Counselling
Christopher Hope MA, UKCP Counsellor
The Best Way to Deal with Mental Health Issues
Mental health is a state of well-being enabling each person to develop the confidence to reach his or her potential. Practically this means being better able to cope with the normal stresses of life. Mental health includes good emotional health, psychological resilience and social wellbeing.
It is important to remember that mental health problems are common and treatable. One in four adults will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. In any given year, one in six people will experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time which sometimes need help and support from someone who is not a family or friend. They can range from mild to severe and can be short-lived or long-lasting. Mental health problems are not caused by one single factor, but rather a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.
Along with other professionals as a Psychotherapist and Counsellor I am trained to think and work with unhappiness and distress when this is affecting your mental wellbeing. This can range through from anxiety and depression, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, obsessive thoughts and fears, sleeplessness and many other mental health difficulties.
My counselling approach
There are many different approaches to Counselling, My counselling approach focuses more upon immediate difficulties experienced. Sometimes clients do not wish or feel ready to explore deeper aspects of their lives. In general my training in counselling helps me to focus upon what you are experiencing right now and is sometimes ‘time-limited’, or ‘short-term’. In other words, you decide during the first meeting how many sessions we will work together.
As both a trained Counsellor and Psychotherapist I am trained to think and work at a deeper level considering for example the relationships we have with early life experiences and sometimes traumatic experiences. As a Psychotherapist I am trained in mental health which can be helpful if you are struggling with your mental health. How this may influence a current difficulty sometimes requires a deeper approach. This is reflected in the intensity, duration and training I have undertaken. It is my experience that some clients naturally move from Counselling into Psychotherapy when they feel ready to do so.
I originally trained as a counsellor with Metanoia before I qualified as a UKCP registered Psychotherapist. My Counselling experience is mainly with individuals & Couples. I have a range of fees starting from £60. I can offer a discount in exceptional circumstances. I work mainly face to face but can offer Zoom. My practice benefits from a separate consulting room and discreet access. Your confidentiality is always my priority including a safe space to talk through issues, thoughts or emotions that are troubling you. By increasing your self-awareness and understanding of what has brought you into counselling will often help you to move forward with your life and your relationships.
When to Consider Counselling?
Most people experience ups and downs in their lives, and it is normal to feel sad, stressed or anxious at times. However, if you are finding it hard to cope with your emotions, or they are impacting your day-to-day life, it might be time to consider counselling.
Here are a few situations when you may need counselling
Stress:
When you are under pressure, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. If you experience high levels of stress over a long period of time, it can lead to physical and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and heart disease.
Confidence & Low Self Esteem:
Feeling good about yourself is an important part of leading a happy and fulfilling life. If you lack confidence or have low self-esteem, it can impact every aspect of your life, from your work to your relationships.
Difficulty in expressing or managing feelings:
Everyone experiences a range of emotions, but sometimes it can be difficult to express how you’re feeling. This might be due to a past experience or trauma. If you’re finding it hard to manage your emotions, a qualified and professional counsellor can help you to understand and cope with them in a healthy way.
Work Stress:
It’s normal to feel stressed at work sometimes, but if you’re finding it hard to cope with the demands of your job, it might be time to seek help. Work psychological distress can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, so it’s important to deal with it in a healthy way.
Anxiety about school/College and exam stress:
School, college and exams can be stressful times. If you’re finding it hard to cope with the pressure, the qualified integrative counsellor can help you to manage your anxiety and stay on top of your studies.
Trauma:
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, such as a car accident or bereavement, it can be difficult to cope with the aftermath. A professional counsellor can help you to process the trauma, develop coping strategies and make sense of your emotions.
Isolation and disconnectedness:
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others can be a sign of depression. If you’re finding it hard to connect with people, cognitive behavioural therapy can help you to build social skills and make meaningful connections.
Sexual abuse and unresolved childhood issues:
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, it can be difficult to cope with the trauma. Counselling practice can help you to process the experience and work through any unresolved issues from your childhood.
Depression, Low Mood and Sadness:
Depression is more than just feeling sad as it prevents you from living a full and contented life. It’s a serious mental health condition that can impact every aspect of your life. If you’re struggling to cope with depression, an experienced counsellor can help you to understand your emotions and make positive changes.
Anger, Anxiety, Phobias (OCD), Panic, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Are all serious mental health conditions that can have a debilitating effect on your life. If you’re struggling to cope with anger management, a qualified counsellor can help you to understand and manage your symptoms.
Separation, Loss and Bereavement:
Separation, loss and bereavement can be difficult to deal with. If you’re finding it hard to cope with your emotions, counselling can help you to work through your grief and make sense of your loss.
Sleep problems & insomnia:
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it can impact your physical and mental health. Face-to-face counselling sessions can help you to identify and manage any underlying issues that might be causing your sleep problems.
Substance misuse and addiction:
If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling, counselling sessions can help you to understand your addictive behaviours and make positive changes.
These are just some of the ways in which personal development counselling can help you to deal with mental health issues. If you’re struggling to cope with any issue, big or small, counselling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to make positive changes in your life.
Why It’s Important to Seek Help?
Mental health problems can have a serious impact on your life. If you’re struggling to cope, it’s important to seek help. Our Private Practice can provide you with the support and tools you need to manage your mental health in a healthy way.
What counselling offers:
- A safe space to talk about your thoughts and feelings
- Someone to talk to who will understand and not judge you
- The opportunity to explore your emotions and make sense of your thoughts
- Tools and techniques to help you manage your mental health
- Support to make positive changes in your life.
How Chris Hope Can Help?
I offer counselling services in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Its a very confidential service where you can talk about anything that’s troubling you. I’m fully qualified MA, UKCP Counsellor I will work with you to understand your thoughts and feelings and find ways to manage your mental health.
Are you suffering from
- Stress
- Confidence & Low Self Esteem
- Difficulty in expressing or managing feelings
- Work Stress
- Anxiety about school/College and exam stress
- Trauma
- Isolation and disconnectedness
- Sexual abuse and unresolved childhood issues
- Depression, Low Mood and Sadness
- Anger, Anxiety, Phobias (OCD), Panic,
- Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder - Separation, Loss and Bereavement
- Sleep problems & insomnia
- Substance misuse and addiction
- Problems with addiction
I also have access to
and 
If you wish to know more please email me below.
Or call on T: 01284 320451 | M: 07760 190794
Hillcrest, 14 Northgate Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6BB
Qualifications and relevant training
MA Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
Diploma in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychotherapy and Counselling Supervision:
Achieving Best Evidence (ABE)
Diploma in Social Work
Advanced Award – “Inter professional Practice Teaching”, UEA
BSc (Hons) Psychology, North East London Polytechnic
Professional Memberships
UKCP Clinical Psychotherapist membership number: 2011167188
Social Work Registration number: SW27151
MBPsS : Member of the British Psychological Society Graduate member 322858
Fitness to practice: Fully Enhanced DRB
