Durham counselling service expands specialist support range

Julie Twist Counselling, a counselling service for individuals and North East businesses run by namesake Julie, is eyeing growth plans as it expands into new areas of work.

Julie, who first qualified in 2008, launched her business in 2011 and is now expanding her service offering.

An industry crying out for greater availability of specialist knowledge, Julie’s expertise as a counsellor in the North East are somewhat of a rarity.

Julie said: “I’m very passionate about what I do, I’m probably one of the few people who can go to work and honestly say that I enjoy all aspects. Obviously I deal with very complex issues but I relish moving people forward with their lives.

“People appreciate that support is there, once they have made the decision to (engage in therapy and see a counsellor.”

Qualified to Masters Level in Counselling, Julie specialises in domestic abuse and her experience stretches from working in GP surgeries, charitable organisations and women’s refuges, to also covering the private sector, public sector and private practice.

Vastly experienced in offering support relating to anger, bullying, confidence and relationship issues, the business owner has now extended her knowledge-base to being able to tackle issues surrounding sex and porn - an addiction which is escalating as a result of internet access and where limited specialist support has existed within the region.

In its entirety, the consultancy supports people aged 18 and over who are simply confronted by the challenges and difficulties brought about by everyday life. Aiming to improve emotional well-being, sessions are tailored to individual circumstances - a bespoke approach adopted by Julie to deliver the best possible results for her clients.

“I place a great deal of emphasis on the relationship between client and counsellor, an approach I’ve honed from years of training and continue to add to with my own, continued professional development”, added Julie.

Following much growth in client base this year already, Julie is now preparing to enter busy season, where her services are held in high demand between September and February.

Julie explained: “As demand has grown considerably for what I do since I set up the business in 2011, I’d now like to add a bank of associate counsellors to the company and enable help to be provided to a growing number of people.”

However, Julie insists such hires would have to meet her own professionalism, in dealing with such complex mental issues. “It’s very dangerous if you don’t have the proper training”, reiterated Julie.

She added: “I now want to drive the business forward as I love what I do. By expanding my own knowledge base I’ve extended my own client base and gained more referrals. If the business can continue to grow then ultimately more lives can be changed for the better.”

This week is National Suicide Prevention week and Thusday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day, another area dealt with by Julie.

To find out more about Julie’s services visit her website here.