A relationship of trust, confidentiality and respect is at the heart of my practice
Please contact me at any time about working together or if you have any questions about counselling. You can use the contact form provided and I will be happy to hear from you.
Making the first contact is often a big step and you are welcome to share information by email with me. If you think it would be helpful, we can have a complementary informal chat by phone so I can find out a bit more about you and what you need, and can discuss your own unique situation.
I aim to do this as quickly as possible so you aren’t kept waiting for the help you need.
I provide counselling for individuals aged 18 and above on a short or long-term basis.
About me
I am Heidi Birr, a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 396983) offering:
I have a responsibility to my clients and my work is extremely rewarding as I share a part of their journey and see my clients develop an emotional understanding and awareness, and move forward. Beliefs change and self-esteem grows giving confidence to commit to change. Better boundaries are developed and increased assertiveness occurs, allowing you to reach your potential and become your true self.
I've been recognised by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for my contribution to the aftermath of the Bali terrorist bombings in 2002, specifically for my efforts as a volunteer counsellor for bereaved families.
During the unprecedented times, as the COVID-19 pandemic started, I offered help as a counsellor as part of the pandemic response. One of my first challenges was being able to adapt quickly and offer support through telephone and online counselling as people found themselves isolating at home and away from their usual support networks.
I've been involved with the UK's largest bereavement charity, Cruse Bereavement Support, working as an accredited bereavement volunteer for over three years, where I supported people with their bereavement. I now work with CancerCare to support many more people coping with the effects of a cancer diagnosis or bereavement across north Lancashire and south Cumbria.
Building my own private practice, while working for registered charities, is rewarding and I continue to learn and develop through my various counselling roles.
I was U21 British Water Ski Champion and record holder, and this sport led to a career which took me all around the world coaching and training. I realised that I loved working with people, coaching them to achieve their best, and hearing their stories. Following my retirement from sport, I travelled extensively, gaining cultural empathy, knowledge, and diversity.
Bali was my home for 16 years, and where I raised my children until I returned with them to England in 2013 to care for my father, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Initially I worked as a certified hypnotherapist and a children’s yoga teacher. Ultimately, I was inspired to further my expertise, so I trained as a counsellor.
I now have my own private practice while working for registered charities to support many more people across north Lancashire and south Cumbria.
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (cpcab).
- Online and Telephone Counselling (cpcab).
- Level 4 Certificate of Achievement Introduction to Counselling Skills (University of Cumbria).
- Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (cache).
- Level 2 Bereavement Support Foundation Course (Ascentis)
- Certificate of Diploma – Teacher Training in yoga for children and families.
- Certified Hypnotherapist – National Guild of Hypnotherapists.
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2021 to Current.
- Guild Hypnotherapy Register, 2017 to 2020.
- General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapy, 2017 to 2020.
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, 2017 to 2020.
How I work
I use a person-centred approach which is a talking therapy and largely non-directive so techniques do not play as big a part. The emphasis is on the safe, therapeutic environment.
I provide an empathic and highly confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings and offer qualities known as the core helping conditions necessary for client change and growth. I have supported clients towards greater independence, achieving goals and fulfilling potential.
What I can help with
Abuse
Anxiety
Bereavement/Loss
Cancer
Child related issues
Confidence
Cultural issues
Depression
Disability
Health related issues
Identity issues
Life transitions
Menopause
Neurodiversity
Personal development
Post-traumatic stress
Rejection
Relationships
Resilience
Self-criticism
Self-esteem
Self-harm
Sexual identity
Sleep issues
Spirituality
Trauma
Women's issues
Work related issues
….and a range of emotions including: anger, sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, guilt.
How can counselling help you?
I support my client through therapeutic change. Client problems can be everyday life problems, common mental health and other psychological problems or severe and complex mental health problems for which counselling has proved helpful.
I work with what arises and best understand the client's thoughts and feelings, their relationships and particular life stage within which those problems have developed. The therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor is significant and makes the difference to successful outcomes of therapy.
At times we can get overwhelmed and anxious in situations perhaps because we ignore problems and they gradually build up or they may suddenly happen and be out of our control.
I help clients explore their everyday life problems or to change themselves, and I work in a way that is supported by the latest research on what is effective.
Online sessions via Zoom & telephone counselling
You may choose online or phone counselling appointments for a number of reasons:
- Easier to access.
- Fits with your lifestyle.
- Fits with your working hours better.
- Useful as another way to express yourself.
No restrictions. I can offer counselling to clients across the UK.
Walk & talk counselling
If you feel more comfortable moving around and being outside, you may be drawn towards walk and talk counselling. Being exposed to nature, can help mental and physical health. Nature is a platform that asks nothing from you, it allows you to exist exactly as you are no matter how you are.
My geographical location is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria, adjoining Morecambe Bay. It is famous for its stunning scenery and superb walks.
Walk and talk Counselling sessions are held in Silverdale and Arnside.
In-person counselling
You may chose in-person appointments for a number of reasons:
- May increase your comfort when sharing private information by being in a location that feels neutral.
- Can provide a space away from your everyday life.
- May offer a more focused environment.
In-person sessions are held in Kendal and Lancaster.
Sessions & fees
Sessions are 50 minutes long and offered on a weekly basis. The charge is £50.
Temporary fee reductions may be possible under certain circumstances; please ask.
Cash or bank transfer accepted after the session. If you need to cancel a session I require at least 48 hours notice, otherwise the fee remains payable.
I respect autonomy and work with sensitivity and care, to explore uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. I am intuitive and ready to listen to any painful areas at your pace.
The first session is about setting the contract and establishing the professional boundaries. This contract is referred to as a shared agreement between the client and counsellor. My clients are fully involved in the process.
My location
Kendal, Lancaster, Silverdale and Arnside.
South Cumbria and north Lancashire.
I deliver counselling across the UK to clients using telephone or online via Zoom.
In-person sessions can be arranged in Kendal or Lancaster, which are wheelchair accessible.
Walk and talk counselling will be tailor made depending on your needs within Silverdale and Arnside AONB Walk.
Get in touch
Please contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a complimentary informal chat. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling and whether I can help you.
Privacy Statement
I respect your privacy and confidentiality. I do not collect more information than I need. Where data is shared electronically, it is encrypted and password protected.
Paper documents are locked safely away. I do not share data for commercial gain. When I no longer need the data it is destroyed.
For my complete Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice please ask for a printed copy. These spell out in detail my responsibilities to you and your right under the UK GDPR regulation.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, the registration reference for Heidi Birr Counselling is ZA330499.
I want you to know how I process your data and keep it safe. Please click here to read my privacy statement.
Privacy Statement
I respect your privacy and confidentiality. I do not collect more information than I need. Where data is shared electronically, it is encrypted and password protected.
Paper documents are locked safely away. I do not share data for commercial gain. When I no longer need the data it is destroyed.
For my complete Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice please ask for a printed copy. These spell out in detail my responsibilities to you and your right under the UK GDPR regulation.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, the registration reference for Heidi Birr Counselling is ZA330499.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.