Welcome to
Gilly Overton
Counselling
Therapy is a journey. This journey leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves, our emotions and our relationships. Ultimately, this journey can empower us to lead more fulfilling, meaningful and authentic lives.
I am here to walk beside you on your journey.
Hello and Welcome. My name is Gilly Overton and I’m a counsellor providing short and long term therapy to young people and adults in the South Hams, Plymouth and online. Recognising that life can be complicated, I also offer a flexible approach which combines in-person and online meetings. Please feel free to speak to me about the best way for us to meet.
Counselling in a warm, comfortable and private setting
I OFFER YOU A KIND, SAFE AND NON-JUDGEMENTAL SPACE TO TALK.
How would you feel to have someone listen to you attentively and without judgement? Do you ever have the space and time in your life to simply reflect upon and explore your own unique needs and concerns? What would it feel like to know that there is a stable, dependable and protective other person who will help shine a light and guide you as you make sense of your life?
I firmly believe no one should ever feel alone when struggling with difficult feelings relating to their mental health and wellbeing. I know we all have busy lives that make it challenging to find opportunities to work through difficulties that are causing us pain and even sleepless nights. I offer a space that will give you the time to focus completely on yourself and what you need. Through attentive listening, warmth and curiosity, I can assist you to explore your troubles without judgement. As I am trauma-aware, I may stop you at times to check that you are ok as some topics may be difficult to talk about and confront. Within your own timeframe and level of comfort, we will work together to make sense of those difficulties.
I tailor my counselling style to meet your own unique needs and create a warm, caring and confidential space.
MY work with YOUNG PEOPLE (Ages 11 and upwards)
As a mother, teacher and coach, I have a special interest in working with young people. I understand how being an adolescent today can be stressful and overwhelming. Pressures from school, peers, social media and personal relationships, along with normal changes due to puberty, can feel insurmountable. I have ongoing specialist training with this age group, along with decades of working in education. I use a range of creative approaches to help young people, from art, music, storytelling, or sand tray work to help them feel more relaxed and express themselves. Currently, I work as a volunteer in a large community college as a school counsellor, and I regularly attend ongoing training in this field.
I hold a Post Qualifying Diploma in Working Therapeutically with Young People and I am passionate about providing support to young people who are struggling.
Learn more about my journey to becoming a counsellor by visiting my About Me section.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said.
People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou
My background
I trained as a counsellor/ psychotherapist after a career in education where I specialised in working with students with learning disabilities. I received my education degree later in life, after working in the diplomatic service where I travelled and lived overseas for many years (mostly in the USA). I have worked in a variety of different sectors, and find this life experience is invaluable when working in the field of counselling as I can truly connect with the experiences of my clients.
Further, I was drawn to counselling after my own experience with talk therapy which I sought out during a difficult period in my own life. I noticed that I felt markedly better when I shared my feelings and thoughts with a trained professional. As a result, I am a firm believer that you should never feel alone when you’re struggling with your mental health.
In the past, I have volunteered with many groups including the NSPCC, mentored young people and helped local environmental initiatives. Currently, I volunteer as a school counsellor at a local community college where I see young people from ages 11 to 18. In my spare time, I like to potter in my garden, listen to music, read and walk my rescue dog, Freddie.
Professional Membership
I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and work to their code of ethics.
For more information on the different areas I can help with as a counsellor please see my What Issues Can Counselling Help With page.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Stress
Trauma
Depression
Relationship problems
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger
Loneliness
Climate Change Anxiety
Sexuality
Post-traumatic stress
Grief, loss or bereavement
Work or retirement
Abuse
Family or school life
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
My location
I practice out of the Modbury Therapy Centre, a recently opened Holistic Hub in Modbury, Devon and work alongside other healers and practitioners dedicated to bringing wellbeing and good health to the community. It is centrally located with nearby parking and easy access along the A379.
Alternatively, I know what it's like and how difficult it can sometimes be to find the time or arrange transportation to get to appointments. Or you may simply wish to conduct a therapy session from the comfort of your own space. For this reason, I can arrange online therapy via zoom or another secure platform which can be adapted to accommodate your own commitments and responsibilities.
Contact me to find out more about how online therapy works.
Fees & availability
Therapy sessions for individuals are 50 minutes, taking place weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and cost £50 per session. I provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students. Contact me to enquire about availability. I offer a free initial no obligation 30 minute session, either in person or online, to determine whether my services are right for you. Evening appointments are available upon request.
My practice is inclusive, anti-discriminatory and welcoming to all.
Payment can be made via cash, cheque or BACS bank transfer.
Please contact me for details.
In case of emergency, please call 999 or the Samaritans 116123
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07784 699429 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 enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
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