Niah Counselling
Integrative Counselling in Reading and Online
Welcome to Niah Counselling
Hello, I am Donna, founder of Niah Counselling. I’m a qualified integrative counsellor and a registered member of The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I provide short- and long-term face to face counselling in central Reading and online.
Creating a safe space for self-discovery and transformation
Why Niah?
Have you ever felt like you're searching for something, but you're not quite sure what it is? Sometimes, when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts, knowing what it is you need to focus on to become unstuck can feel like you are searching for a needle in a haystack. This is where the concept of "Niah" comes from.
Counselling can help bring insight to what it is that’s causing you to feel uncertain, or dissatisfied. Together, we'll explore your experiences, thoughts, and emotions to find those insights. Making the unconscious conscious can be profoundly empowering. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing what it is at the core of your feeling stuck and finding pathways to growth and healing.
How Counselling Can Help You
Counselling provides a unique space to explore how you are feeling, without judgement or advice. However well-intentioned, friends and family will always bring their own opinions to your unique experiences and challenges. This is why speaking to a qualified counsellor, who will focus solely on how you experience the world, can be so valuable.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or feeling a bit lost, counselling can help you gain clarity, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. It's not about giving you all the answers, but instead helping you find your own way forward.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation and begin your journey of self-discovery and healing.
What issues can counselling help with?
I provide support to adult individuals across a wide range of issues. Here are just some of the more common difficulties that I have experience in working.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, if what you are experiencing is not listed, please contact me to see how we could work together.
Anger
Anxiety
Bullying
Burnout
Childhood Abuse
Conflict
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Family Issues
Grief and Bereavement
Health Issues
Identity
Jealousy
LGBTQ+
Loneliness
Low Self Confidence
Low Self-esteem
Menopause
Negative Thinking
Panic Attacks
Post-Traumatic Stress
Relationship Issues
Self-harm
Social Anxiety
Stress
Trauma
Workplace Issues
Trauma-Informed Counselling
We all carry our histories with us, and sometimes past experiences can cast long shadows. By taking a trauma-informed approach I recognise that you may have faced overwhelming or traumatic events that shape how you see the world.
Using this approach, I provide a safe, empathetic environment where you can explore these experiences at your own pace, to help you gain an awareness and understanding of how the past might be influencing your present.
From here we can work together to develop strategies to help you feel more grounded and in control. By acknowledging and validating your experiences, counselling can enable you to move forward with self-compassion.
For more information about Integrative Counselling in Reading and Online, please visit my Working Together page.
Sessions & Fees
I offer both online and in-person counselling sessions to suit your needs. Each session provides you with a safe, confidential space to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings.
Session Structure
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes. This allows for focused, meaningful work. Sessions are usually held weekly, but we can discuss frequency based on your individual needs.
Cancellation Policy
I require 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Payment
Payment is due 24 hours in advance of our scheduled session. If you have any questions about sessions, fees, or payment, please don't hesitate to ask during our initial consultation. I'm here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Get in touch
Taking the first step towards counseling can feel daunting, but it’s also a courageous move towards positive change. I appreciate you reaching out and look forward to the possibility of working with you.
If you have any questions about my services, availability, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to make your journey into counseling as smooth and comfortable as possible.
FAQs
There's no strict rule for when to seek counselling, but some signs it might be helpful include: feeling overwhelmed by your emotions or life circumstances; struggling with relationships or communication; experiencing significant changes or transitions in life; dealing with trauma or loss; finding it hard to cope with daily tasks or responsibilities; noticing patterns of behaviour you'd like to change; or feeling stuck or unsure about your direction in life. If you're questioning whether counselling might help, it's often worth exploring. Many people find benefit in having a safe space to discuss their thoughts and feelings, even if they're not in crisis.
Your first session is about us getting to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to counselling, your goals, and how we might work together. It's also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The duration varies for each individual. Some find benefit in short-term therapy (6-12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term (open-ended) support. We'll regularly review your progress and adjust as needed.
Yes, our sessions are confidential. The only exceptions are if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. I'll always discuss these limits with you in your first session, and you can ask me about this at any time.
Most clients attend weekly sessions, but we can adjust the frequency based on your needs and circumstances.
I ask for 48 hours' notice for cancellations.
Progress in therapy can look different for everyone. We'll regularly check in on how you're feeling. Often, clients notice gradual changes in their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, or improved relationships with others.