Since then, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients and have volunteered with Herts Mind Network since 2018. I’ve also supported clients through the NHS Talking Therapies programme — previously known as IAPT — which has given me valuable insight into how everyday struggles like anxiety, low mood, trauma, and stress affect people from all walks of life.
I'm also deeply committed to my own ongoing development. I’m currently studying towards my Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and training to become a supervisor in Talking Therapies — something I feel incredibly passionate about. I believe that to truly support others, we must stay open to learning and growing ourselves.
At Hummingbird Counselling, I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can pause, breathe, and speak freely. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck — I’m here to walk alongside you, at your pace.
I work with clients in-person in Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, and the surrounding areas, as well as online for those further afield. If you feel ready to take that first step, I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for considering Hummingbird Counselling. I look forward to being part of your journey.
A little about Hummingbird Counselling…
Hello, I’m Julie Kelly, and I’m the founder of Hummingbird Counselling.
My journey into counselling began when I volunteered with the Samaritans. It was there I discovered the quiet power of simply being with someone in their darkest moments — listening without judgment, holding space, and offering steady, compassionate support. That experience lit a spark in me that’s never gone out. In time, I realised this work wasn’t just something I cared about — it was something I was meant to do.
Looking back, the roots of that desire to help were planted much earlier. I was raised in a home where kindness mattered and community meant everything. My dad, a local postman, was a gentle, grounded man with a big heart. He didn’t just deliver the post — he noticed people. He’d stop for a chat, lend a hand, or check in on someone who looked like they were having a tough day. My mum, too, taught me the quiet strength of compassion — always putting others first, always ready to listen. They showed me, in their own ways, what it means to truly care.
Their example shaped how I see the world — and how I work. I believe in showing up with warmth, honesty, and a genuine wish to understand what someone is going through.
Like most people, I’ve faced my own emotional challenges. I’ve experienced grief, and I’ve navigated the ever-changing dynamics of being a step-mum in a blended family. These personal experiences have helped shape my approach — grounded, open-hearted, and free from judgment. I know how powerful it can be to have someone simply walk alongside you.
Living with dyslexia has also shaped my journey. It’s brought challenges around confidence and self-worth — but those same challenges have fuelled my determination. Qualifying as a counsellor at 46 was a deeply personal achievement, and a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your path.