Person-centred counsellor in Bolton – Vicky Martin of Gentle Connections Counselling Service

About Me, Vicky Martin, Person-Centred Counsellor in Bolton & Online

Hi, I’m Vicky Martin, a qualified person-centred counsellor based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. I provide face-to-face counselling in Bolton and online therapy across the UK. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and easy to talk to. My aim is to offer a calm, steady presence where you do not have to put on a brave face or pretend to be coping. Whether you are looking for counselling for anxiety, depression, trauma, or women’s health challenges, I provide a supportive space to help you make sense of what you are going through

How I Work

As a person-centred counsellor, I meet you where you are, without judgment, pressure, or agenda. Many people I support come to counselling because they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in self-worth, or struggling after loss. Together, we explore your experiences at your pace, so that life feels a little clearer and lighter.

Specialist Areas

I have a particular interest in women’s mental health and offer counselling for:

  • Support through perimenopause and menopause

  • Finding a way through the grief of pregnancy loss or baby loss

  • Recovery after birth trauma

  • Coping with antenatal or postnatal anxiety and depression

I also provide therapy for:

  • New parents, including fathers, adjusting to the changes of family life

  • Living with the challenges of chronic illness

  • Adults and young people working through the impact of difficult relationships, neglect, or abuse

These challenges can affect our sense of safety, self-worth, and trust. My role is to offer a grounded and compassionate presence as you find your way forward.

Quote on a calm ocean background: ‘Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.’ – Brené Brown. Shared by Gentle Connections Counselling in Bolton

Background and Experience

Alongside my private practice, I have gained experience in settings that continue to shape the way I work today. I previously spent time in the NHS within perinatal care, supporting women and families during pregnancy and early parenthood.

I also volunteer with several charities that are close to my heart. Through Home-Start, I support families with young children; with a bereavement charity, I walk alongside people grieving pregnancy and baby loss; and with a young persons’ homeless charity, I support young people living with trauma and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

These experiences have given me a deep appreciation of how life’s challenges — from grief and trauma to family ruptures and early difficulties — can affect the way we feel about ourselves and others. They have also strengthened my commitment to offering a grounded, compassionate presence in my counselling work.

Vicky Martin, counsellor in Bolton, walking with her dog on a beach at sunset. The footprints in the sand reflect her calm, reflective way of being.

A Little More About Me

Outside the counselling room, you will often find me walking in nature with my dog, curled up with a good book, or getting messy with a craft project. I also enjoy yoga and spending time with my family.

The photo here is of me at the beach with my dog at sunset — a place that feels peaceful and grounding. Those walks remind me how important it is to pause, breathe, and notice the small moments, something I also encourage in counselling.

I carry this calm, reflective way of being into my counselling work, offering a steady, compassionate presence for whatever you may be facing.

Next Steps

If you are looking for counselling in Bolton or online, I offer a free 20-minute consultation. This is a relaxed conversation where you can share what you are looking for, ask questions, and see if I may be the right person to support you.

Let's Talk