Clergy families counselling service

Urgent help

If you are in urgent need of mental health support, please reach out immediately:

  • 999 – for emergency services
  • 0330 094 5717 – Samaritans (for anyone who needs someone to talk to)
  • 0800 1111 – Childline (for young people under 19)
    You do not have to face a crisis alone.

What you can expect

The counselling scheme is coordinated via email:
diocesancounsellingscheme@glosdioc.org.uk

You will receive an initial response within two working days of your email. Jessie will then arrange a conversation to explore your needs in more detail, and we will aim to match you with a counsellor within 1–2 weeks of that conversation.

Reaching out to others can feel difficult when you’re struggling, even though needing support is a completely normal part of being human. Our counselling service offers a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings openly.

Whether you’re facing one particular challenge or simply need somewhere to express your wider feelings, we’re here to help. We know how important it is to find a counsellor who feels like the right fit and we’ll support you in feeling comfortable, heard and empowered as you take this step.

A professional and confidential counselling service is available for clergy ministering in the Diocese of Gloucester and the family members who live with them. Diocesan clergy and ordinands and their spouses/partners and children living at home can refer themselves for counselling by contacting Scheme Coordinator Jessie via email:

diocesancounsellingscheme@glosdioc.org.uk

Our network of professional counsellors has a range of specialisms and can provide short term help in person, or online, for people experiencing anxiety, overload, burnout, bereavements, low mood, relationship problems, or other similar issues.

Some of our counsellors are Christians, and while their professional approach remains the same for everyone, we recognise that for some people it can feel especially supportive to speak with someone who shares their faith. If you would prefer to be matched with a counsellor who holds a Christian faith, please do let us know.

 

Scheme Coordinator:

Jessie

Jessie

Jessie is the Clinical Coordinator for the Diocesan Counselling Scheme. She is a person-centred, integrative and relational counsellor and supervisor, with a background working for the church in administrative and support capacities. She also has ten years’ experience in clinical roles within counselling services across Bristol and Gloucestershire and is additionally trained in Spiritual Accompaniment and as an ADHD Coach.

With extensive experience supporting people with a range of presenting challenges and struggles, she is passionate about translating this into being a safe and holding point of contact for those of you who wish to engage with counselling through the Diocesan Scheme.

Alongside her role here, Jessie works for two local counselling charities as well as in private practice where she predominantly focusses on supporting neurodivergent clients – particularly ADHD/AuDHD individuals – and those navigating neurodiverse relationships.

Meet our counsellors:

Zoe

Zoe Sheehan

I am a qualified MBACP counsellor offering a warm, compassionate space where you can pause and explore what is happening in your life. My approach is person-centred and integrative, meaning I work alongside you with care and respect, trusting in your capacity for growth and understanding.

I support clients experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, bereavement or the loss of something less tangible. You may come with something specific, or simply a sense that things do not feel as they should. I work in a trauma-informed way, recognising how past experiences can shape the present. I also hold sensitivity to spiritual beliefs and questions of meaning, should these be important to you. Where appropriate, I may incorporate creative materials to support expression beyond words.

I offer in-person sessions in central Cheltenham and online sessions across the UK.

Geoff

Geoff Holmes

I’m an experienced counsellor, having worked in counselling and mental health for about 30 years. I work integratively using a range of counselling approaches as appropriate, taking into account what feels most suitable for each individual. I work with a person-centred underpinning; respect and trust for my clients sits at the heart of my counselling practice.

I have significant experience working short-term supporting clients, where possible, to achieve specific goals in an agreed time frame. I’m also aware that not all issues brought to counselling are as clear as working towards a solution or goal and can equally offer a safe space for individuals to express themselves where they are, and experience the relief of sharing their true feelings with another.

As a person of faith, I recognise how integral faith and spirituality are to what makes us tick and acknowledge that, while faith can often bring consolation and hope, it can also sometimes add another layer of complexity and expectation to how we cope with life and how we relate to others.

Natasha Dancy

Natasha Dancy

Hi, my name is Natasha, and I’m an accredited counsellor working with adults and young people in Gloucestershire.

I’ve lived in the UK since 2011 and have extensive experience working with those serving in mission and ministry, as well as supporting secondary students for over 8 years. As a missionary kid and now the spouse of a minister, I understand the blessings and challenges that come with this unique life choice. I enjoy walks in the countryside with family, friends and my golden retriever Zoe, weather permitting. I also love cooking Mexican food and enjoy a good read whenever I get a chance.

Rebekka

Rebekka Kirk

I’m Rebekka, a dedicated, integrative counsellor, working with adults, children, young people, couples and families. I have extensive experience supporting clients with a wide range of difficulties, such as trauma, abuse (historic and recent), anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, neurodiversity, loss and bereavement, spirituality, faith and church life among others. In addition to my private practice, I have years of experience working in schools and for counselling charities, such as Listening Post and Let’s Talk Well.

I work from my private office in Gloucester, offering face-to-face or remote counselling (Zoom or telephone). I respect the uniqueness and infinite value of every client and tailor the therapy to their individual needs. I am passionate about helping my clients find inner resources to manage and work through difficulties, challenges and distress, finding healing, self-compassion and hope. As a committed Christian, I am experienced and comfortable working with clients of any faith or none.

 

Richard Atkinson

Richard Atkinson

Since 2012 I have worked as a counsellor with adults, young people and couples.

I have worked with many people affected by issues such as: addiction, abuse, anger, anxiety, depression, family breakdown, grief, infertility, infidelity, lack of feeling, OCD, self-esteem, trauma and relationship problems.

As well as private practice, I have provided counselling in: a secondary school, a residential recovery setting, a community voluntary organisation, an Employee Assistance Program and worked as a counsellor with Gloucestershire County Council Occupational Health. I have also run health and wellbeing workshops and provided reflective supervision with for schools and organisations.

My consulting room is in Nailsworth where I aim to provide a confidential, supportive and caring space for exploring thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

Hannah Riches

Hannah Riches

I’m a woman-centred counsellor based in Gloucester, offering compassionate in-person and online therapy for clients aged 13 and over. With over 15 years’ experience as a midwife, I bring a unique perspective to my work, particularly around women’s health, wellbeing, trauma and the many transitions we journey through in life.

I work in a client-centred way, tailoring support to you as an individual and creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you can set the pace of our work together. I also have experience supporting survivors of spiritual harm, those navigating faith deconstruction, supporting people in demanding roles including clergy, and neurodivergent clients. I am inclusive and affirming of diverse gender identities and welcome anyone seeking support to navigate life’s challenges with empathy, empowerment and care.