

counselling at bethel church northwich

Foundations
Counselling at Bethel sits within the context of our Wellness Team and our wider belief that God's will for us all is wellness and wholeness in mind, body and spirit. All our volunteer counsellors have a Christian world view and embrace this belief but there is no expectation that those seeking counselling have a faith.

About our counsellors
To ensure all our counsellors offer a professional and ethical service, they have all undergone appropriate training, are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to BACP’s ‘Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions’ guidelines which can be accessed by going to http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/

Cost of counselling
Your counselling sessions are free for you to access for a specific time period, which will be discussed and regularly reviewed with your counsellor. Our counsellors volunteer their time and expertise to Bethel Church Wellness Team.
Get in touch
Meet the Team

Lynda Hill
With a background in both Psychology and Counselling, I have been immersed in offering psychological therapeutic support to different communities almost all my adult life. I, too, have felt the huge benefit of accessing a safe therapeutic space. Through acknowledging my own personal struggles over the years, my life has truly been transformed. By daring to be vulnerable in the presence of another, and by putting my trust in a therapeutic relationship in-order to find a sense of calm and acceptance even in this world of uncertainty, has helped me to gain great insight and security within myself.
I am passionate about combining my own experiences, my accumulated knowledge and specific training in Psychology and Person-Centred Counselling to offer a safe therapeutic space for individuals to explore their own experiences in a way that best suits their unique needs. I am dedicated to continuing both my personal and professional journey.
Whilst studying part-time for a PhD in Psychological Trauma through my ongoing love for learning, I am able to cultivate my passion for putting traditional and more contemporary psychological theories into practice within my therapy sessions. You can be assured of a safe, reflective, respectful and non-judgemental presence for you to grapple with and explore your own life experiences as we travel along your path side by side.
​Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Psychology
MSc Practitioner Research
MA Clinical Counselling
Professional Membership
Accredited member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, membership number 381306)

Melanie Plant
As a member of Bethel Church Leadership, I am passionate about and committed to developing our Wellness Team, one aspect of which is the opportunity for counselling which we are keen to be able to offer to our wider community. I believe that wholeness and wellness encompass every aspect of our being, including our relationships with others and that growth and change are always possible. My aim is to offer a safe and confidential space and a trusted therapeutic relationship in order to facilitate this process of growth and change. The foundation of my training was in Transactional Analysis, which provides a model for analysing our interactions and communications with the purpose of understanding the way we act, think and feel and investigating the potential for making new choices. I went on to train in integrative psychotherapy which allows me to make use of a range of approaches in my work with adults and young people.
My professional background is in teaching, in assessing and supporting young people with specific learning difficulties, and, over the last 12 years in psychotherapy. I currently coordinate Pupil Support and lead the counselling service at The Grange Senior School, Hartford, which is a privilege and a joy.
Qualifications
MA Modern Languages,
PGCE
Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy
Professional Membership
Accredited Member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, membership number 86493)

Beth Shirazi
Influenced by my mum’s own background in therapeutic support, alongside my own childhood experiences of growing up with the uncertainly of a long-term illness within the family, I was introduced to the concept of counselling. I have inherited a passion for exploring the complexities of our heart and mind and how these effect our everyday lives.
As a consequence, I have pursed my vocation in this field, gaining a BSc in Counselling. I have a particular interest in supporting young people and as well as my role here at Bethel Wellbeing, I have worked alongside students at various Universities as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your wellbeing, I would love to be able to offer you a safe space to explore what’s on your mind and to work with you at your pace. I offer a consistent and non-judgemental, accepting presence where you can simply be. It is important to me that we build trust and you feel comfortable to share. If you’re feeling unsure, please feel free to get in touch and we can chat things through together.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Counselling (First Class)
Professional Membership
BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, membership number 391684)