Ex Armed Forces, Psychotherapist based at Pioneer House Business Centre, Ellesmere Port, CH65 1AD.
I’m Janine and I am a qualified and experienced counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor and I work from my private counselling room at Pioneer House, Ellesmere Port. I offer one to one therapy sessions for clients and also Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for organisations that have experienced a critical incident and require support for staff.
Ex–Armed Forces
As a former member of the Armed Forces and a qualified therapist, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my counselling practice. I understand the unique challenges faced by service personnel, veterans, and their families, including the transition to civilian life, exposure to trauma, loss of identity, and the pressures associated with military culture.
I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a clear understanding of the importance of trust. I work with a range of difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and relationship challenges.
Drawing on an integrative approach, I tailor therapy to meet individual needs, incorporating evidence-based methods such as trauma-informed practice, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and person-centred principles. I aim to support clients in developing resilience, improving emotional wellbeing, and regaining a sense of control and direction in their lives.
I have a particular interest in supporting those adjusting to life after service, as well as individuals experiencing the longer-term effects of operational stress. I also recognise the impact that military life can have on families and relationships and offer support in these areas.
I hold an enhanced DBS check and I am an integrative therapist which means I use different modalities in my work with clients and these include Person Centred approach, Psychodynamic Theory, CBT, EMDR and Trauma. I am registered member of the BACP and an accredited member of the NCPS and I work in accordance with the BACP and NCPS ethical framework.
I work with adults and young people who are experiencing the following:
- Anxiety, Stress, Panic attacks
- Trauma
- Depression, lack of motivation, low self esteem,
- Suicidal Ideation
- Drug/alcohol addiction
- Work Related stress
- Family issues, bereavement, relationships difficulties, domestic abuse, narcissistic abuse
- Relationship counselling
I have extensive experience in working with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, confidence issues, trauma, suicidal ideation, child sexual exploitation/child criminal exploitation with young people.
I also specialise in working with survivors of narcissistic abuse after my own lived experience of this abuse through what I believe was a parent, a sibling and a previous ex-partner. I will work with you to support you in understanding narcissism, gaslighting and trauma bonding. Counselling will focus on you putting healthy boundaries in place so that you can take back control of your own life and working with you to build your self-esteem and confidence.
What therapy can help with
You may have experienced things in your life which have felt frightening or upsetting and may have been traumatic. These things may have happened in childhood or during your adult life and you may be struggling to manage due to memories or difficult feelings associated with these experiences.
Traumatic experiences can leave us feeling that we are over reacting and are to sensitive when dealing with others and this can really impact on our relationships.
Depression, anxiety, guilt, shame and low self esteem are common after a difficult event and therapy can help you work through your emotions in a safe space. Trauma therapy can support you to understand what you have experienced and how your emotions are valid. I will help you to recognise that flashbacks are a trigger connected to difficult past events and work with you to help you understand that although the brain is incredibly clever it does not know the difference between a memory of a threat or a real threat. Therapy can help you to recognise your triggers and find strategies to help you manage them.
Young People
I also work with young people around self esteem, anger, depression, anxiety, bullying issues and general wellbeing.
What happens in our sessions?
In our first session we will explore what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to change or gain. As an integrative therapist I will work with you to tailor your therapy to meet your needs, this will enable you to get the best out of the therapy sessions. Integrative therapy consists of using different approaches such as person centred, psychodynamic, CBT, solution focused and trauma therapy.
Different types of therapy
Person centred Are you looking for a space where you can talk openly and be truly heard?
Person-centred counselling offers a warm, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Rather than being told what to do, you are listened to with care, respect, and understanding. This approach is based on the belief that, with the right support, people have the capacity to grow, heal, and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Person-centred therapy can help with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, stress, life transitions, and many other challenges.
I offer a safe, confidential space where you can be yourself without judgment, either online or in person.
If you’d like to find out more or arrange an initial session, feel free to get in touch.
Psychodynamic theory looks at how the events in our childhood may have shaped our personality and have impacted on our behaviours as adults. Basically, our behaviour and how we feel as adults which may be affecting our lives or relationships may be rooted in our childhood experiences.
