A counsellor who has heard harrowing stories of what people have been through has opened her own dream practice in Swadlincote.

Claire Reeves Counselling and Psychotherapy has now opened its doors in Alexandra Road ready to help those struggling with everything from depression and anxiety to coming to terms with the effects of a trauma.

It has been started by Claire Reeves who has previously worked at Sarac, which helps people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted, as it was her dream to start her own practice supporting people in Burton, Swadlincote, Ashby and further afield.

She is trained to help her clients find the root cause of their problem by going back to childhood and finding a link between their current relationships and behaviour and what they experienced as a child.

An example of this is the cause of depression could be bullying as a child or their parents suffered with depression. It is then looking at ways to change this behaviour for a more positive outcome. She is also now training to be a life coach in a bid to be able to help empower people.

Claire Reeves opens counselling and psychotherapy in Swadlincote

The 34-year-old said: “It is people’s belief about themselves that is holding them back in life and it is looking at where that has come from and changing the belief to allow for more empowerment and health. It is about limiting that belief so they can go anywhere they want to go. It is not skills or talent that is holding them back, as if they do not have the confidence then they are not going to succeed.

“It was scary leaving Sarac but this has always been my focus and passion to have my own practice. I had valuable experience working at Sarac and I wouldn’t have done this if it was not for them and working with people with complex issues.

“Working at Sarac you are always learning constantly and I am not surprised by much as I have heard a lot working there. I am very grateful for all they have done and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

Mrs Reeves can help people with anxiety, depression, OCD, relationships, bereavements, work stress, trauma, abuse and other complex needs. She will also be introducing walk and talk therapy sessions where she arranges to meet the client at a time and place and they talk through their issues while walking and has been meeting people wanting couple’s counselling.

She said: “Walking and exercise is a natural mood lifter so being out among nature and having some exercise is going to be beneficial anyway. It may benefit those who are not so confident and a bit nervous as there is not the pressure that can be felt in the room.

“I have suffered with anxiety and depression all my life and I didn’t think that it could change. While I was doing my training I found that a lot of things are so simple but completely turned my life around and I want to share with others what I have learned.

The new Claire Reeves Counselling and Psychotherapy practice in Swadlincote

“Counselling is not just for the mentally ill, it can benefit every single person as it is about helping clients find meaning to life. It is not just about surviving but enjoying living.”

Mrs Reeves has been running the centre alongside her role at Sarac since April but has now gone out on her own completely as she continued to see demand for the services she offers.

She has designed the room to feel homely and be a comfortable environment, with clients feeling that at home that some take their shoes off or walk around the room.

Mrs Reeves offers a free 30 minute assessment where she meets her clients and gets to know them a little to see if they will benefit from the sessions. She offers one hour sessions after that for £40.

Anyone interested in finding out more can call Mrs Reeves on 073762 48557, email clairereevescounselling@gmx.com or visit www.clairereeves.org.uk or her Facebook page.