Keith Fernandes Counselling

I am a counsellor working in private practice in Leeds city centre. I work from a professional therapy room located a 10min walk from Leeds train station.

I can help with a range of difficulties however the ones that seems to be extremely common in society today are depression, stress and anxiety. Often these conditions are inextricably linked. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It affects people of all ages and can sometimes result in suicide.

Now you might think of depression as, “that problem that happens to other people and not me” but according to Mind, the leading charity dealing with mental health issues, 1 in 4 people experience some form of mental health problem every year.

So think about your workplace or your circle of friends. The likelihood is, you’re not alone in dealing with this problem. I have previously suffered from depression and can say from my experience how difficult it can be to manage without help. I couldn’t concentrate on anything. Sport, which I loved, seemed to lose its appeal. I simply felt lost and didn’t have any purpose.

These were just some of my symptoms but depression can affect us all differently. You might present with low mood; but at its worst depression can lead you to feeling suicidal. Maybe you can still function on a daily basis but it can also be a real struggle to just get out of bed in the morning. You might notice that you are gradually becoming more isolated or you’ve stopped enjoying the things that you used to find real pleasure in doing. There are a large number of symptoms but what we shouldn’t forget is how debilitating it can be.

So what can you do about it? Well the fact that you’re reading this means that you’re in the right place. The main treatment options for depression are usually some form of talking therapy, medication or a combination of the two. The talking therapy I offer is counselling and will provide you with the calm, grounded environment in which you can talk through the difficulties you are facing. My approach focuses on developing a strong working relationship in which you feel comfortable and confident to express your feelings without being judged.

Whilst I have all the necessary qualifications to help you, I believe having some experience of successfully dealing with depression is an advantage.

I’ve been through counselling myself and I understand how unsettling it may be to first admit you need help and then to ask for it. The first time you meet your counsellor and share your most personal difficulties can be hard. Just having to face past difficulties can feel like an impossible task. I understand this and for this reason I’ll help you achieve your goals at the pace right for you. This can start with just making that first contact.

All you need to do now is text/call me on 07935 566 085 for more information or If you prefer you can email me at keithfernandescounselling@gmail.com