Started as a simple idea on paper in 2024, Talking for Change has grown into a space created for people who want to be heard and seen. It offers gentle support for those who may be struggling and need someone to talk to. Alongside this, it provides practical tools, information, and links to trusted mental health services and charities.
The platform was founded by Jen, a newly qualified therapist (2026), currently completing placement experience within a counselling charity in Essex. Jen is primarily trained in person-centred therapy, an approach that values empathy, acceptance, and providing a non-judgemental space where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. Jen is a member of the NCPS and is committed to creating an ethical, supportive, and accessible space for mental wellbeing. (Scroll for contact form...)
Personal therapy is one-on-one support with a trained therapist where you talk through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It helps you understand yourself better and work through emotional or mental health challenges.
A typical session lasts about 50 minutes. To begin with, most people attend weekly, and sessions may later be spaced out to fortnightly or monthly depending on need and progress.
The overall length of therapy depends on individual need and can be short-term or longer-term, usually ending when it feels helpful and is agreed between the client and therapist.
If therapy is accessed through an organisation (such as a service or programme), it may be offered in set blocks of sessions with a planned endpoint. In private therapy, there is often more flexibility, and the client and therapist can continue for as long as it remains useful.
In therapy, you decide what you want to talk about each session. This might include something from the present or past, such as recent experiences, thoughts, or feelings. The therapist will listen and help you explore what brings you to therapy, supporting you to understand your thoughts and emotions on a deeper level and assisting you in your mental wellbeing and personal growth.
Therapy can be done in person (face-to-face), remotely (online), and on the telephone.
Yes, therapy is confidential, meaning what you discuss with your therapist is kept private. The main exceptions are if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or if a serious crime has been committed.
Therapists also attend supervision, where they discuss their work with another qualified professional to ensure good practice, but client identities are kept anonymous to protect confidentiality.
If you feel you need urgent support, or simply someone to talk to right now, please consider contacting one of the services below.
Samaritans – Available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs someone to listen. Call 116 123 (free) or visit their website.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide – HOPELINE247 offers confidential support for young people under 35 and those concerned about them.
Shout – Free, confidential 24/7 text support by texting SHOUT to 85258.
NHS 111 – For urgent mental health advice when it isn't an emergency.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
