Counselling for People-pleasing, Guilt and Self-Criticism Online
If you are overthinking conversations, feel responsible for other people's feelings or avoid conflict, psychodynamic counselling can help. Even when things seem to be going well, you may feel held back by self-doubt or a persistent sense of guilt. These patterns often aren't the problem themselves but are solutions to deeper ones. Standard CBT, anxiety medication or coping strategies do not get to the cause.
Jamie Doherty (MBACP Accred) is an accredited psychodynamic counsellor based in Leicester, offering counselling in person and online across the UK. He focuses on people who struggle with guilt, self-criticism, and patterns of putting others first at their own expense. These can contribute to anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms.
Psychodynamic counselling explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns alter your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and ways of coping. Jamie offers a confidential and professional space where you can slow down, reflect, and get to the root of the problem. This isn't about advice or coping strategies but understanding why these patterns developed and what they're protecting you from.
He trained and worked at the Leicester Psychodynamic Counselling Centre, where he helped clients with various struggles from all walks of life as well as assisting in training counselling students.
From the Blog
Jamie writes about guilt, anger, and people-pleasing. Read more on the blog
A free initial consultation is available to see whether this style of counselling would be right for you.
Not sure if counselling is right for you?
The fee is £50 for a 50-minute session, held weekly.
To ensure safe and effective therapy, Jamie works with adult clients experiencing emotional conflicts suited to psychodynamic exploration.
He is not equipped to support those in active psychosis, substance dependency, or under 18, nor does he offer couples or group therapy.
If this resonates with you, you are welcome to get in touch via the contact page to discuss how you might work together.
Jamie offers a free initial consultation to get to know you, your struggles, and decide on the next step.
Counselling for guilt, shame and self-criticism
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Feeling guilty when you have done nothing wrong
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Feeling guilty for having needs
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Feeling guilty for resting or enjoying yourself
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Feeling guilty when receiving help
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Feeling guilty when others are struggling
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Feeling ashamed of your emotions
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Feeling guilty for being angry
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Believing you are selfish, bad or uncaring
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Taking responsibility for things outside your control
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Replaying situations and judging your behaviour
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Struggling to forgive yourself
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Experiencing a harsh inner critic
Counselling for people-pleasing and setting boundaries
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Difficulty saying no
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Agreeing to things you do not want to do
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Fear of disappointing people
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Automatically putting others first
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Changing your opinions to fit in
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Hiding your genuine feelings
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Avoiding disagreement or conflict
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Feeling anxious when someone is unhappy with you
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Struggling to communicate your needs
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Finding boundaries uncomfortable
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Suppressing anger or frustration
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Feeling resentful after helping others
