Counselling and Therapy in Ashford
Hello I am Leigh Munday and I am a qualified humanistic counsellor, accredited and registered with the BACP. I am based in Ashford, Kent which is within easy reach of Folkestone, Canterbury and Tenterden. I am able to see you face to face or if you prefer via Zoom or FaceTime.
I am completely committed to my work as a humanistic counsellor. I worked within a therapeutic environment for over 25 years before qualifying as a counsellor. During that time I learnt a huge amount about how people were affected by many troubling issues and worries that often felt unmanageable and beyond their control. This experience is immeasurable. It has helped me to quickly recognise the many, and varied, responses and reactions that occur when someone is struggling with difficulties and unbearable worry in their life. I also see the positive results, confidence gained and sheer relief of knowing life doesn't have to be like this and can be changed. It doesn't happen overnight but as you begin to make the small changes they soon develop into noticeable benefits and improvements.
By choosing to see me I will provide you with a safe space to speak in total confidence and without fearing judgment or criticism. It is often difficult to talk to those you are closest to. Events of the last few years have affected many people to different degrees and the world can feel fragile and create feelings of fear and vulnerability. You may not want to worry others or share the burden, or simply feel uncomfortable talking about what is troubling you. You continue holding on to unpleasant thoughts and anxieties that are distressing you and this in turn may affect those that are close to you also. This is why it is important for you to feel comfortable and at ease with me, so that you are relaxed and confident to discuss those issues freely and openly without fear of judgment or embarrassment. My objective is solely to develop a supportive working relationship that empowers you to make positive change in your life whilst addressing the obstacles that may have prevented this.
If anxiety, worry and stress are a negative intrusion in your everyday life humanistic counselling can be very helpful to you. These feelings can lead to low mood and depression and routine tasks begin to feel very hard to deal with. It is also possible that you may be experiencing panic attacks, feel extremely tired and are not sleeping well, either too little or too much. Anxiety can be overwhelming and feel impossible to be free from. This in turn leads to further worry and the cycle continues. Your work life may be negatively affected as well as your personal life. You may have a feeling of hopelessness and the future feels bleak and unwelcome. There seems to be "no light at the end of the tunnel". You may feel resigned to continue in this way and that change is impossible. Counselling can ease these doubts and negative thoughts and lead to significant improvements to physical and emotional wellbeing.
If you are reading this it indicates that life feels difficult for you at the moment and you are considering seeking help. It may be that you are worried for someone close to you and you are looking on their behalf. As a humanistic counsellor I can help to explore with you what is happening, and sometimes why, and encourage and support you in dealing with the issues that are distressing you. It takes courage and determination to take that first step into therapy. It is entirely natural to feel apprehensive when you begin and I hope I am able to reassure you, answer any questions you may have about counselling and take you forward on your journey to positive change.
For some people a short series of counselling sessions will help whereas others may feel they need longer term therapy. I do believe however that it is crucial in establishing an effective working relationship to be prepared to commit to attending on a weekly basis for the first 4 - 6 weeks. I work on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period. I am happy to see anyone from age 14 years. Unfortunately I do not work with children below this age.
It can sometimes take many years before a person recognises the need to deal with long standing issues, or that they feel able and ready to. If you are feeling fragile, often sad or worrying about an uncertain future humanistic counselling can empower you to re-focus and bring perspective to your life.
I am able to help people who may be experiencing distress from, or difficulties with, one or more of the following :
Anxiety
Depression
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Stress
Bereavement and Loss
Relationships
Separation and Divorce
Domestic Abuse
Panic Attacks
Eating Disorders
Illness and Disability
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Work Related Stress
Redundancy
Retirement
My counselling practice is in Kingsnorth on the outskirts of Ashford, 5 minutes drive from Ashford International Station and easily accessible from the M20 motorway linking to Folkestone, Dover and Maidstone and an easy drive to Canterbury and Tenterden. There is an excellent bus service to the station and into town (B Line). I am based in a very quiet location with no passing traffic and space to park. I work Monday to Friday, including some evenings and the weekend in exceptional circumstances.