Counsellors By The Sea

Louise Twine & Stuart Mehmet

Thank you for visiting our site and welcome to Counsellors By The Sea, two like-minded counsellors, based in Herne Bay, Kent, who have you and your best interests at the heart of what we do. Life can be full of ups and downs, and it can feel a little overwhelming sometimes, without the space to be able to see things clearly. When you feel this overwhelmed, it can lead a person to feel depressed or anxious, unable to think clearly, with too much noise going on in your head. Here, at Counsellors By The Sea, we can offer you that safe space, to be able to explore those feelings at a pace that suits you, without judgement or taking anything away from your own self-experience. This is all done in a safe, warm, confidential and comfortable environment; and, whether you want face-to-face counselling, online or telephone counselling, we aim to be able to provide you with the best fit for you. If you are reading this, you have already taken that first step on the start of your journey, so why not get in touch and let us carry on this healing path with you.

Meet the counsellors

Our counsellors have many years of experience in dealing with issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, family issues, self-harm, suicide, general low mood and feelings of low self-worth and low self-esteem (please see individual counsellors for further details). We are integrative counsellors, which means that we work from a number of different styles, and we centre our sessions around you and your individual needs. We can offer short-term, more solution-based counselling; or longer, more in-depth counselling – whatever you need, it is always our aim to do what is best for you. All of our counsellors are registered members of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), we are DBS checked, and we abide by both GDPR and data protection regulations.

Louise Twine

Hi, my name is Lou, and I am an integrative counsellor, which means I will always work in a way which is the best fit for you and your individual needs. I am a kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and empathic listener, and whatever brings you to counselling I will always work at a pace that suits you, with you and your individual needs at the heart of what we do. I have been working as a counsellor for a number of years now, and for me it is one of the most rewarding, but also humbling things I have ever done. I came into counselling later in life which means I also have life experience and have overcome my own challenges, but life experience also means I can bring a new dimension to the work we will be doing together. I have dealt successfully with people from all walks of life, with a wide range of issues. These include anxiety, autism and neurodiversity, carers and young carers, childhood issues, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders and body issues, feelings of low self-esteem and low self-worth, general feelings of low mood and uncertainty in your life, illness, self-harm, suicide and suicidal thoughts, as well as trauma in both adults and young people and historic childhood trauma.

My qualifications include a Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Diploma, Level 3 Autism Awareness, and a Certificate in Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders. I am a registered member of the BACP and, like my counsellors by the sea colleague, I have many years of experience, and I am continuously learning and training so that I can keep my knowledge up to date. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, and I look forward to helping you take that first step on your healing, counselling journey.

Stuart Mehmet

Hi, my name is Stuart, and I am integrative counsellor, which means that I have been trained in and employ many different types of therapeutic approach in my practice. This means that we can collaborate, to find the best way to help you as an individual, taking into account your specific circumstances and experiences. One size does not fit all and, here, at Counsellors By The Sea, we understand that you need both a safe space and the time to explore your issues/problems in your own way.

I hold the Level 4 Counselling Diploma (BACP), and I am constantly learning and training, so as to be able to assist you to the best of my ability. I have several years of counselling experience, helping clients with a wide and diverse range of issues, from anxiety, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, PTSD, depression (in many forms), body dysmorphia, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, and relationship issues, among others.

Now that you have taken that important first step (looking for a potential counsellor), I hope that you will get in touch for a consultation, and your first session with us – we are here to listen.

The counselling room

A warm, inviting, safe space for you to talk in comfort, without fear of being overheard.

The counselling

Being integrative counsellors means that we can work in a number of different ways, which include the following:

Behavioural therapies
CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy)
Person-centred approach
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytical
Trauma-informed therapies
Gestalt
TA (transactional analysis)
Walk and talk (weather permitting)

Fees and accessibility

Fees are £40 per session.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch and we can have a chat.

We work predominantly with:

Students
Counselling students
Carers
Young people
Adults
Disabled adults
Older adults
Organisations

Please get in touch

07833 011776

counsellorsbythesea@gmail.com

Testimonials

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I received counselling from Louise for just over a year, starting out with work related issues and then my cancer diagnosis. Lou is so kind, friendly and I felt she truly empathised with me. She is very supportive and has a lovely way to help open up and honestly talk about those deep dark issues, which led to my lack of self confidence. I highly recommend Lou for anyone experiencing difficulties in their mental health.

-- June 2024, R

“Lou is amazing. When I first started seeing Lou I was utterly traumatised, a physical, mental and emotional wreck. I barely functioned and every day was a battle to stay on this planet.

18 short months later and I'm transformed, I not only function but am beginning to thrive. I still have bad days and black periods, I still get triggered but they are fewer and fewer. Lou has taught me the skills to overcome them and to begin to truly value myself. I now wake every day and think it's good to be alive !' I don't have the words to express how grateful I am to her.

Everyone needs Lou in their life!”

-- Andrea, April 2024

“When I first met Stuart, I was at a low point in my life, I was angry and had no sense of my own self-worth. But Stuart’s kind manner, the way I never felt judged, all helped me see that it was ok to be me, and gave me the knowledge I needed to find my way and be happy and content with my life. I would highly recommend seeing him.”

-- OLT, May 2024

“Stuart is a brilliant listener. He really listens to what you’re saying and gives you the time to talk. He helps you to feel at ease, even when talking about difficult topics.”

-- GM, April 2024

“I have been with Lou for nearly 2 years. I have never felt so comfortable in therapy. Being able to completely open up and be vulnerable is a challenge but Lou has made this achievable and has been there every step of the way through my journey that is continuing. Lou is amazing and I would recommend her specialist skills to anyone in need. Learning about ourselves and setting goals, targets and having support techniques in a safe space is key. I wouldn’t go anywhere else, highly recommend ❤️”

-- Emily, May 2024

“After a death in the family last year, I needed someone to help me find my way through the grief and be able to function again, as a parent and an adult.

Louise is an excellent listener, her manner and openness put me at ease very quickly. She has been able to guide my healing in a very positive and caring way, and after only a few sessions I was able to see there was a way forward.

I would have struggled to cope with adulting on top of grief had I not found Louise. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

-- Emma, May 2024

“When my husband fell ill, I had no one to talk to, until someone recommended Stuart to me. Just being able to speak about everything that was going on, in my own time, felt like a huge burden was lifted. I can say anything I like, and never be judged by Stuart – he’s been there to listen to me for a couple of years now, and it has really helped me to cope a little better with all life’s obstacles.”

-- EC, April 2024

“I’ve always believed that I couldn’t open up to anyone, but Stuart is so calm and accepting that talking about my issues has become easier and easier. I feel supported and understood – something I have never felt before. Life is still difficult, but I know I have somewhere that I feel safe and heard; I can’t recommend Stuart enough!”

-- J, May 2024

"Louise really helped me after an extremely challenging period of life. Her compassionate and insightful council has guided me to greater self-knowledge and gave me coping strategies I can actually use when I am feeling beaten down by life!"

-- David, May 2024

“I was at such a low point and couldn’t see anyway forward, I just didn’t see the point in going on anymore. Then someone suggested counselling and I thought I would give it a try. Since I have met Lou, my life has changed for the better I now have the tools I need to be able to move forwards and I would highly recommend, it really has changed my life in ways I never imagined.”

-- Scott, May 2024