Look After Yourself 

What my clients say......

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Mid 20's Military Male

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‘Seeing Ange was my first experience getting help through counselling and I feel incredibly lucky to have found her straight away. She turned something that was a pretty daunting step, that I’d put off doing for a number of years, into something I looked forward to.

She gained my trust quickly with her understanding and absence of judgment and it felt from the first session like I was speaking somebody compassionate who was truly cut out to help other people.

Ange is an amazing teacher and, from the start, reiterated that her job was to help me develop my tools for dealing with tough times/ situations/ thoughts/ emotions to the point that I didn’t need her anymore. She helped me understand that changing the way you think is a process which isn’t about being perfect and feeling amazing all of the time, but forgiving yourself for imperfections and the ability to accept and handle difficult moments and feelings.

The clarity of mind, the lack of self judgement, the ability to forgive myself, the courage to truly be myself, the way that I talk to myself, along with the understanding of where these things stem from and how to cultivate them have truly changed the way I see life and I really can’t thank her enough.’

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Mid 20's Female Online Client

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‘I had been needing and wanting a therapist for more than 5 years, and was consistently trying and failing to find one that could tell me anything I didn’t already know about myself. I was completely losing hope until Ange was recommended to me. I went from the lowest of lows to feeling more myself than I have for years in just a matter of weeks. I don’t know where I would be or what I would have done without her.

She has this incredible ability to make you feel understood and heard when you can’t even speak or explain yourself. Her intelligence allows her to summarise what you are trying to get across in such a way that is so easy to understand. She challenged me and helped me understand myself far better than I could have ever imagined. She strengthened all of my relationships. She changed my outlook on the world, towards the people around me, and towards myself. She taught me how to be kind to myself and to give myself a break. She helped me to accept aspects of my life that I have been in denial about for years and years, and for that I can only thank her. It’s like a monumental weight has been lifted. It sounds cliche but it’s true.

She felt more like a friend than a therapist, and that’s what felt like the most important part. Being someone who finds it incredibly hard to trust and to open up, I felt so comfortable with Ange and I never thought I would achieve this with a therapist. I never thought I would find one that cares the way Ange does - she cares so much, and that goes a seriously long way. A warm hearted, caring, genuine good person doing her bit for society. Thank god for you Ange - you’re a superstar. Xxx’

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Mid 50's Female

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The following client attended weekly sessions for just 7 weeks ending in Summer 2022 with a review booked for October 2021.  This wonderful lady in her 50's made such a huge change over a short period of time just by being brave enough to sit in a safe space, and take a good look in what is quite a complex mirror for one who has been through so much. Truly an inspiration and privilege to have worked with.

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I lost my brother to Covid in June 2020. I struggled with his death and the circumstances surrounding it.

For the next 2 years I became a very angry person but didn't link the 2 together.

Eventually my husband of 35 years, and daughters (who had felt the brunt), convinced me to see a counsellor before I imploded. The relationship with my husband and daughters was always great but I could see cracks like earthquakes.

After quite a traumatic childhood and knowing that I had abandonment issues I had sought the help of counsellors before. I don't think that I benefited and thought that this was not the route for me. I accepted my childhood but didn't really understand how it underpinned my thoughts and behaviours today.

Then I met Angela!!!!!!

Within the first 5 minutes I knew that this was the woman for me.

During our first meeting, in which I cried buckets, I realised that losing my brother had taken me back to my childhood and the anger came from being abandoned into the care system.

Angela not only listened, she challenged my thoughts. I wasn't the only one grieving, my daughters also lost their beloved uncle, they needed the mum that was there for them and they could talk to, not the angry person I had become. They knew that this all came from my childhood issues but they were powerless to help me. They didn't have the tools to help me. I had lost perspective, it was all about me.

Each week I looked forward to meeting up with Angela even though for the first 3 weeks I cried the whole time.

After 4 weeks I knew that I was starting to feel happy again. I continued for 3 more weeks, as I was also learning to calmly challenge myself and my initial angry thoughts. I now have the tools that I wish I had 30+ years ago.

After 7 weeks we have called time on our sessions with the proviso that I can book in from time to time, as I feel that it will be beneficial for some time yet.

I would unreservedly recommend Angela Westbrook to anybody needing support.

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Mid 50's Female

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The following client attended weekly sessions for just over a one year period ending in late 2021. It wasn't easy for this mature, driven, intelligent and high flying career person to make contact and arrange the first session.  It's been a privilege to help facilitate a better understanding of general life, relationships and 'self' for this person - I am so glad they gave their therapy journey such attention and consideration - it seems to have been life changing.

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'I’ve been lucky enough to work with Ange for just over a year.  I knew things weren’t right, so I made the call and booked in.

 

Ange carefully listened to everything I talked about.  With such care, she has helped me to explore and understand more about myself.  Each session was meaningful and positive.  Ange is so very competent, personable and professional.  She has great empathy; her skill helped me find a way through to a happier and more content place.  We explored things in my own time and, with her support and skill, I now live a more peaceful and content life.  I have a much better understanding of me, it’s that simple, but has made a big difference. 

 

 I understand my relationships with people more; my self esteem and confidence are back where they should be and I no longer have those anxious feelings that can eat away. 

 

It wasn’t easy to ring Ange to ask if I could book some time with her for therapy.  Picking up the phone and asking for some help doesn’t come easily to me.  I’m a strong person, I enjoy a busy and challenging career and I have a positive outlook on life; but something wasn’t right.  

 

I am so happy that I did call, I’ve never looked back.  Working with Ange has been a life changing experience and I’m very grateful to have found someone like her who was able to help.'

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Mid 60's Female Home Visits client

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This lady admits to having had a very difficult life, she wrote the following words in a card and presented it with some flowers at our 'ending'.......

‘Thanks is such a small word but there’s a whole world of appreciation in it’. My heart was once again full with gratitude. Not just for her kind thoughts and thanks, but for the humble joy of being another perfectly imperfect human being in the privileged position of being able to re-assure others that’s it ok to be just that.

The following is a testimonial she kindly also sent:

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‘I have had a lot of counselling throughout my life for various things. I can honestly say that the only time I truly felt understood was during my sessions with Ange.

Here I met a lady who not only listens but does so in a way that made me feel she understood the pains I have suffered helping me to see that they were through no fault of my own. A lady who treated with me respect.

I only wish I could have met Ange so much earlier. I would certainly recommend this lovely, friendly lady who knows what her job is about.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.’

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This wonderful client also shared with me the following beautiful poem that I am now teaching my 6 year old….

‘I’m going to be happy today,

I’m going to be happy today,

Even if the clouds are grey,

No matter what comes my way’

I am going to be happy today’!

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