Welcome

My name is Meriel Whale and I am a counsellor based in Lewes, UK

Choosing to have counselling is taking an important first step towards feeling better

I've been a person-centred and integrative counsellor since 2010, working almost entirely with childless not by choice  individuals and couples, with neurodivergent people and in the LGBTQIA+ community. As you will see from my blog posts, being childless, neurodivergent and queer is also a part of my journey. I affirm and support people of all genders and sexualities.

I’m also a celebrant, offering funerals, weddings and namings to all, including trans+ people wanting to affirm, share and celebrate their new names.

Counselling with me

My work is built upon the idea that everybody's experiences are unique and valuable and everyone has the ability to change and grow. Life experiences, particularly those that affect our sense of who we are and how valuable we are, can impact on this natural resilience. A counselling relationship can help push the reset button, giving you the support you need to move forward.

I will respond to you with compassion, listen to you with empathy and value you exactly as you are. Deep listening combined with kindness and with empathy will create a place of safety where you are encouraged to come as you are and find what you really need.

A place where you can be understood. A place where you can be yourself and get support for the person you are and for the life that you need. Total acceptance. Skilful understanding.

Working in collaboration with you until things feel just right.

I’ll create something unique and new for you that meets your needs and affirms your values and your worth, with a deep focus on all you’ve experienced. You’ll be fully seen by me as the important, valuable person or people that you are, good enough to be met with compassion, good enough to be celebrated. What we create together will bring about change and healing – a stepping forward into new life. I’ll be there for you wherever you are. Empathy, understanding and a loving regard for human beings at every stage of their lives is at the very heart of counselling.

No matter how strong your feelings are, I will be able to help you process them so that you can move forward with your life. I will stay with you on your journey for as long as you want me to, walking alongside you so that you feel less alone and lost. 

How does counselling work?

The relationship between the counsellor and the client is key and brings together empathy, realness and non-judgmental, constructive and active listening. 

Talking with a counsellor can help us understand events in our lives, identify and express our emotions and talk about things that distress us to the point that we're struggling to cope.

It can enable us to resolve difficult situations and feelings, make positive changes and move forward with renewed confidence, self belief and a sense of wellbeing.

I am LGBTQIA+/GSRD and neuro-diversity affirmative and have a special interest in working with clients who are queer/LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and childless. I affirm HAES (Health At Every Size).

I only work with clients in the UK or who are UK citizens living in Europe.

Counselling can help with many things, including:

• Anxiety, stress and worry, including about money

• Bereavement, grief and loss of any kind

• Childlessness, miscarriage and infertility

• Depression and feeling low

• Lack of purpose, meaning and contentment in life, feeling life isn't worth living

• Loneliness and isolation

• Life changes and transitions including retirement, divorce, redundancy and menopause

• Illness, disability or chronic health conditions

• Low self esteem, lacking confidence or self worth

• Relationships of all kinds - I work with relationships/couples as well as individuals

• Questions of identity

I am fully inclusive of all identities