Colette Safhill

I work flexible hours to suit my clients. I currently have availability.

YRCS is open to any one who is struggling with themselves, their lives and their thoughts.

As a person centred therapist I work with what you bring into the counselling room and I treat each client with empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard

I offer open ended counselling, once a week, once a fortnight, whatever you feel works for you . Six weeks to two years

I am able to offer zoom sessions after the initial six weeks if we agree this would be beneficial

I offer  a no obligation first assessment of 50 minutes for us both to decide if working together is the right way forward 

The cost for this session is 拢60

I am a Bupa approved therapist. If you are recovered by Bupa insurance then you may be able to recover the cost of your therapy sessions.  (subject to the terms of your policy and any excess)

I am a Viatality approved therapist and if you have Vitality insurance then you may be able to claim the cost of your treatment (subject to the terms of your policy and any excess)

Testimonials 

I have had 3 sessions with Colette so far and each one has really made me take time to think about me and my current situation but also what I want for the future. I find Colette plain speaking with a wealth of insights.

Only few sessions so far, but I think she is fantastic and helping me so much.

Colette has been very helpful and supportive during a difficult time and she genuinely cares, this is how you feel working with her, this care and attention really make a difference. I feel extremely lucky that I met her.

I work from a purpose built business centre on the outskirts of Thirsk 

There is plenty of dedicated parking and the office is easily accessible on the ground  floor 

I offer an initial 50 minute no obligation session. The cost for this initial session (and all subsequent single sessions) is 拢60

Couples therapy

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer a calm, thoughtful and relational approach to therapy. I am a 麻豆原创 Accredited Psychotherapist, committed to working ethically and compassionately, and to creating a space where you feel heard, understood and respected.

My work is grounded in relational psychotherapy and enriched by specialist training in the IMAGO Relationship Therapy model and the Gottman Method. I support individuals and couples in understanding patterns that may feel stuck or painful, helping them move towards greater connection, clarity and emotional safety.

Whether you are navigating relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from yourself or others, therapy can offer a steady and containing space to explore what is happening beneath the surface. My approach is trauma-informed, integrative and gently paced, allowing space for reflection while also offering practical insight where helpful.

For couples, I draw on Imargo and Gottman frameworks to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen understanding. For individuals, I work collaboratively to explore attachment patterns, relational dynamics, and the impact of past experiences on present-day life.

I offer both online and in-person sessions, providing flexibility to meet your needs.

Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step. I aim to make that first step feel steady and supported.

 Location & Availability

My practice is based in a beautiful, private and discreet building in the historic market town of Thirsk. The setting offers a calm and confidential environment, allowing you to step away from the demands of daily life and into a space dedicated to reflection and meaningful conversation.

I offer flexible ways of working to suit your circumstances:

In-person sessions at my Thirsk practice

Online therapy for individuals and couples

Hybrid arrangements, combining face-to-face and online sessions

I understand that busy professional and family lives can make daytime appointments difficult. I therefore offer evening and weekend availability. Please note that sessions scheduled after 7:30pm and on Sundays may incur a small surcharge.

Whether online or in person, I aim to provide a steady, thoughtful and confidential therapeutic space.

I draw on imago and Gottman frameworks

In a first couples session, my intention is to create a space where both partners feel safe, heard, and respected. Beginning therapy together can feel exposing, and the first meeting is less about 鈥渇ixing鈥� and more about understanding.

Here is what you can expect:

 Creating Safety and Structure

I begin by outlining how I work and setting a clear framework for our sessions. This includes:

Confidentiality and boundaries

How sessions are structured

Ensuring both partners have equal space

Establishing respectful communication guidelines

The aim is to create emotional safety from the outset.

Hearing Both Perspectives

Each partner will have space to share:

What has brought you to therapy now

What feels difficult or stuck in the relationship

 What you hope might change

 Often, couples come feeling unheard; the first session models a different experience  one of slowing down and truly listening.

 Understanding the Pattern (Not the Blame)

Rather than focusing on who is 鈥渞ight鈥� or 鈥渨rong,鈥� we begin to explore:

 The cycle you may be caught in

 How conflict escalates

*What happens emotionally underneath the arguments?"

 Exploring Emotional Undercurrents

Often beneath frustration, criticism, withdrawal, or defensiveness are deeper emotions such as:

Fear of rejection

Longing for closeness

Feeling unimportant or unseen

The first session may begin gently uncovering these layers, but always at a pace that feels manageable.

Clarifying Goals

Before we end, we discuss:

 What a 鈥渂etter鈥� relationship would look like

 Whether you are seeking repair, clarity, or support in navigating a transition

Practical next steps

Some couples want reconnection. Others need help deciding what the future holds. Both are valid.

What the First Session Is Not

 It is not a courtroom.

 It is not about proving a point.

 It is not about forcing immediate solutions.

It is about creating a new way of being in the room together.