Estelle Widger

I’m available for sessions on Mondays to Thursdays.

You can see me face-to-face in a ground-floor counselling room from 9 am to 6 pm, or online/telephone sessions can be arranged until 8 pm.

Hello there. Life doesn’t always make sense, and sometimes challenges can feel hard to manage. You may be dealing with loss or difficult experiences, struggling with confidence or self-esteem, or feeling uncertain about where to turn — especially if you often feel out of step with others.

I offer a space where you can talk openly and feel heard. You set the focus and pace of the sessions while I listen carefully and support you as you explore your thoughts and feelings, including the ways your experiences or thinking style might shape how you relate to situations.

Before training as a counsellor, I worked in administrative roles in colleges and universities, supporting both people and systems, and later as an adviser in the charity sector. I also volunteered in roles that involved listening to people in very difficult moments and offering emotional support. These experiences have given me an understanding of the pressures people face and of how important it can be to be met with empathy and respect. My practice is also informed by lived experience of neurodivergence.

My style is conversational, and when it feels useful I am open to different ways of working that suit you. Many people find this approach helpful if they think deeply about their experiences or are looking for greater insight into themselves or their relationships.

I offer sessions in person, by telephone, or online. If you’d like to know more or arrange an initial meeting, you’re welcome to get in touch.

I see counselling as a collaborative process where we work together to explore what’s happening for you. My work is primarily person-centred, meaning you remain in control of what we focus on and how we approach it. You’re free to talk about whatever feels important, at your own pace.

As we talk, we may notice patterns in your thoughts, feelings, or relationships and explore what feels meaningful or relevant to you. This can help you notice patterns and gain perspective, opening ways to respond to situations differently. 

When it feels useful, I may draw on ideas from other approaches — for example considering how earlier experiences influence current responses, or gently exploring different ways of relating to situations or feelings.

My role is not to direct or judge, but to listen carefully and support you as you make sense of your experiences in your own way. Each person’s circumstances are different, so the work develops in a way that respects your individuality and what feels most helpful for you.

The first session offers a chance for us to meet and see how it feels to work together. We’ll talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you might like to explore, and you can get a sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable with me as your counsellor.

I’ll explain how sessions work, answer any questions you may have about confidentiality, and go over any practical arrangements. There’s no need to prepare anything in advance — we simply begin with whatever feels most relevant for you.

It’s common to feel unsure about what to expect at first, and there’s no pressure to have everything worked out. The first session is simply an opportunity to start the conversation and see whether working together feels right for you.