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Michele Gazmuri‑Symmes

therapist at Castle Counselling Service

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“You don’t need to have the right words or a clear label for what’s going on. We can gently explore things together at your pace.”

Welcoming · Confidential · Tailored

Gentle confidential counselling for adults, children and teens

A warm, unhurried space to feel heard, make sense of life's challenges, and find your way forward.
Supporting adults, teens, children and parent-child relationships in Earls Colne, near Colchester, Braintree, across Essex and Suffolk, as well as online.

— BACP registered · Earls Colne & online

MBACP 385740

Reg.

In person · Online

Experience

7+ yrs

Experience

BACP registered • Trauma‑informed • All ages welcome • Tailored to you • 7+ years experience • Flexible scheduling •

— A space made for you

Counselling that meets you where you are.

I’m Michele - Director and Therapist at Castle Counselling Service. I offer a warm, reassuring space for personal growth, shaped around your pace, your story and your needs. I use creative tools across all ages, including specialist play‑based work with children, alongside traditional talking therapy for those who prefer a more conversational path.

In person & online

Face‑to‑face sessions from my peaceful studio in Earls Colne; convenient for Colchester, Braintree, Halstead and Sudbury, and secure online sessions across the UK and Europe.

Secure video sessions from home

Quiet, private therapy room

Comforting phone sessions

— What I offer

Counselling for every stage of life.

Tailored support for adults, children, and teens. Click any service to learn more.

Child Counselling

Play and creativity help young ones process complicated feelings and build emotional strength in a secure, nurturing space.

Parenting Sessions

A calm space for parents to gain insight into their child’s world and refine responses for more harmonious family ties.

Teen Counselling

Empowering adolescents to navigate school stress, self‑image and social change, building independence and confidence.

Support in Schools

On‑site mental health support for students, providing consistency and expert care within the familiar setting of school.

Adult Counselling

Gently working with anxiety and low mood through a collaborative journey to help you rediscover balance and inner peace.

ADHD Centred Support

Trauma‑informed, solution‑focused counselling for life with ADHD; move past masking and embrace your strengths.

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— About Michele

A calm, grounded approach - built on compassion and trust.

I’m a BACP‑registered counsellor offering a gentle environment for those navigating anxiety, family stress or neurodiversity. Whether in person at my Earls Colne rooms or online, my goal is for you to feel truly heard, to make sense of what you’re going through, and to gently explore new ways of being.

7+ years experience across child & adult mental health

Trauma‑informed, neurodiversity affirming

Specialist in parent‑child, fertility & rainbow baby journeys

DBS checked - works in local schools too

— Why choose Michele

What our work together can feel like.

01

Feeling heard and understood

A calm, confidential space where you can speak openly without judgment, and feel genuinely listened to and respected.

02

Support tailored to your needs

Counselling shaped around what matters to you, whether anxiety, neurodiversity or life changes - adjusted to your story.

03

Clarity and emotional balance

Working together can bring more insight and ease, helping you move forward with a clearer sense of self.

— Common reasons people get in touch

You don’t need the ‘right’ words.

People often reach out when they, or their child, are struggling with day‑to‑day life and don’t quite know how to move forward. We can gently explore things together at your pace.

  • Feeling anxious, on edge or overwhelmed

  • Stress from school, work, family or caring

  • Living with or exploring ADHD or autism

  • Feeling stuck with life

  • Low mood, tearfulness or ‘what’s the point?’

  • Friendship or relationship difficulties

  • Bereavement, separation, illness or moving

  • Parenting challenges & family dynamics

“A quiet shift, toward feeling more myself again.”

— Client reflections

The counselling provided a safe haven for my child to express themselves. We’ve seen such a beautiful shift in their confidence and happiness at school.

— Parent of a 7‑year‑old

This support helped me navigate a very difficult period of transition. The compassionate approach and practical tools made all the difference in my clarity.

— Adult client

I felt truly heard for the first time. Learning to manage my anxiety has changed my daily life for the better.

— Teenager, age 16

— Helpful insights

Gentle answers to common questions.

It’s natural to have questions as you consider beginning this journey.

Our first session is about making sure you feel safe and heard. We’ll gently explore what brought you here and what you hope for, at your pace.

Every journey is unique. Some find around eight weeks gives them the focus they need; others stay shorter or much longer. We check in regularly to ensure our work feels right for you.

Your child has a confidential space to express themselves. If significant concerns arise, I always speak with them first to agree a gentle way to share updates with you.

— Arrange a free 10‑minute call

Take a small first step, at no cost, with no pressure.

A short, friendly chat to see if we feel like a good fit. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and junk folder) as replies can sometimes land there.

07939042368

Earls Colne · In‑person & online sessions across the UK

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