Colette Safhill

Flexible Hours

I understand that life can be busy, and finding time for therapy is not always easy. I offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekend sessions, to suit your schedule and make it easier to access support when you need it.

Individual and Couples Therapy – Trauma, EMDR, Relationships, Anxiety, Grief and Life Changes

I offer individual and couples therapy in a calm, supportive, and confidential space where you can talk openly about what is happening in your life. I provide trauma-informed counselling for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, and major life changes.

Many people seek therapy when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves or others. Therapy offers a safe and steady place to explore your experiences, understand patterns, and find new ways forward.

I am a Â鶹ԭ´´ Accredited Psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, specialising in trauma therapy, EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), relationship counselling, and emotional wellbeing. I work with individuals and couples who want to heal from past experiences, improve relationships, manage anxiety, and build resilience.

I commonly support clients with:

Trauma and complex trauma • EMDR therapy • Anxiety and stress • Relationship difficulties and couples therapy • Grief and loss • Childhood and family issues • Loneliness and emotional isolation • Life transitions and major life changes • Menopause and midlife challenges • Low mood • Confidence and self-esteem

My approach is relational, compassionate, and evidence-based. For couples, I draw on Imago Relationship Therapy and the Gottman Method to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and improve emotional connection. For individuals, I support you in understanding attachment patterns, processing trauma safely, and developing healthier coping strategies.

I offer both in-person therapy and online counselling, with flexible appointments available. Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and my aim is to provide a professional, respectful, and supportive place to start.

 Practice Location

My counselling practice is based in a private and beautiful building in the Marketplace, offering a calm, welcoming, and professional space for therapy.

The therapy room is comfortable, discreet, and used exclusively for my practice, providing consistency, privacy, and a safe environment where clients can feel at ease. The setting is quiet and confidential, supporting the reflective and therapeutic work we do together.

Parking is available in the square nearby, making the location convenient and easy to access.

First Session Individual – 90 Minutes (£85)

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it is natural to feel uncertain about what the first session will be like. This first meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what has brought you to therapy at this time.

There is no pressure to share everything straight away. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you.

In the first session, we will usually:

Talk about what has led you to seek therapy

Explore current difficulties, worries, or life changes

Discuss your hopes or goals for therapy

Look briefly at relevant background experiences, if appropriate

Answer questions you may have about the therapy process

Consider together what kind of support may be most helpful

If you are interested in EMDR therapy, the first session may include an explanation of how EMDR works and whether it feels like a suitable approach for you.

The first session is usually a gentle conversation. You are in control of what you share, and it is okay to take your time. Sessions are confidential within professional and legal guidelines, and there is no obligation to continue after the first meeting.

First Couples Session – 90 Minutes (£150)

In the first couples session, my aim is to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for both partners. Beginning therapy together can feel exposing, so this session focuses on understanding rather than fixing.

Each partner has the opportunity to share what has brought you to therapy, explore hopes for change, and be heard in a balanced and structured environment.

We begin to explore relationship patterns, communication difficulties, and the emotional needs that sit beneath conflict, while establishing clear goals for ongoing work.

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 £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 £60