Paula Pearce-North

I currently have availability Tuesday and Thursday, weekday evenings and Saturday morning. 

I work in a private practice in a comfortable air conditioned room close to Fosse Park, providing ideal bus links as well as links to the M1/M69.  Safety and comfort begins when you enter the secure car park.  Once parked and entered the building you will arrive in a welcoming reception.  My office is based on the first floor, and lift access is available if required.  Hot and cold refreshments, as well as toilet facilities are also available.

During our sessions we will work together to explore what's happening in your world, and I will work beside you to support you on your journey.  We will gently explore why you are feeling the way you do and I will support you to develop insights and understanding in a way that ensures you feel heard, understood and validated.   

I also work creatively if you find it helpful.   

During our initial telephone conversation you will be able to ask me any questions about how we might work together, to try to help with any initial anxieties you may be experiencing about beginning sessions.  

I can work flexibly to fit in with shift patterns, carer responsibilities, or child care commitments.

I have completed an MSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Warwick.  This was an integrative course which included psychodynamic, person-centred, attachment theories. My relational approach means we will work together to explore what you would like to achieve to live a fulfilled life.  

My past experiences include a lengthy career in midwifery, and I have a particular interest in women's issues, including pregnancy, pregnancy loss, infertility, and menopause. 

I have experience of working as a school counsellor for students age 11-16.

I also have experience working for charities which have supported women who have experienced sexual violence, domestic violence and childhood trauma.  

Further experience includes working with child bereavement, grief and loss  

I support women and men who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, and suicidal ideation, resulting in low self esteem, as well as relationship issues. I draw on psychodynamic, person-centred, trauma informed care to help you to make sense of your experiences and what's holding you back. 

Childhood, developmental relationships can shape our attachments patterns and how we see ourselves which can influence how we relate to others and cope with emotional stress.

During our sessions we will work at your pace, to gently uncover the layers of understanding that might have helped in the past, but you feel are now holding you back in life.   

During our first session, we can build on our telephone conversation, to further explore what you would like to achieve from our time together.  I understand that therapy can seem daunting at first, particularly when talking to someone you've only just met.  

First sessions offer a great opportunity for you to be able to perhaps be truly heard for the first time, in a non-judgemental safe environment.  You may not be used to hearing your voice, thoughts and opinions and that can feel both liberating and overwhelming.  

We can explore grounding techniques to keep you feeling safe during sessions.  How you would like the sessions to be structured to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible as you share your experiences.