Precise Appointments
Sessions start and end clearly, with rota realities discussed early rather than treated as an inconvenience.
Hull, since 2000
A Narrow Practice For People Living By Rotas
Surviving Sane Counselling was founded in Hull in 2000 after several years of voluntary listening work with people on unsocial hours.
Founding note
From General Counselling To Shift-Worker Specialism
The practice narrowed deliberately into counselling for shift workers because rota fatigue, night isolation and domestic strain require a different kind of appointment structure.
A person leaving a night shift does not always need softer language. Often they need a clear room, a clear fee, a clear end time and a practitioner who understands why Tuesday at 14:00 can feel like someone else's morning.
Your counsellor
Helen Markham, Counsellor
Helen is the Hull based practitioner behind Surviving Sane Counselling and is the person who replies from hello@survivingsane.com.
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, awarded 1999, with continuing professional development in fatigue, workplace stress, bereavement and trauma informed practice.
- Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, membership number 384216.
- Current professional indemnity insurance is held and the work is supported by regular clinical supervision.
- Individual counselling is confidential, with safety exceptions where there is serious risk of harm to you or another person.
- The practice does not provide diagnosis, reports, occupational health certification or employer-mandated performance counselling.
Non-stock identity detail: the room uses a paper week-to-view rota diary beside the appointment chair, because shift patterns are usually easier to understand when they are mapped by hand before dates are agreed.
Practice principles
What The Practice Protects
Plain Fees
Prices are visible before enquiry. Individual work does not require a quote or a sales conversation.
No Overpromising
Counselling can help people understand patterns and choices, but it cannot make a harmful rota harmless.
Respect For Tired Clients
Clients are not expected to perform insight. The work makes room for fatigue, fog and uneven recovery.
Local context
Rooted In Hull Working Life
The practice works with people connected to Hull Royal Infirmary, the docks, food production, logistics, care homes and hospitality.
- Central Hull appointments for people coming from shifts, handovers or home.
- Online appointments across the UK when travel would make the day worse.
- Workplace visits within 20 miles of Hull for reflective practice with night teams.
- Experience with the emotional pressure of short staffing, night isolation and rota change.
That work matters because fatigue is often discussed only after people have already made mistakes, gone off sick or resigned. Speaking about it early can protect relationships, judgement and dignity.
Professional boundaries
Confidentiality, Records And Safety
- Sessions are confidential, with safety exceptions where there is serious risk of harm to you or another person.
- Brief counselling notes are kept securely as part of normal professional practice.
- Employers do not receive session details from individual counselling.
- The practice does not provide court reports, custody reports, fitness-to-work opinions or occupational health certification.
- Safety overrides privacy if immediate risk requires urgent action.