THE FOUNDER of one of the North East’s leading counselling services is bringing her expertise to South Shields, to support both adults and young people who are dealing with mental health issues.
Kalmer Counselling has opened a new therapy centre at Market Dock, Waverley, with four therapy rooms along with two dedicated spaces for children and a training hub, delivering professional training sessions for educators, parents and mental health facilities.
The new centre is the latest chapter in the success story of the organisation – which also has a Newcastle base at North Fawdon Community Centre – and was founded by Victoria Beattie, a qualified Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and BACP-accredited counsellor in 2012.
It now has a team of more than 45 therapists working across 150 schools, supporting more than 3000 children and young people, along with offering private therapy for individuals.
“I started Kalmer Counselling with a mission to remove the stigma attached to therapy,” said Victoria.
“Many people think you need to hit rock bottom to seek counselling, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“We’ve created modern, welcoming therapy spaces designed to help people feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
“Therapy is one of the most amazing gifts people can give themselves – it gives them time and space to realise their worth, understand their strengths and challenges, and empowers them to change their lives.”
The centre was officially opened by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Jay Potts, Mayoress Cllr Audrey Huntley and Council Leader Dickson, alongside a range of other invited guests.
The launch included a special High Tea for Teachers event, where Victoria delivered a special session to head teachers about the growing impact of stress and burnout in the education sector.
“The latest statistics from the Department for Education on the impact of stress in schools are shocking,” said Victoria.
“The toll this takes on staff morale, absenteeism, retention, and overall wellbeing is deeply concerning. It’s time to take action, and this event gave headteachers a safe and comfortable space to reflect, understand the impact, and learn coping strategies.”
In addition to therapy sessions at the centre, Kalmer Counselling will offer Walk and Talk Therapy and Dog Walking Therapy, encouraging people to take advantage of the beautiful South Shields coastline to support clients’ mental health in nature-based settings.
Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Jay Potts praised the service: “Kalmer Counselling is a really important service for the borough, in fact the region,” he said.
“I myself have struggled with mental health issues in the past, and it is really important to have a place to come to talk and get help.”
For more information visit https://kalmer-counselling.co.uk/therapy-centre-south-tyneside.