Rebecca Blades

After spending 18 years in education, I transitioned into working as a therapist for both children and adults in 2019. Over time, I realised that what truly inspired me wasn’t the academic side of teaching, but the pastoral support, care and connection that came with it. My interest naturally expanded beyond the classroom to include parents, families and the wider community, and I recognised that my drive to “make a difference” reached far further than my teaching role allowed.

My professional journey began in Special Educational Needs, where I quickly became fascinated by emotions, behaviour, and the inner workings of the mind. I often found myself having informal counselling conversations with students, colleagues and families, and those moments showed me how powerful it can be when someone feels listened to and supported. Seeing how collaborative goal‑setting and simple human connection could spark real change encouraged me to pursue this path more formally.

This led me to complete a postgraduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I’ve always believed that our mind is one of our strongest tools, and CBT aligns with that belief by helping us understand how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviours. Learning how to help people shift unhelpful thinking patterns, focus on the present and build practical coping strategies felt like a natural next step.

My desire to grow didn’t stop there, so I went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in Integrative Therapy. This approach allows me to blend different therapeutic models and tailor my style to each person I work with. It’s a flexible, client-led way of practising, more of a personalised journey than a one‑size‑fits‑all method, and it aligns strongly with my person‑centred values.

At the heart of my work is a genuine commitment to approaching others with openness, curiosity and compassion. I want the people I support, and those around me, to feel heard, understood and valued.

Self-care is something I take seriously, too. I cherish time with my family, love unwinding with a good book (often from the comfort of a long bath), and you’ll frequently find me tackling a CrossFit workout or throwing around a barbell with enthusiasm, if not elegance! My biggest piece of self-care advice is simple: make space for the things that bring you joy, nurture your relationships, and remember that it’s completely okay to reach out for support. It’s okay not to be okay.

I now work as a private counsellor and therapist in Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and across the wider North East Lincolnshire area, as well as supporting clients throughout the UK via remote online sessions.