Clare Finn
My experience with adults

“One in five adults (20.2%) in England are living with a common mental health problem – with rates higher in women (24.2%) than men (15.4%).”

‍Ref: The Big Mental Health Report 2025 - Centre for Mental Health
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I have always been someone who has taken their time to listen, truly listen, to people and what they have to say, are feeling and thinking. Listening is the most effective thing anyone can do when someone is in distress – not judging or trying to advise, just letting that person know you are with them in that moment of time and that what they are going through is valid. I guess that is why I found myself going down the 3-yearcounselling training route after leaving full-time teaching. I could not just leave my compassion at the school door.

Recently, I have worked, and continue to work, with the amazing north-east cancer support charity Fighting All Cancers Together (F.A.C.T), supporting my adult clients through their anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and life transitions associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment, and loss. I bring warmth, empathy, understanding, steadiness, and curiosity to the work we do together and support when the journey is dark and most needed. It never ceases to amaze me the power of listening and just being with that person, and the impact over a few sessions can have on someone. We all have days, weeks, even months when life is a struggle.

‍You are not alone. Seek the support you need.
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