Maybe you have self-esteem issues or you are co-dependent and feel you always put other peoples needs before your own. Negative experiences in our early and adult life can have a huge impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. Our core beliefs are the rules we live our lives by and negative core beliefs can leave us feeling we aren’t good enough, and don’t deserve to be happy and don’t have any purpose in life. Therapy can help you to challenge these core beliefs and show you how they are not set in stone and can be changed at any time.
CBT Feeling stuck in negative thought patterns or caught in cycles of anxiety or low mood?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Together, we look at the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop realistic, manageable strategies to help you make positive changes.
CBT can be helpful for anxiety, depression, stress, panic, phobias, and confidence issues. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and focused on building skills you can use in everyday life.
I offer CBT-informed counselling in a safe, confidential space, either online or in person.
EMDR If you’re feeling stuck with difficult memories, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions, EMDR therapy may help.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they feel less intense and disruptive in everyday life. Many people find it helpful for trauma, anxiety, panic, phobias, and low self-esteem.
You don’t have to talk about every detail of your experiences for EMDR to be effective, and sessions move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
I offer EMDR-informed counselling in a supportive, confidential space, either online or in person.
If you’re curious about whether EMDR could help, feel free to get in touch for an initial conversation.
Relationship therapy
Are you and your partner feeling stuck in the same arguments or struggling to feel close and understood?
Relationship counselling offers a safe, neutral space where both of you can speak openly and be heard. Together, we can explore patterns of communication, rebuild trust, and work towards a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and perspectives.
Whether you’re facing ongoing conflict, life transitions, trust issues, or simply want to strengthen your connection, relationship counselling can help you move forward with greater clarity and compassion.
I offer supportive, confidential sessions for couples and partners, either online or in person.
Through therapy we will work together to explore your thoughts and feelings and what difficulties you are experiencing and I will support you to work towards any changes you wish to make using a mixture of therapeutic tools.
I work in an Integrative way with Person Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT being at the centre of my approach. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I work within their ethical standards and continue to work within their framework and code of ethics. I offer a warm, friendly safe space for you to explore your concerns. I have experience of working with narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, domestic abuse and relationship issues.
I offer daytime, evening and weekend face to face appointments in Hooton Ellesmere Port or online appointments via zoom.
Reviews
I was really nervous about seeing a counsellor until I met Janine-she is remarkable at what she does and truly helped me get my life back together when I didn’t think it was possible. Janine is reliable, professional and incredibly knowledgeable about mental health, but never comes across as being condescending or like your concerns are beneath her.
Janine helped me work through everything and come up with ways to move forward and I never once felt judged. You really feel like you have someone firmly on your side when you work with Janine.
FAQ
In our first session we will explore together why you are seeking counselling and what your aims are. Counselling for you may consist of setting future goals, exploring your past and difficulties you have had or it may a space for you to share your thoughts and feelings and validate your experiences and how they have made or continue to make you feel.
If goal setting is your aim a mixture of CBT and Solution Focused therapy can be used in the sessions, with you taking responsibility for setting your goals. CBT therapy includes us working in collaboration and agreeing a treatment plan so that you can get the most of out the therapy sessions.
If you prefer a safe space to share your feelings and work through them during our sessions then that is something we can do together. You as the client are the expert in your own life and therefore I will, as the therapist support you in understanding and validating your feelings.
A free 15 minute telephone or zoom consultation is offered so you can decide if I am the right fit for you as the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important things in therapy. Contact me today to book your free consultation.
Specialising in narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse, depression and anxiety..
I will work with you to help you move past the obstacles in your life that may be causing you difficulties. I will help you identify your personal values, strengths, and abilities and support you to reach your personal and professional goals. Contact me to see how I can help you develop skills to manage your difficulties and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for.
I offer a free 15 minute Zoom or telephone consultation so we can discuss if I am the right counsellor for you.
I work with clients in Europe via Zoom..
Contact me today to book your free 15 minute consultation.
Evening and weekend appointments are available.
£60 Psychodynamic, CBT and EMDR for 50 minutes
£70 couple therapy for 50 minutes