Vanessa Shannon
Warm, Relational Counselling
A space to explore what you’ve been through, reconnect with yourself and feel more like you again.
Whether you’re carrying the impact of trauma, abuse or other difficult experiences, or feeling disconnected from yourself, counselling can provide a space to slow down, feel heard and begin to make sense of what you're experiencing.
I work with adults who may be experiencing anxiety, disconnection or overwhelm. I can support those carrying trauma, abuse or difficult experiences from the past.
My approach is integrative, working primarily from a person centred and psychodynamic perspective. I am trauma-informed and incorporate somatic work, exploring how our experiences are held in our body.
I offer a warm, grounded and compassionate space where we can gently explore your experiences together. At a pace that is guided by you, we can begin to make sense of what’s happened, reconnect with your inner strengths and discover what it feels like to truly belong to yourself.
I offer 50-minute online and face-to-face sessions in Central Reading, Henley, Streatley and Pewsey.
Fees: Starting from £65 per session
Helping you feel more like you again
“You were wonderful with me and gave me a lot of support and food for thought”
About Me
Vanessa Shannon
Alongside my professional training, I bring lived experience of navigating life’s challenges. While every person’s story is unique, my own experiences have deepened my appreciation of the courage it takes to ask for support and strengthened my belief in people’s capacity for healing and growth.
I have particular experience supporting adult survivors of sexual abuse, childhood trauma and bereavement. I bring lived experience of both trauma and loss, providing a deep appreciation of how these experiences can ripple through families, relationships and everyday life. Rather than making assumptions, these experiences have taught me to approach each person's story with curiosity, compassion and respect, recognising that there is no right way to grieve, heal or move forward.
I have had my own wandering path to here… through corporate world of advertising and marketing, parenthood and running a smallholding produce business.
While nature is my safe place where I rejuvenate and wonder at the world, I love to be immersed in the energy, diversity and vitality of citylife.
I don’t believe therapy is about changing who you are. I believe it’s about holding the space to allow you to understand yourself more deeply and reconnect with your strengths to foster self compassion and discovery to feel what it’s like to truly belong to yourself.
How I Can Help
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken to a counsellor before. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
If you’re wondering whether therapy is right for you, I offer a complimentary 15-minute initial conversation where we can talk about what has brought you here, answer any questions you may have, and explore whether we might be a good fit to work together.
You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Whether you’re coming to therapy for the first time or returning after previous counselling, we will work at a pace that feels right for you.
“Thank you for all your encouragement””
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma & the impact of abuse
Childhood trauma
Sexual abuse
Bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties
Self-esteem
Stress/overwhelm
Life transitions
Identity/self-discovery
Every journey starts with a single step. Reach out today for a complimentary 15-minute consultation and see if we can work together to help you feel like yourself again and gain a sense of belonging
be curious