When two weeks of every month feel like a different life

The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but current research points to an unusual sensitivity to the normal hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, rather than abnormal hormone levels in themselves. In particular, sensitivity to fluctuations in progesterone and its metabolites appears to affect serotonin systems in the brain, producing the severe mood symptoms that characterise PMDD during the luteal phase.

This explains why symptoms are tied so specifically to the two weeks before menstruation, and why they resolve once the cycle moves on. It also explains why PMDD can sit alongside — or be confused with — anxiety and depression, since it affects many of the same neurological pathways. A personal or family history of mood disorders, as well as a history of trauma, may intensify the experience.

Counselling cannot change the hormonal dimension of PMDD — that is a matter for your GP or specialist. What counselling can address is the significant psychological and relational weight that PMDD places on those who live with it, month after month.

A careful match, not a long list

Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.

During the consultation, we will ask about:

• What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns you would like support with
• Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
• Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
• Day and time availability that works around your life
• Any specialisms that matter to you — for example LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodiversity-affirming support, or particular life experiences
• Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you

All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.

Professional standards across our team

Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:

• Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
• Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
• Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
• Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
• Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
• Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards

Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.