Committed to supporting and empowering you in your journey towards greater health and well-being

Hi, I’m Frances and I’m so glad you are here

I know it takes a huge amount of courage to reach out to a therapist, especially when you are going through a hard time.

Grief counselling in Plymouth

Grief can be a complex and deeply personal experience, and reaching out for help can provide support and guidance as you navigate this difficult time.

Grief support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by grief, you don’t have to suffer in silence.  Grief counselling can provide the support and guidance you need to regain control of your mental health and find balance in your life.

What I offer

I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to talk about what’s happened, process your thoughts and feelings, and find healthy ways to help yourself through grief.  I understand that everyone’s grief is unique and tailor therapy sessions to suit your individual needs and circumstances.

Frances Rayner, qualified grief counsellor in Plymouth

How my passion for grief counselling developed

My own experiences and the specific clients I enjoy working with led me to specialise in grief counselling.  I know how painful and difficult it can be to adjust to a new way life after a loved one has died.  I also recognise the unique challenges that come with losing a baby, child, partner, spouse, sibling, parent, family member, friend or relative.  Read about me and my therapies practice.

My commitment to you

Throughout the duration of our work together I will:

  • Really listen to you, focusing on you and your needs.
  • Encourage you to express your thoughts and emotions so that you can understand your situation better.
  • Help and support you to explore and work on the problems and emotional difficulties you are facing, without judging you.
  • Use the therapeutic relationship to facilitate self-knowledge, emotional acceptance, and personal growth.
  • Be a trusted companion to you in your journey of self-exploration and self-discovery.
  • Facilitate therapy in ways that respect your values, personal resources, and capacity for self-determination.
  • Hold regular reviews to ensure that the counselling sessions are meeting your needs and that you are getting the best out of therapy.

NCPS membership logo Frances Rayner

bridge over river

The first step towards healing

Taking the first step toward healing with grief counselling can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important and brave move.

Acknowledge your need for help

It’s OK to admit that you’re struggling with your grief. Sometimes, acknowledging that you need support is the hardest part.  It’s normal to feel sadness, confusion, anger, or even numbness during grief, and seeking counselling can help you process these emotions in a healthy way.

Prepare for the journey

Healing from grief doesn’t happen overnight. It can be a long process, with ups and downs.  Counselling can help you navigate through the emotions and stages of grief, providing a safe space to express yourself without judgement.

Be patient with yourself

Everyone grieves differently, and it’s important to be kind and patient with yourself during this time. Grief counselling is a tool to help you process your emotions, but ultimately, healing will happen at your own pace.

Reach out for support

Reaching out for grief counselling is an important step toward healing after a loss. I offer a FREE 15-minute initial phone consultation, with no obligation to book. Making that first call or sending an email can feel daunting, but it’s the key to moving forward.

  • About Frances

    With 17 years of experience, I bring a unique perspective from my background in holistic therapies and independent consultant in higher education.

  • Initial consultation

    I offer a FREE initial consultation to help you decide if my services are the right fit for you.

  • FAQ’s

    Here are some frequently asked questions about counselling.

Client Testimonials

What people say about Frances

“Frances provided me with support prior to the death of my daughter and she helped me through the dark days of early grief.  She is such a talented counsellor and her support changed the way I coped in such difficult circumstances.  I have no hesitation in highly recommending her.  She is a very special lady”.

Carolyn

“Frances was extremely helpful at supporting me through a difficult time at work and helped me to keep going and working. She is very professional, insightful and supporting and I would highly recommend her counselling services to others. The best of wishes and thanks for her support.”

Paul

“Frances always brings a warm welcome. I feel listened to and supported during my therapy.  I experience connection with every session. Thank you Frances”.

Andy

“Frances was compassionate and very helpful to me during my counselling.  It felt like I made real progress and was listened to and supported.  She was flexible with time and checked in frequently to ensure she was using a technique I found helpful”.  

Luke

“I have found the support I have received from Frances to be incredibly helpful.  She has a deep understanding of mental health issues and the difficulties these present to individuals. Frances has been patient and kind, understanding and empathetic. At first, I was not sure what to expect and I did not like talking to a stranger over the telephone.  It took me a while to build up a therapeutic relationship with her, but once we got to “know each other” better, I found the sessions extremely helpful and they gave me renewed confidence”.

Debbie

“I have been going to Frances now for 3 years to have counselling and it has changed my life immensely! Frances is very calm and accommodating for all your needs and has the ability to create an environment where you can feel at ease.   By working with her I feel I’ve been able to explore and express parts of myself without judgement and would highly recommend her to anyone”.

Chelsea

“Frances is the best listener, combining true compassionate attention with the right level of correctly-chosen probing questions, which lead you to the heart of where you couldn’t have got to without her.  A truly safe space to discover what you might not have wanted to admit even to yourself, and feel accepted and cherished as you are.  I come away feeling optimistic, having developed specific ideas to put into action to improve my life”.

Bethany

“Having dealt with Frances on a professional level, I can without doubt say that she is very personable, friendly and makes you feel at ease in her company. If you are looking to engage her professional services, you will without doubt be putting yourself in safe (and friendly) hands”.

Matt

To find out more or book a FREE 15-minute initial phone consultation, please telephone 07940 865994 / 01752 422029.

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