Meet Amy Griffin

The "Messy Middle" is where the magic (and the work) actually happens.

If you’re looking for a therapist who sits in a sterile room, nods politely, and offers "5 easy steps to a new you," I’m probably not your person.

I’m Amy — a therapist based in Rayleigh, Essex, offering in-person and online therapy for anxiety, overthinking and relationships.

I don’t believe in fixing you, because I don't believe you're broken. But I do know what it’s like to feel "emotionally messy" while trying to convince the rest of the world you’ve got it all together.

Therapy with me is person-centred, down-to-earth, and totally human. That means:

We go at your pace - no rushing, no pressure.
You don’t have to filter yourself - we can laugh, cry or swear.
I’ll bring humanness, creativity, warmth and tools from other approaches when they help.
It's honest and we are going to name the 'not knowing' together.

I'm a human first, and a therapist second

I have always hated talking about myself. Isn't that funny when I encourage to talk about themselves - I have always found it so much easier to listen to others and talk with others about them.

I didn't get into this work because I had it all figured out. I got into it because I understand the weight of "shoulds", the pressure to be the reliable one, the high-achiever, the person who never rocks the boat.

Growing up being too scared to 'take up space', I became an expert at keeping things running smoothly and highly practiced at putting myself last. The irony was not lost on me that I found myself in project and managerial roles for years – holding things together for others – before I became a counsellor. So I absolutely understand the challenges of balancing a busy life and your own emotional wellbeing- I’ve felt the pain of chronic anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

I’m a human first, and a therapist second; I love crunchy cold walks with my pup, buying more trainers than I need, my comfy band t-shirts, singing to everything (best believe I am a human jukebox) and watching sports. I firmly believe that therapy works best when you can show up exactly as you are...makeup-smudged, overthinking, or just plain tired because we are all human.

Why work with me?

I’m relatable, not robotic: I won't hide behind clinical jargon. I’m in the trenches with you, curious and down-to-earth.
I get the 'Helping Professional' burnout: Many of my clients are the ones everyone else leans on. I know how lonely that role can feel.
I value safety over perfection: My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to "perform" therapy. You can just be.

I live and work around Essex, and I’ve spent years supporting women like you - intelligent, thoughtful, and deeply caring - who are ready to stop apologising for taking up space.

How I can help you

Professional Info

Core training:

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
Certificate in Couple/Relationship Therapy awarded by The Grove

Further theory based training:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Association of Psychological Therapies
Trauma Focussed CBT (TfCBT) – Association of Psychological Therapies
Transactional Analysis (TA101) – The Berne Institute

Specialised training & areas of interest:

Relational Dynamics: Transactional Analysis, Attachment Theory, and Relationship/Couples work.
Managing the "Noise": Further study in Anxiety, Panic Disorders, and DBT tools.
The "Helper" Burnout: Deep focus on People-Pleasing, Self-Compassion (Dr. Kristin Neff), and Imposter Syndrome.
Neurodiversity & Identity: Working therapeutically with ADHD

Professional body:

I’m a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), which means I adhere to a strict ethical framework that guides my practice. I also hold an Enhanced DBS.

You can find me on the BACP register here: Amy Griffin - BACP Register

You can find me on Counselling Directory here: Amy Griffin - Counselling Directory

Why the therapy relationship matters

It might be that when you think about therapy, you think about learning coping skills, completing worksheets and homework, practicing breathing exercises,... the list goes on. And sure, these things can be helpful but they’re not the heart of therapy. I believe – as I’d imagine many other therapists out there would agree – that what truly heals is something much more human. It’s the relationship.

Read my article for Counselling Directory on why the relationship with your therapist matters more than any tool or technique.