Unity & Light Therapy
Counselling For anxiety/Depression/low self esteem/race & cultURAL ISSUES in Brighouse, West Yorkshire
"Helping you to find your Light"
Welcome to Unity and Light Therapy, and thank you for taking the time to visit my space.
"For there is light...If only we're brave enough to see it...If only we're brave enough to be it..." Amanda Gorman.
I'm here to provide somewhere safe and quiet for you to explore that inner noise and confusion you might be experiencing right now. It could be you're so tired that everything feels a bit overwhelming and you're feeling pretty stuck but reluctant to reach out.... sound familiar? If so, maybe I can help. Here's a little bit about me .... Read on and decide for yourself if you feel ready to take the next step.
About Me
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase"
Martin Luther King.
Hello there,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Maxine Parry - dedicated to the cause, people person by nature and really easy to engage with.
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which means I am fully qualified/verified, and working to a high professional and ethical standard. This involves undertaking regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to maintain current knowledge and professional ethics. I also attend regular mandatory clinical supervision. In addition to this, I hold a valid Enhanced DBS Certificate, professional insurance and registration with The Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
As a black woman, having encountered at times in my own life, experiences of exclusion - diversity, Inclusion and belonging in all areas, from all races, is extremely important to me. I can relate to how it feels to be different and I can understand the reluctance to step out of one's comfort zone....But I have also witnessed growth and empowerment within the therapy room, which can come from reaching out, should you be brave enough to take that first step.
My background has included working within both the fashion and wellbeing industries, where I have encountered varying personalities, behaviours, insecurities and exploitation which has given me invaluable insight to both struggle and demanding expectation firsthand.
Alongside this, I have worked voluntarily at a mental health charity, and for many years, a Listening Volunteer with Samaritans, which has offered me yet another sphere of the therapeutic world. Experiencing suicide ideation and self harm massively broadened my vision Alongside conversing with a diverse field of callers ranging from prisoners to individuals of all ages, cultures, socio-economic and privileged backgrounds. It taught me that simply- struggle can come to anyone. This was extremely rewarding and a very humbling experience for me.
Professional Qualifications
Counselling
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them" Maya Angelou.
Do you feel different? Find it hard to fit in ? Does imposter syndrome frequently knock at your door ? It's tough to feel on the outside looking in.... hoping for acceptance in an environment that constantly lets down. The fight can feel crippling and exhausting, and it's really hard for different other's to understand how lonely and sometimes angry this can be.
Maybe you find it difficult to even share those burdens within your own family ..Maybe you feel that within your community 'reaching out professionally' would be frowned upon ? Traditionally or generationally maybe this just isn't the way that things are done. Would there be shame ? Historically maybe it's just expected that we pick ourselves up and carry on regardless.... isn't that often how its done ?
As a Person Centred Counsellor, you will always be central within the room. Through building trust and respect, my aim will be to help explore you, on a deep and meaningful level. Maybe even find a version of yourself, you never even knew existed.
With me, Counselling is a journey where I will do my very best to walk alongside you, to help you process whatever stuff is going on. I can help you find the answers and clarity you may need. I'll follow your lead and support you to the best of my ability. However, there may be times when it all gets just a bit much, and you may feel the need to sit quietly away from all that internal noise and confusion ... so together, we can just sit and breathe...pause and reset. Counselling isn't a sprint, and taking it at YOUR pace will help you to find you again. Discovering Sense of self can be ongoing , yet the end result can be so powerful.
"When we are able to recognise our own light, we become empowered to use it"
Michelle Obama.
As a woman experiencing the turbulent phase of menopause, I too am navigating my own life transitions. Accepting a version of me which I had never known has been a challenge, but one I have learned to embrace and unite with. I am fiercely passionate around this transformative change which still shockingly carries a degree of stigma. So, to anyone out there who feels alone and somewhat unrecognisable in this or any situation that is challenging to one's own identity or being, please don't be afraid to reach out.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you"
Maya Angelou
Counselling Approach
Empathy and understanding will be the foundation of our therapeutic relationship in order for you to feel comfortable enough to share your innermost self. My language will be down to earth and easy to understand. No fancy terms. My intention is not to heal, but instead to help you to heal yourself. In a safe, confidential, accepting and non clinical space, we can work together to help you gently unpack that heavy load, and help you to find your Light.
Session Information
Initially I offer a free confidential 20 minute telephone consultation, which will just be a short informal, no obligation chat. This gives me a brief idea about what might be going on with you in the moment, and also to decide whether or not we will be a good fit in terms of working together.
All sessions are one to one, face to face in person and last 50 minutes. Both short and long term options are available to suit individual needs. To begin, weekly or fortnightly sessions are suggested, but again, this can be discussed accordingly.
I have had experience working with issues such as :-
Anxiety
Depression
Low Moods
Low Self Esteem/Self Confidence
Menopausal Issues
Bereavement/Loss
Work Stress
Self Harm
Suicide Ideation
Cultural Issues
Cultural Identity
Generational Trauma
Relationship Issues
Attachment Issues
"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom"
Aristotle.
My Location
I am based within the centre of Brighouse with very easy access from Huddersfield, Rastrick, Halifax, Bradford and other surrounding areas. Parking is available and ground floor positioning offers disabled access. The therapy rooms are safe, comfortable and private.
Fees & Availability
Each session is £50.00 for 50 minutes. My availability is flexible to suit both myself and client which can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial 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 +44 73876 68720 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.