Hi, I'm Natalie at Ida Therapeutic Counselling in Wilmslow, Cheshire

Ida Therapy is founded on the belief that positive wellbeing begins with hope, acceptance and personal growth.

Ida symbolises

joy understanding acceptance awareness patience belief love

and much more

Why Ida?

I chose to incorporate the name ‘Ida’in my counselling practice as the name holds personal meaning for me. Ida is my middle name.

For a long time, I did not own this name. I hid it. However, when I was 21, during a girls’ trip, a friend discovered my real middle name on my passport, and I was mocked for it being “old-fashioned and different”.

It may seem like a small thing, and in the grand scheme of life, it was — but I felt it! I can now see how insignificant having the name ‘Ida’really was!

In time, through reflection, and self-acceptance, I reclaimed ‘Ida’ with pride. Owning it and vocalising it as my identity. Funny thing is that I now really like it.

‘Ida’ represents everything I believe in. It reflects the nuturing process that therapy offers: understanding, self acceptance -awareness, hope, love, and growth.

Choosing the name ‘Ida’ was a decision I made with ease and confidence; It is a celebration of embracing authencity.

And it is a vision of mine that through ‘Ida therapy’, I can also support others in finding inner self-belief, value and worth.

You should be a counsellor: you would be so good at it!

Gemma - St Albans

My Journey

As a woman in my late forties I have always cared and been intrigued by people. As a trained teacher too, the role naturally encourapes aspects of counselling.

Along with growing up with the name ‘Ida’, I also endured a childhood stammer- a stutter; this made life very distressing for me.

The shame and embarrassment this brought hugely affected me, it really did impact EVERYTHING and it was only through inner self belief, confidence and acceptance that I eventually outgrew stammering but, this was not until my late twenties. I carried it for a long time.

It was then in 2019, after relocating back north that a friend’s remark ignited the desire, “you would make such a good counsellor, have you ever considered it?” that I finally embarked on my professional training and I have not looked back since. My passion for counselling and wellbeing continues to grow, along with my desire to expand my knowledge and understanding through ongoing learning and professional development.

I hope to meet with you in the near future and have the privilege in supporting you on your journey.