A calm, safe space to be heard

Counselling for children, young people and adults, in a private room in Delph, Oldham, or online.

Get in touch How sessions work

Fran Barlow, counsellor, smiling

Hello, I'm Fran

I've spent around 25 years working with young people, including 15 years as a teacher. Over that time I've learned how much it matters to feel listened to, without judgement, by someone who has time for you.

Now I work as a counsellor with children, young people and adults. Whatever brings you here, my aim is to offer a warm, steady space where you feel heard and valued, and where we can work things through together.

Equality, diversity and inclusion matter deeply to me. Everyone is welcome, just as they are.

I'm a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work to its Ethical Framework, so what you share is treated with care and confidentiality.

I'm also a big believer in how moving our bodies can help our minds. My diploma research looked at the impact of physical activity on wellbeing, and away from counselling you'll find me playing hockey for Oldham Ladies.

How I can help

Sometimes life feels heavy, confusing or overwhelming. Counselling can give you space to make sense of things. People often come to me when they're experiencing things like:

  • Anxiety and worry
  • Low mood
  • Stress
  • School worries
  • Changes and transitions
  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Relationships with family and friends
  • Feeling stuck or not quite yourself

If what you're going through isn't on this list, that's okay. Please get in touch and we can talk about whether I'm the right person to help.

Who I work with

Children (primary school age), young people (secondary school and college age) and adults.

Children

For children of primary school age, I offer a gentle, patient space to explore feelings in ways that feel natural to them. I've spent many years working in primary schools, including as a pastoral lead, and I work alongside parents and carers where that helps.

Young people

For young people of secondary school and college age, I offer a space to talk about what's going on, whether that's school, friendships, exams, changes or simply not feeling yourself. Safeguarding has been part of my work for a long time, so keeping young people safe always comes first.

Adults

I've counselled adults since 2022. Whether you're facing something specific or just feel things aren't right, we can explore it together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How sessions work

  1. A free first chat

    We start with a free 15-minute call, so you can ask questions and we can see if working together feels like a good fit. For children and young people, a parent or carer joins this call too. There's no pressure to go further.

  2. In person or online

    Sessions are either in my safe, private room in Delph, Oldham, or online, whichever suits you best.

  3. Your sessions

    £40children and young people
    (primary, secondary and college age)
    £50adults

    Per 50-minute session, in person or online.

Qualifications

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Level 3 in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Level 2 Counselling Skills (2020)
  • Currently studying a Level 5 qualification in CBT (due to finish June 2027)
  • PGCE, University of Manchester
  • BA (Hons) Social Studies, 2:1, Leeds Metropolitan University
  • Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), working to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions

Experience

  • Counsellor with a Huddersfield charity's social prescribing team, supporting young people aged 6 to 25 referred through CAMHS, and working with schools, families and social care
  • School counsellor one day a week in a secondary school, supporting with anxiety, transition and more
  • Counselling adults on placement at Mind in Tameside since January 2022
  • Schools counsellor for the charity CARITAS, in primary and secondary schools, 1:1 and group wellbeing work
  • Pastoral lead in a primary school
  • 15 years as a teacher, and around 25 years working with young people

Get in touch

Reaching out can be the hardest step. Send me a message and I'll get back to you to arrange a free 15-minute first chat.

Email info@counsellingwithfran.co.uk Call 07815 779237

Location: Delph, Oldham, and online