Adult counselling sessions in Bury, Greater Manchester or online
About Me
Hello, I am Heather Shepherd
I am the counsellor and psychotherapist behind Create Space Counselling, specialising in bereavement and loss including miscarriage and baby loss.
My work is rooted in compassion, sensitivity, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to explore their grief.
Why I do this work
My own experiences of bereavement, early miscarriages and failed IVF have shaped the heart of my work. I know the heartbreak that loss of this nature can bring — the deep sadness, the bewilderment, the guilt, the anger, the isolation, and the weight that each loss carries. These emotions can feel overwhelming and impossible to put into words.
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At the time, I didn’t have a space where I could explore my losses or make sense of what I was going through. I carried so much of it internally.
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In the years since, through my own counselling, I’ve come to understand both how daunting it can feel to take that first step into therapy, and how transformative it can be to find a safe, confidential space where you can speak openly without judgement. Having that space allowed me to begin healing in ways I didn’t know were possible.
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My commitment now is to offer that same space to others — a compassionate, steady place where your grief is honoured and your feelings are met with care. I’m here to support you as you navigate your own journey toward emotional wellbeing, in a way that feels right for you.
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Counselling is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Your story, your pace, and your experience will always guide our work together.
My Training
At Create Space Counselling, I am committed to ongoing professional development and ethical practice. My aim is to offer a safe, nurturing environment where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to explore your experiences.
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I hold a BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy: Professional Practice, alongside further specialist training in the Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, and Person‑Centred Expressive Arts Therapy. These approaches allow me to work creatively and sensitively with the emotional impact of grief and loss.
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I am an Accredited Registrant of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in accordance with their ethical principles and professional guidelines.
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I am also a member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), having completed their CPCAB‑accredited Foundation Course in Fertility Counselling. This training supports my work with clients navigating fertility challenges, treatment, and loss.
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To deepen my understanding of miscarriage, baby loss, and bereavement, I have completed the following specialist courses:
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PETALS – The Baby Loss Counselling Charity
Supporting Parents Following Baby Loss (Stage 1) -
Miscarriage Association
Caring for Women Experiencing Pregnancy Loss -
Cruse Bereavement Support
Working with Loss and Bereavement for Therapists and Counsellors -
Open University
Trauma‑Informed Counselling
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These trainings, combined with my therapeutic experience, allow me to offer a compassionate, informed, and grounded space for anyone affected by bereavement, loss, miscarriage or baby loss.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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My Values
At Create Space Counselling, I am guided by:
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Compassion
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Presence
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Respect
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Sensitivity
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Authenticity
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Working together to create a space to heal
If you feel this is the space for you, please read on to understand how we might work together.
Get in touch
Thank you for considering Create Space Counselling for your emotional health and wellbeing needs.
Please do not hesitate to reach out as I am only a phone call or email away. I will be sure to respond as soon as possible during the working week (Monday - Friday) and answer any questions you may have.
Telephone: 07396 799842
