The Changing Room
Counselling, sporting wellbeing, and a supportive community. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, looking to improve your mental wellbeing, or seeking support through sport, we provide a welcoming space to talk, connect, and find your way forward.
We offer a welcoming and understanding space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and access the support you need. Through counselling, sporting wellbeing, and community connection, we help you build confidence, resilience, and positive steps towards a healthier future.
Everyone has a story. Everyone needs somewhere to tell it.
Everyone carries a story shaped by their experiences, challenges, hopes, and moments of change. We create a safe, welcoming space where you can share yours, feel heard without judgment, and find the support, understanding, and confidence to take your next step forward.
About
Counselling
Good emotional health is essential for our overall wellbeing and our ability to navigate life’s challenges. Sometimes, you may know exactly what’s troubling you, while other times, things may simply feel “off.” We offer a confidential space where you can explore your concerns, reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and gain clarity. You will be listened to with care, free from judgment, and supported on your unique journey.
By working with us, you may develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself, which can profoundly impact how you relate to life, yourself, and others. This process can help you overcome challenges, foster positive change, and move toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Get to Know the People Who Care
The Changing Room is a collective of ex professional sportsmen who have retrained as counsellors and teamed up to offer the benefit of their combined lived experiences and skills for those members of the community, from any walk of life, who realise they need help but are not sure where to turn.
We have created The Changing Room as a space you can call upon when life feels tough, heavy or challenging and our purpose is simple, we will be there with you as a source of support, growth and healing for as long as you need.
We understand that your journey to achieving change is such a personal one and will ensure you receive the appropriate empathy, professionalism and human connection to get you there.
Rich Wilkinson
Person-Centred Counsellor
Person-centred counselling is my chosen theory in counselling practice. Creating a relationship and environment where the client feels safe to share and grow, offering compassion, empathy and understanding along the journey that we take together.
Specialisms I bring to The Changing Room are: -Trauma, Bereavement, Self-Harm and Sexual and Emotional Abuse gained through my work with high school pupils and Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Confidence and Stress, gained from general private practice work.
Qualifying in and focussing on purely Person-Centred sessions, means my work is heavily empathic and client lead. We start with where you ARE and work out the rest together. I am deeply passionate about being able to add my skills and experience to The Changing Room for the benefit of our future clients.
Qualifications
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BSc Honors - Person-Centred Counselling - Derby University
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Level 4 - Certificate in Counselling Studies - CPCAB
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Level 3 - Certificate in Counselling Skills - CPCAB
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Level 2 - Certificate in counselling skills - CPCAB
Common myths in counselling
Counselling is often surrounded by misconceptions that can make people hesitant to seek support. From thinking you need to be in crisis to believing counselling is only about talking, we’re here to separate fact from fiction and help you understand what counselling can really offer.
Counselling is only for people with serious mental health issues.
Counselling is for anyone facing challenges, stress, or life changes—it's a valuable resource for personal growth and wellbeing, not just for those with severe conditions.
Seeking counselling means you are weak.
Reaching out for support demonstrates courage and self-awareness. It takes strength to ask for help and invest in your own wellbeing.
Counsellors will tell you what to do or fix your problems for you.
Counsellors guide you in exploring your feelings and options, empowering you to make your own decisions and find solutions that work for you.