positively impacting our general mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Online and Telephone Counselling

Online and telephone counselling sessions can be a useful alternative to traditional face-to-face counselling sessions.

Counselling online and over the telephone is a flexible way of accessing therapy. It can be particularly beneficial for those who face mobility issues, social anxiety, or live in a remote area. The counselling sessions can often take place at a time more convenient to you and there is no travelling required which can help to reduce time and costs.

Face-to-Face Counselling

Resolve Counselling Services assures a warm welcome in safe surroundings. Face to face appointments are available in a calm, comfortable counselling room, situated on the first floor of The Four Clocks Centre, nestled in Bishop Auckland town centre.

There is ample car parking close by The Four Clocks Centre. Bishop Auckland town centre is easily accessible by public transport with The Four Clocks Centre a short walk from both the bus and the rail station.

The Four Clocks Centre is fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Resolve Counselling Services are also able to offer group therapy sessions (minimum 5 people), couple's counselling and family support. We can also provide home visits (prices may vary).

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about any of our counselling services or to book an appointment, then please do not hesitate to contact Resolve Counselling Services by your preferred method.

The Vestry Room

The Four Clocks Centre

154A Newgate Street

Bishop Auckland

DL14 7EH

resolvecounsellingservices@gmail.com

07553 354820

Frequently Asked Questions?

Is my counselling session confidential?

Yes, we are bound ethically to provide a confidential service. We will not discuss what you talk about in our sessions with anyone else. As part of our ethical commitment all counsellors attend monthly supervision. We will discuss client work at supervision however we do not give the supervisor any identifying client information. If we believe that you or someone else is in danger of serious harm, we may need to break confidentiality in accordance with the BACP's ethical framework. We will discuss this with you first before sharing any information unless there is a serious, significant risk to you or others.

What happens to the information you have about me?

All information we hold is stored in line with The Data Protection Act (2018). You have the right to see what information we hold about you. If you wish to do so, please make a request in writing.

I have a disability; is counselling still accessible for me?

Our premises provide disabled access.

How many sessions will I need?

Each client is different and individual. Some will stay for a couple of sessions and some much longer term - for weeks or months. There is no right or wrong or set format. We can discuss together what may help you, and regularly review your progress.

What happens if I can’t make my appointment?

It is important that you give us at least 48 hours' notice in case you need to cancel your appointment. Please do not just not turn up. We try to accommodate you and in return rely on the courtesy of a cancellation in case you have changed your mind or would like to rearrange. Cancellation of sessions with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full fee.

Do I have to be referred by my GP to receive counselling?

No, you do not need a referral to make an appointment for any of our services.

Who can access the service?

Referrals can be made by individuals who need some support; GP’s; employers and local services.

Referrals welcome from:

Individuals (self-referring for private treatment)
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)
General Practitioners (GP)
Occupational Health
Physiotherapists
Consultants
Healthcare Providers
Private Medical Insurance
Wellbeing in the Workplace Plans.