Guiding change, building confidence
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Linda Bignell - Therapeutic Counselling & Coaching
Integrative Psychodynamic Counsellor and Relational Therapist
The quality of our relationships with others often begins with the relationship we have with ourselves
A Warm Welcome
Many people contact a counsellor at a point when life feels difficult, overwhelming, or uncertain.
You may be struggling with anxiety, low confidence, relationship difficulties, loss, life changes, or simply feeling stuck in patterns that no longer seem to be working.
Seeking support can feel like a significant step and it is natural to want to know a little about the person you may be talking to before making contact.
My aim is to offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what is happening in your life.
Many people come to counselling feeling exhausted from carrying worries, responsibilities, relationship difficulties, or self-doubt for longer than they would like. As therapy progresses, clients often describe feeling more understood, more connected to themselves, more confident in their decisions, and better able to navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and self-compassion.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe that every person is unique and that there is no single approach that works for everyone.
My work is informed by psychodynamic and relational approaches, which means I am interested not only in the difficulties you may be experiencing today but also in understanding the experiences, relationships, and patterns that may have shaped them.
Sometimes difficulties such as anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems, or emotional overwhelm can make more sense when we understand the experiences that sit beneath them.
My approach is non-judgemental and insight-driven, helping you understand how past experiences may be impacting your life today – and more importantly, what you can do to move forward.
As an integrative psychodynamic therapist, what happens in counselling is to help you connect past experiences with present-day struggles – not to stay stuck in the past, but to understand how it influences your current relationships, emotions, and decisions.
Alongside counselling, I also draw upon coaching approaches where appropriate, helping clients not only gain understanding but also consider what meaningful change may look like moving forward.
Therapy is not about being told what to do. Instead, it is an opportunity to develop greater awareness, understanding, and choice.
Areas I Commonly Work With
I support people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:
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Self-esteem and confidence issues
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Life transitions and change
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Loss and bereavement
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I offer Walk and Talk Therapy
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Family difficulties
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Emotional overwhelm
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Trauma and difficult life experiences
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Recovering from Sexual Abuse
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Personal growth and self-development
I have a particular interest in helping people understand recurring emotional and relationship patterns and supporting them in developing healthier and more fulfilling ways of relating to themselves and others.
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What It’s Like to Work With Me
People often say they feel able to talk openly without being judged or feeling criticised. They say I am compassionate and relatable so they can trust me.
You won’t be told what to do or pushed into change before you’re ready. At the same time, I won’t just sit back and nod. I’ll help you notice patterns, challenge things where needed, and keep things moving in a way that feels useful.
The aim is for you to leave sessions with a clearer understanding of yourself, and a sense that things are starting to shift in a way that works for you.
What You Can Expect From Me
I aim to provide a therapeutic relationship that is:
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Warm
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Compassionate
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Respectful
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Honest
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Collaborative
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Non-judgemental
I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting and I work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you are seeking support for a specific issue or simply trying to understand yourself more fully, therapy can provide an opportunity to reflect, gain insight, and move forward in a way that feels meaningful.
Qualifications and Experience
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Foundation degree in Psychodynamic Counselling LEVEL 4 and 5. (Distinction)
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Mindfulness Life Coaching Accredited Diploma Level 4.
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
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Certificate in Counselling Skills L2
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Sutton Womens Centre
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Dad’s Unlimited- Approved Affiliate Counsellor
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Affiliate Psychotherapist for the London Ambulance Service
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Private Practice
Professional Memberships
In the UK, the titles counsellor and psychotherapist are not legally protected. This means it’s important to look at a therapist’s qualifications, training, and professional memberships before deciding who to work with.
One way to do this is by choosing a therapist who is registered with a professional body listed on the UK Government’s Professional Standards Authority Register.
This shows they have met recognised standards of training, experience, and ongoing professional development, giving you more confidence in the work you’re doing together.
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Next Step
If you’re considering therapy, the next step is usually a simple conversation to see if it feels like the right fit. If you want to read more check out the blog section. If you’re thinking about getting support, you don’t have to figure it all out first.
If you would like to find out more about how counselling may help, I offer a free initial conversation where we can discuss what has brought you to therapy and whether working together feels like the right fit.
You don’t need to commit to anything long-term. We can talk about what’s going on, what you’re looking for, and how I might be able to help.