Crissy Duff

Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

My name is Crissy and I'm a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I counsel children, adolescents and adults, in my own private practice and also in a local school, gp surgery and within a Borough Council's Occupational Health Department. I also work as a Student Mentor in the Disability and Dyslexia Department of a London University.

I have a special interest in postnatal depression, having suffered from pnd myself and I have particular experience of working with prenatal and postnatal depression and also with a wide range of parenting, child behavioural, attachment and developmental issues both as a counsellor and as parent supporter for Netmums, a well-known parenting website.

If you suspect you may be suffering from anxiety or depression either during your pregnancy or after your baby is born, if you've already been diagnosed and are looking for extra help or information, or if you're experiencing parenting difficulties, please call me for support and tailor made expert advice.

Mine is very much a 'relational' approach, by which I mean that I believe I’m better able to help and support you if the quality of our relationship is good. It's very important to me to put you at your ease and let you know that our conversations will be informal and led by you. With this in mind, what I’m offering is the chance to talk confidentially, without fear of being judged or criticised, with someone who cares and who has a genuine understanding of what you are going through.

If I'm available you can generally just pick up the phone and speak to me right away, but if that feels a bit daunting or it's just not convenient for you, why not send me a message first? It's often helpful to know a few details about you and how you're feeling before we speak in person - then when you're ready just give me a call.

You may find that just being able to share openly what’s really going on for you emotionally during your pregnancy or the early days, weeks, months or even years of motherhood, feels good enough. But it may be that you are feeling afraid, bewildered or overwhelmed and need more than empathy and a listening ear.

Antenatal and postnatal depression don't just affect first-time mums. They can occur in subsequent pregnancies, in some cases coming back more than once and can have very real ongoing emotional and practical repercussions for your relationship with your child and with others and can influence how you feel about becoming a parent. Depression can cause difficulties for all your close relationships and so I'm not just available to talk to mums - partners, family members and friends often also need help and someone to talk to. Whatever your needs I aim to offer informed advice and support tailored to your own particular circumstances and situation so please give me a call today.