Bilingual English & Portuguese Counselling UK
A space to feel heard, understood and free to be yourself.
Do you sometime feel caught between cultures, disconnected from yourself, or unsure where you truly belong?
Perhaps you've spend years adapting to what other people expect of you, while quietly wondering what you actually want?
Online Counselling across the UK
In-person counselling in Newbury & Thatcham
BOOK YOUR FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION
Counsellor in Newbury, and Surrounding Areas
Hello, I'm Paula
I am a person-centred counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), offering a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel genuinely heard.
I believe that you are the expert in your own experience. My role isn't to tell you what you should do, but to walk alongside you as you explore what feels difficult or unclear.
As a bilingual English and Portuguese counsellor I am particularly interested in the experiences of people navigating identity, belonging, cultural differences and life transitions. You can speak in whichever language feels most natural to you, or move between both.
I believe counselling should give you permission to slow down, reflect and reconnect with yourself - without having to pretend that everything is ok.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Bilingual Counselling Sessions
Sometimes the language that we speak can change how we express what we feel.
There may be experiences, memories or emotions that are easier to express in Portuguese. At other times, English may feel more natural.
You don't have to choose.
In our sessions, you can speak In English, Portuguese, or move naturally between both.
For Portuguese-speaking adults living in the UK, counselling can also provide a space to explore the experience of living between cultures - including identity, belonging, family expectations, relationships and the challenges of building a life away from where you grew up.
You are welcome to bring your whole experience into the room.
Cultural Identity & Belonging
WHEN YOU DON'T QUITE FEEL THAT YOU BELONG ANYWHERE......
Living between cultures can sometimes be complicated.
You may feel different from the people around you while also feeling that you've changed from the person you once were.
You may feel pressure from family, expectations from your culture, or uncertainly about where you fit.
Sometime belonging isn't about choosing one identity over another. It can be about understanding and accepting all the different parts of yourself.
Counselling can give you a space to explore these experiences without judgement.
You don't have to choose between different parts of who you are.
How can I help and what can we explore together:
You might look like you're coping, while inside you're exhausted.
You may have spent years putting everyone else's needs first.
You may feel disconnected from the person you used to be.
You may feel caught between the culture you grew up with and the life you've built here.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I work with adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:
. Anxiety & overwhelm
.Low mood
. Self-esteem & self-confidence
. Relationships
. Life transitions
. Identity & Belonging
You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong. Sometimes knowing that something doesn't feel right is enough to start a conversation.
Counselling in Newbury, Thatcham & Surrounding Areas
I work from private, comfortable room in a quiet location serving Newbury, Thatcham and the surrounding areas. Full address details will be provided once we arrange your session, ensuring discretion and ease of access.
As well as in-person counselling, I also offer telephone and online sessions for clients across West Berkshire and beyond. Online therapy is available via secure video platforms, providing flexible support wherever you are. Please get in touch to find out more about how online sessions work.
Counselling Sessions & Fees
Sessions are charged at £60 for a 50-minute session.
I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and see if we feel like a good fit before committing to ongoing sessions.
A limited number of reduced-fee spaces are available for students and those on a low income. Please feel free to enquire about availability.
Cancellations: If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at the full session fee.
Payments for late cancellations or missed sessions are required via bank transfer.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07386358581 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.