Julie Reynolds

Hi, I'm Julie.

What are you struggling with?

Are you finding the demands of parenting and family life much tougher than you imagined, leaving you overwhelmed and suffering with anxiety, but unable to see a way out of the current chaos and fog?

Are you feeling constantly exhausted, sad and tearful, inadequate and frustrated because you are unable to concentrate, and unable to work up much enthusiasm or motivation even for the things you used to enjoy?

Did you have a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, which has left you feeling constantly on edge, perhaps with flashbacks and episodes of reliving what happened to you, trapped in a cycle of depression, anger and guilt?

Or perhaps you are pregnant and struggling with difficult thoughts and anxiety around your forthcoming birth?

People come to me for support with anxiety, overwhelm and overthinking, low self-esteem and low confidence, PTSD after a difficult event (especially birth trauma), low mood and postnatal depression, attachment and bonding concerns, parenting disagreements, family relationship concerns, bereavement and baby loss, early parenting difficulties, and lots more.

Counselling with me can:

Help you to cope with the demands of family life, giving you the confidence to make sound decisions, find the 'real you' again, and be the best parent you can be.

Give you relief from the distressing symptoms of trauma, so that you can see a way forward and enjoy life again.

Give you tools and techniques for those moments when anxiety overwhelms and self-doubt strikes, helping you to feel calmer and more in control.

I will listen

When you feel ready, we can discuss plans and alternative courses of action for as long as you need.

But I will never try to tell you what to do or insist that my way is the right way. I will listen and help you to explore what feels important to you, at the pace that feels right for you.

There are no 'musts' or 'shoulds' in counselling with me.

If you've had a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, sadly I cannot reverse time and take away what has happened to you completely, but I can help with a specialist memory processing technique called Rewind to support you in getting to a place of greater safety, where you can find a way to continue with your life without feeling overwhelmed by the accompanying terror and distress. I have undertaken specialist trauma training to minimise the risk of re-traumatising you.

How I work

As both a professional and a mother of two, I'm very familiar with the ups and downs of parenting and family life, particularly following a difficult birth experience, the ongoing struggle to adapt to new roles and the overwhelming loneliness that parenting can bring.

I have 10 years of professional experience supporting and empowering parents and parents-to-be through support groups, workshops and classes (including remotely for parents who found themselves isolated and struggling through the pandemic), as well as sensitively supporting those who have had a difficult journey through fertility treatments, stillbirth and bereavement.

I provide an emotionally safe, comfortable, private environment in which you can say all the things you don't feel you can say to anyone else, knowing that I'm right there beside you when the most difficult thoughts arise.

Practical arrangements

Your time with me is a chance to focus on you and your needs, and I would encourage you to leave babies and children with someone you trust if possible.

However, you are welcome to bring babies with you if that feels right for you, and of course to feed them, change them and otherwise meet their needs during sessions.

A lift is available immediately inside the front door of the building for easy access for buggies and pushchairs.

Sessions are held in a historic converted building at the top of Cane Hill.

There is easy parking right outside the door, and the venue is also easily accessible by train and bus.

Now is a good time to get in touch

You don't need to wait for the mythical 'good day' that rarely comes, and you don't need to dress up, or put on nice clothes or make up (unless you want to, of course) - just be brave enough to get in touch and we can take it one step at a time from there.

Available in person in Coulsdon, South London, or nationally online via Zoom.

Hours of Work

Daytime sessions are 9.15am to 3.15am.

Evening sessions are 6pm to 9.30pm.

Saturday sessions are 9 am and 12 pm - very limited availability.

Occasional Sundays and other evenings are ad-hoc.

Further Information about Julie Reynolds

I offer face-to-face counselling in Coulsdon (Croydon, South London) or nationally online via Zoom.

Easily accessible via public transport.

I have a particular interest in supporting parents of multiples (twins and triplets).

I can also offer private antenatal classes in my home or yours - please ask for details.