Welcome to
Counselling for Farmers
Talking therapy for adults and young people
Welcome. My name is Tim Buckingham and I am a counsellor providing both short and long-term therapy for individuals aged 11+
I work face to face with local clients from a variety of backgrounds and also offer a specialist remote service to the rural community across the UK.
In person, fully confidential consultations are available, close to Buckingham and Milton Keynes, in a quiet countryside setting.
I can offer help with the following issues... Anger, Anxiety, Bereavement, Carer Support, Depression, Grief and Loss, LGBTQ+ issues, Low self-confidence, Low self-esteem, Panic Attacks, Relationships, Situational distress, Separation and Divorce, Stress and Trauma.
If your issue is not listed, please get in touch. I will do my best to help you. Counselling can't change the circumstances you live in, but it might help you to find a better way to live with them.
Learn more about me here.
“It can always be different” — Alfred Adler
How can counselling help?
As an industry, farming has not always dealt with its mental health issues. Fortunately, attitudes are changing and how we feel is finally being taken seriously. Modern farming can involve working long, solitary hours and this lack of social contact can often lead to feelings of isolation.
For some, added challenges such as adverse weather, low incomes, increased regulations, family breakdowns, retirement or negative media reporting can become overwhelming. With a little help, feelings of calm, security and belonging can be encouraged to return.
“Home is where the herd is”
Speak in Confidence
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A problem shared...
Many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
Make better, healthier choices
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
My location
Appointments are available in person near Buckingham in an outdoor countryside setting.
Clients from further away can access sessions via Zoom or over the phone.
Directions will be provided once you have booked your first session.
Sessions & fees
Initially we have a short confidential conversation to discuss your issues and to decide if counselling is right for you. This is free of charge and without obligation to take things further. If you wish to proceed, we then agree a time to meet, with usually one session at the same time each week. Most issues typically have a positive outcome after six to ten sessions.
- Each counselling session lasts for 50 minutes.
- A single session will cost £60.
- Concessions available depending on circumstances.
- Current members of a UK Young Farmers Club receive a 50% discount.
Payment by cash on the day or via BACS prior to the session.
Get in touch
Anything you share with me will remain confidential, although I may have to break confidentiality if you, or someone you tell me about, is at serious risk of harm. I am also legally required to report disclosure of serious criminal activity. I will only tell the people who need to know and will obtain your consent if possible and appropriate.
I have full professional liability insurance and hold an enhanced DBS certificate. Copies of which are available on request.
Contact details:
- Email: tim@counsellingforfarmers.com
- Phone: 07546077686
I am available 10am to 8pm or you can text me anytime. Please leave your first name and contact details. I will reply as soon as I am able.
About me
I am a retired dairy farmer. I have personally struggled with depression at various times in my life, starting in my early teens. I always ignored any advice to seek help. I told myself that I coped well with stress and saw it as a necessary part of life to get things done. This strategy worked well for many years, but when some of life's challenges eventually became too much, I reached a crisis point. I was burnt out. My doctor advised me to seek some therapy, to which I reluctantly agreed. Over time, I came to recognise it was my own mistaken beliefs which were holding me back. This became an opportunity for change and I took it.
It was at this point I realised that I might be able to help others, within my local community, whose own lives might not be working out quite how they had expected. In 2013, whilst still farming full-time, I started attending evening classes to study counselling and then in 2018, I joined Carers MK one day a week as a volunteer trainee counsellor. By gaining experience with clients I was able to achieve the standard required to be awarded my diploma.
My role is to listen, encourage you to find new ways, then nurture your fresh growth. In many ways I am still farming.
“The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth and manure”
— D.H.Laurence
Images
All pencil and crayon images are by kind permission and copyright of Jennifer Brereton. Please check out her website below: