WELCOME
At York Wellbeing Centre we offer a safe and non judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We are here to support you in your journey towards healing, however that may look. Lets navigate this path together.
Services
Therapeutic Support Tailored to You
At York Wellbeing Centre we provide therapeutic support for a variety of metal health concerns and psychological issues. We endeavour to reply within a 7-14 day period, and earlier if possible. Although we do not provide a crisis line, please see the below information arounds some of the types of mental health concerns and urgent support
Anxiety
Anxiety can be described as a feeling of uneasiness and its more common than many people think. It can cause feelings of fear, worry or nervousness and maybe intense or mild such as going to a job interview or an exam.
For some its manageable and only occurs in certain situations, however if symptoms are becoming more frequent, affecting their lives or activities - work school or socialising with friends - then it is likely time to seek help. For more information on anxiety and how to manage it visit the NHS or Mind who have insightful guidance.
If your anxiety is causing physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, muscle tension and difficulty sleeping and you maybe using coping mechanisms such as drink or drugs then its important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. Please contact us for further support.
Depression
Depression is a type of mental health issue that can drastically affect a person's emotions, activities and thoughts.
People who suffer from depression may find it challenging to do regular things like sleep, eat and just get out of bed. As a result they may have a long term lack of motivation, a pessimistic attitude and a sense of despair and worthlessness. In order for a person to be officially diagnosed with depression they must experience these intense symptoms for a minimum of two weeks.
Often a person could use alcohol or other substances to self medicate and ease these symptoms.
If you are feeling anything described above please know you are not alone, there are many resources available to you and you can refer into our service if you feel 1-1 counselling is something you'd like to try.
Self Harm
Harming oneself is a coping mechanism employed by some people when they are struggling to manage intense distressing emotions, memories and circumstances. It can look different from person to person but typically serves to express what cannot be said with words.This can help a person gain a sense of control or to bring about a feeling of connectedness after feeling disconnected or numb.
The methods used by an individual to self harm may vary but can include:
Cutting (making small cuts to the skin)
Pulling out hair (trichotillomania)
Interfering with wound healing
Hitting or punching oneself
Burning the skin with a hot object
Scratching a picking at the skin(BFRB)
Misusing drugs or alcohol
Interfering with eating habits (binge eating, purging or restricting food intake)
Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviour (eg driving recklessly, or unprotected sex)
Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviours (eg compulsive shopping or gambling)
If you or someone you know is self harming its important to seek help from a mental health professional and speak to family and friends.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a serious traumatic terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety. An individual will suffer with uncontrollable thoughts about the event and can cause significant problems in day to day life and relationships. Treatment typically involves specific psychotherapeutic interventions and medication.
If you appear to be struggling with symptoms from a traumatic experience:
Seek professional help from a counsellor to help manage your PTSD symptoms.
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, guided imagery and mindfulness.
Exercise regularly to reduce stress, improve mood and increase energy levels.
Avoid triggers - situations, people, places or events that could trigger your PTSD symptoms.
Connect with family, friends and other people who understand what you are going through.
Don't forget to eat
To find out more about any of the above areas, or other areas of your mental health that maybe of concern contact York Wellbeing.
Need to speak to someone urgently
Get to Know Us
York Wellbeing was the idea of Samanatha Hurrell, who has over 20 years of experience working with children, young people and adults and over her professional career has developed a wealth of knowledge in mental health, trauma, stress and psychological disorders.
Today Samantha predominantly works supporting individuals from front line services who have trauma related issues borne out of traumatic incidents including child abuse and suicides. She also works as a clinical supervisor offering clinical supervision to counsellors and trainee counsellors. In addition Samantha has extensive knowledge and experience in working with neurodiversity and is an autistic practioner, qualified to complete the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
Meet the Team
Our team of experienced therapists come from diverse professional backgrounds. Between us we have a wide range of lived life experiences. That along with our own unique way of working with clients means we are dedicated to providing personalised care. Helping you on your journey towards emotional well-being.
Samantha Hurrell
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Founder
I have had my practice for seven years and I am a qualified counsellor and clinical supervisor. I am a qualified ADOS administrator and have trained in assessing and the clinical diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
I have extensive experience of working with children and adults affected by depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, OCD. substance misuse, domestic abuse, childhood abuse, self harm, ADHD or are on the autistic spectrum. Trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders and sexual abuse.
I work with trauma client work, which are referred to me from the NHS.
I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) for both my counselling and clinical supervision work. This means I work within a code of ethics.
I hold a full DBS certificate and professional indemnity insurance
Training and Qualifications
CPCAB - Diploma in therapeutic counselling.
Certificate in clinical supervision
Certificate in ADOS - diagnosing
Certificate in working with trauma
Certificate in sexual abuse
Degree in inclusive education
Further advanced diplomas in ; working with depression, DBT, counselling children and adolescence, holistic play therapy, couples counselling, Gestalt therapy, inner child therapy, CBT training, anxiety, attatchment, mindful mental health and working with dissociative disorders in clinical practice.
