About me……
I am Tanika Farmer and this is my counselling and psychotherapy service, formally known as Vital Minds Counselling.
I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist specialising in Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders working from my office in Rayleigh, Essex
Many of my clients seek me out for neurodivergent‑affirming counselling in Rayleigh, Essex and online, shaped by both my professional experience and lived understanding. I am AuDHD (Autism & ADHD) and a parent of two autistic children, and I have also completed extensive training in supporting those living with eating disorders and disordered eating.
If we are a good fit and you feel comfortable, I will work alongside you to identify unhelpful patterns in thoughts, language, and behaviour, and support you in making meaningful, lasting changes.
My approach to counselling is grounded in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. Our work will be guided by what you bring, with the focus and goals shaped by your needs. I aim to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic space in Rayleigh and across Essex (online sessions available) where you can explore what feels difficult, overwhelming, or distressing, and begin to move forward with greater understanding and self‑compassion.
What is counselling?
Counselling and psychotherapy in Rayleigh, Essex, Southend, Chelmsford and online across the UK are forms of one‑to‑one talking therapy, offering a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained therapist.
As a qualified counsellor based in Rayleigh, Essex, I offer therapy for individuals seeking support with anxiety, stress, relationships, life transitions, neurodivergence, and emotional wellbeing. Counselling provides an opportunity to be listened to without judgement, helping you to better understand yourself, work through difficulties, and overcome challenges that may be holding you back in daily life.
Many people come to therapy with something specific they would like to work towards, such as improving confidence, managing overwhelming emotions, or making meaningful changes. In these cases, counselling can help you clarify your goals, develop coping strategies, and explore any barriers that may be getting in the way.
However, therapy is not only about achieving goals. It can also be a space for reflection — a supportive, non‑judgemental environment in Rayleigh and across Essex (or online) where you can talk openly, process your experiences, and feel heard and understood.
Counselling sessions can be short‑term or long‑term depending on your individual needs. Everything you share is treated as confidential, helping to build a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship, which is central to effective counselling and positive change.
FAQ’s
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After an initial conversation over phone or email, I will invite you in for an assessment at my private practice in Rayleigh, Essex. This is an opportunity to explore in more depth what brings you to counselling, what you would like to change and what you would like to work on. It's also a chance to ask any questions you may have about the counselling process.
After this initial process, and if you feel comfortable to move forward then we will agree a regular time and date to meet.
Of course there is no obligation to continue after our assessment. Maybe you feel that I am not the right counsellor for you or you feel that counselling isn't for you – and that is OK!
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Session’s usually last a therapeutic hour which is 50 minutes.
For children sessions are usually 45 minutes.
Sometimes, I can offer double sessions but these are usually a one off, as therapy can be intense.
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Therapy can be short term or long term. I recommend that in the first instance we agree to meet weekly for the first 6-12 weeks, then we can re-assess frequency.
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Session’s can take place either face to face in my office in Rayleigh, Essex or it can take place online.
Occasionally, and where agreed I will offer a telephone session.
Children’s session’s take place face to face.
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Absolutely!
All session’s are confidential unless there are serious concerns and where possible this will be a collaborative process.