07967639159
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Paula Sharland Counselling
I’m an experienced Counselling Professional who can help shape your perspective into a healthy and productive one. Whether it’s your career, your relationships, or anything else that’s important to you, I’ll help you develop the habits and skills to effectively deal with the challenges and emotional moments you may encounter in life.
My Story
I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor MBACP ( Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). My practice is based in central Exeter although I also work remotely with clients throughout the UK and internationally via MS Teams.
I work with clients facilitating their self-growth and self -understanding. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my services aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation. I also explore techniques, tools and strategies to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life.
My background is varied I have worked with learning difficulties, brain injuries & Alzheimers and dementia before working within the NHS where I have worked within crisis houses and complex mental health services undertaking further training and development before deciding to dedicate my attention full time to my private practice leaving the NHS at the end of 2021.
I work with people of all ages and backgrounds and have considerable experience of working with university students and this is an age group I really enjoy working with.
Neurodiversity is an area of interest to me as well as having a personal connection as a neurodivergent counsellor and mum to neurodivergent children I have also undertaken up to date progressive training from neurodivergent practitioners in this area and really welcome enquiries from neurodivergent clients.
Being diagnosed later in life with ADHD was one of the most validating and transformational moments for me and helped to change the internal narrative of my life up to that point. I am proudly neurodivergent and love the work that I do supporting others along their journey no matter what Neuortype you identify with.
I love the diversity of the client base that I work with and having worked at the Margaret Jackson Centre for my training placement whilst at University I really appreciate the need for affordable and accessible counselling for all and I keep a limited number of concessionary rate sessions in order to still be accessible to all regardless of financial status. I have an enhanced DBS certificate
My Approach to Counselling
Supporting Your Success
One of the main things that I love about my counselling work is the unique opportunity it gives me to be alongside and encourage you in the good times and bad times. I strongly believe that life should not be a lonely journey and I value the relationship element of counselling above all else. We can all at times be surrounded by others but feel completely alone in our thoughts or our troubles, not wanting to burden those we love. Through my work I have the privilege to travel alongside people as they bravely face their issues, creating with them moments of sanctuary in which they can gain perspective and find their way.
As an integrative counsellor, I can draw on many different modalities to tailor the sessions to the needs of each individual that I work with. We are, after all, all unique beings! I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore whatever is causing you difficulties in a warm, gentle and supportive way.
However huge the mountain may seem to climb knowing that you don't have to climb it alone can often make it seem more manageable. If you are at a point where you are contemplating counselling then I welcome you to call or email me to discuss further. Counsellors like clients are all unique and it's important to find the one that's right for you.
Get the Most out of Life
Testimonials
I was advised to see a counsellor by my doctor after being on antidepressants for nearly 2 years.While I was on a waiting list I felt very anxious about it, I wasn’t sure I had done the right thing. I wasn’t sure how I would be able to talk to someone who I didn’t know especially when I didn’t feel comfortable talking to my family/friends about my feelings/depression.I remember sitting in the waiting room with a big knot in my stomach, hands sweating, shoulders up(I nearly walked out) but as soon as I met Paula I felt at ease it was like I had known her all my life, she was friendly, compassionate & made me completely comfortable. Paula made me see that it was ok to feel the way I did, it was normal for what I had been through & I didn’t need to feel the huge amount of guilt that I did. She never gave up on me, she didn’t push me into talking about the problems I had. She gave me so much support and has changed the way I see things. In fact I was gutted when our sessions came to end. I cannot thank her enough for all her help in lifting the black cloud that was pushing down on my shoulders. She truly is the kindest & loveliest person I have met Thank you xx
'My experience with Paula has been overwhelmingly positive and I encourage everyone who is considering therapy to get in contact. Across the year and a half that we had regular sessions, I have been able to discuss a range of topics within my sessions, including body image, self-confidence, relationships, sexuality and gender, and neurodiversity. During these sessions, I felt incredibly supported, listened to, and respected. The relationship I formed with Paula over this time was built on trust and genuine care, two factors that helped me gain so much from this experience. Having recently finished my time with Paula, I feel confident in my ability to carry on with the work we started together and am very grateful for the journey we shared.'
“Happiness, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour”
Walt Whitman