Advance autism diploma
My Supervision Style/Approach The Cyclical Model by Page and Woskets - this approach is a way of being and incorporated in all aspects of my work with supervisees. This works in 3 ways: 1) I work with supervisees by supporting them in their client work, encouraging growth and confidence to work with clients in all areas of presenting issues. 2) Also ensuring their wellbeing is fully considered, open to blind spots and burnout, which is equally important. Offering a space for them to share any concerns that they may have with their client work or issues that might impact this. 3) Further CPD and shared knowledge informing their work and enriching their learning through techniques and guidance. The Cyclical Model of Supervision presents a frame work that is over arching and includes aims, process, function and methodology. This framework can be adapted to fit the modality and context of work presented. Although this model was developed for counsellors and psychotherapists, the model has been used with other professionals such as coaching. This model is integrative, which means it can incorporate other approaches, eg Hawkins and Shohets - Seven- Eyed Model. The cyclical Model has five main stages, 1) Contract 2) Focus 3) Space 4) Bridge 5) Review Each of these stages is subdivided into five steps. This covers: Working with supervisees where fitness to practice is a concern. Managing tensions between eagalitarianism. Working effectively with ethical challenges and conflicts in the supervisory relationship and process. Using ethical decision making models/frameworks. Enabling supervisees to work through and resolve, legal and professional challenges an conflicts. Supporting supervisees to work through a complaint. Supervisees confidentiality and its limitations. Challenges to confidentiality, such as third party information requests and managing disclosures. The managing of dual relationships and conflicts of interest. The potential impact of dual relationships on the supervisory relationship and/or the supervisees process, contractual agreement that may influence personal and professional boundaries. (eg, fees, frequency, duration of sessions, arrangements for emergency supervision, involvement of other stakeholders such as training or placement or providers. Employer arrangements for writing reports, references or other documents relating to the supervision). A supervisees self awareness in relation to own responses to the role of the supervisor and ethical legal and professional responsibilities involved. Fees - £60 per hour. Student discount of 10%
Emma Pallas
I have always been fascinated in what makes a person themselves, their unqiueness, and what makes them tick. How life experiences can influence who they are, what they do and how they form relationships with others.
What can you bring to therapy?
Answer:
Anything you wish!
Current Feelings and Challenges.
eg stress, day to day experiences , feeling stuck , coping mechanisms
Past and Personal History.
Childhood and family dynamics, trauma, previous therapy.
Relationships.
current or patterns you'd like to change.
Goals and personal growth
What can i offer you as a therapist?
The foundation of all my work is our relationship. Trust being the most part. Empathetic understanding and confidentiality are hugely important too. From my studies and personal experience of spending many hours in the client chair, I want to create a safe non judgemental therapeutic environment to explore whatever is on your mind.
I value the courage to be honest and open. Having been trained in person centred theory it means you and your needs are my focus. I can bring in different approaches depending on what your needs my be. You will always be in charge of your therapy because this is about you and who knows more about you than anyone else?!
I am a member of the BACP and have experience in neurodiversity, addiction issues, anxiety, depression all forms of abuse and life changes/transitions.
I am currently enjoying learning about trauma and its life long impact on an individual.
Nigel Turner
There are many reasons why people seek counselling. You may feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed by life events. You may have experienced a loss that you are struggling to cope with. You maybe feeling stuck in patterns you are finding difficult to change or at a crossroads and are feeling unsure about how to move forward. Having had counselling myself i understand how hard it can be to reach out for help and talk about painful or confusing feelings.
That is why as a person centred counsellor I offer a space that is trusting, non judgemental and safe. One where you can feel heard, understood and accepted. As your counsellor i will be committed to building a therapeutic relationship that is collaborative and where i get to know the real you. This is your space and my approach is flexible and we can bring in various approaches like mindfulness if this will help you. this is your space and the choice is yours. We will also work at the pace that suits you.
Before becoming a counsellor I was a mental health nurse for over 15 years. I worked in numerous settings and specilaised in addiction nursing for a number of years. It was my time in nursing, as well as my own experience of therapy during difficult periods in my life that motivated me to be a counsellor.
I have a diploma in therapeutic counselling and i'm a member of the BACP. I offer both face to face and online sessions - whichever suits you best. The number of sessions you have will be open ended, meaning that your therapy can go on as long as you feel you need it.
Ellie Baker
Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming, its tough to figure out who you'll truly connect with. So let me share a little bit about myself. Not just my credentials, but who i am, and how i show up in work so you get a good sense of whether we might be a good fit.
I'm a BACP registered therapist based in leeds, York and on line. I work as a person centred therapist, which means I tailor therapy to you and your needs. I work with a range of people including those facing a cancer diagnosis, neurodivergent clients and anyone seeking support through significant life transitions. I can also help if you are feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.
In our sessions we may talk about feelings, explore beliefs you have been carrying, or look at patterns that no longer feel helpful. Theres no quota you need to meet to start therapy. You don't need a 'right reason' to be here. If something is weighing on your mind therapy can be a space to breathe; its a genuine and honest conversation between two people to make sense of your experiences and what they mean to you.
I have a special interest in helping adults through difficult and traumatic childhoods and relationship experiences including:
* Parental separation and divorce.
*Abandonment and neglect
*Volatile and violent family enviroments.
*Emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Contact us
Address
York Wellbeing Centre,
First Floor
21 Front Street,
Acomb,
York
YO24 3BW
Opening Hours
10am - 8:00 pm
Time and days vary depending on your therapist