About Us

I'm Gemma and my core training is as a person-centred counsellor. Alongside more general client work in private practice, I also have experience of working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence for a local specialist charity. This has given me an understanding of the impact that trauma can have on people's lives and what can be helpful when working to address it.

I work in a way to help clients feel heard, validated and empowered in an accepting and non-judgemental space, whilst exploring together to offer insight.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Staffordshire University and PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy from University of Cumbria. I am also a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Hi, I’m Debbie and one of the things that often comes up when we first get enquiries is ‘I don’t know what to expect’. So, as a therapist, I feel it’s important that you know a bit about me and how a session might be.

I work in quite a psychodynamic way. In other words, I’m quite direct with my observations and will offer thoughts and insights in a very honest and open manner (but always with empathy and kindness). I often use theoretical explanations & analogies to help you understand why you might be struggling with things.

You can bring anything you want to a session & we’ll explore it together, with the aim being to discover how you actually feel about your situation. This understanding is a starting point to find helpful ways to manage difficult situations in the future. By adapting our behaviours and having effective boundaries in place, it’s possible to break unhealthy habits, recognise triggers and implement effective coping mechanisms.

If you think I might be the type of therapist you need, just click the email me button or fill in the contact form & one of us will get back to you to have a more in-depth chat about your needs.

I hold a BA (Hons in Counselling and Psychotherapy and am a member of the BACP

Email me

Hi, I’m Helena and I joined Open Minds in April 2025. I have worked in private practice for the previous two years whilst also working as a counsellor at Maundy Relief, a charity in Accrington.

I work in a way which helps you to explore the roots of your difficulties and how they may be impacting how you are feeling right now. This is often experienced by you, as feeling that you could be getting on better in your life, maybe something is holding you back and you can’t quite work out what. If this sounds like you get in touch with us here at Open Minds.

I have a Post Grad Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Cumbria. Throughout my working life I have worked closely with people either in health or education, having previously worked as a Physiotherapist. I completed my training, many years ago, on leaving school. I have also been employed as a teaching assistant in a local primary school for many years. I believe my various roles add to my skills as a counsellor and enable me to work with you.

Email me

Some of the issues we deal with:

Back to Home

Depression
Anxiety and Phobias
Relationship Difficulties - couples and families
Life Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Eating Issues
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Professional/Career Issues
Medical and Health Concerns
Stress Management
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Sexual Abuse / Domestic Violence
Spirituality
Gender Identity Support
LGBT Counseling
Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Other Issues