Jacqueline Higgs

Life is challenging. Often its difficult to see a way forward. Sometimes you find yourself repeating the same old patterns, wondering how you got to this point again. You may have a feeling that something's not quite 'right' or that you 'should' be happy, but don't understand why you're not. This is where counselling can help; it can help you to understand the choices you have made, move you in a more positive direction and lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Counselling can also help you to make those difficult decisions that seem to prevent you from moving on in life; help you to see that there are other choices and that you can 'survive' the 'next step'. Sometimes, just having the space to talk to an impartial and complete stranger about the worries you're experiencing is enough to start things moving in the direction of your choosing.

I am an experienced Humanistic counsellor  and in my private practice will provide a safe, quiet and confidential space for you to look at what's going on in your life. I understand that coming to see a relative stranger to talk about difficult and often painful concerns is not an easy thing to do. But I do believe that the relationship between client and counsellor is an important part of counselling, and establishing a relationship with you that is warm, empathic and non-judgemental will help you to explore those concerns. I also understand that not everyone is the same and what works for one person may not work for another, so I use an integrative approach, incorporating Gestalt, Person-Centred therapy, Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT). For a more comprehensive list of issues that I work with, please see below.

I believe that everybody has the potential to change, given the right conditions.


Counselling Experience

I worked at The Heart of Kent Hospice as a bereavement counsellor for two years, helping relatives and friends come to terms with their loss.
At Counselling Plus Community, a charity organisation providing counselling to those on benefits or low-income, I worked for four years with referrals from the NHS; adults who presented with a wide range of issues including abuse (sexual, physical, mental), depression, phobias, trauma, self-esteem/low confidence, terminations, bereavement and loss, self harm, relationship issues, sexuality issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I then became the Deputy Manager for this charity for 4 years running various projects (which included the provision of counselling for victims or rape, provision of support for those feeling suicidal, running anger management groups). I now work for the charity as a Clinical Lead and supervisor.
Since 2007 I have also worked as a family therapist, working with young people and their families as well as working for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) within Kent. I am currently employed by Special schools in Kent as a school counsellor working with young people with issues such as autism, ADHD etc.
I have also run a private practice for the last 18 years working with adults, young people, families and couples presenting with wide ranging issues.

One-to-one, individual counselling will be charged at £45 per session, payable at each session.

One to one clinical supervision will be charged at £55 per hour, payable at each session.

Sliding scales available for trainees counsellors/supervisors

How Does it Work?

Once you have made the initial contact, I will respond to you the same day - due to the nature of the work, I may be counselling/supervising and unable to speak to you directly at that time. I will ask you some brief questions regarding the nature of your issues and you will have the opportunity to ask anything you're unsure about.

We will then arrange an appointment when we can meet.

The initial session takes the form of an assessment in which we discuss whether we can work usefully together. If this is not possible, we can discuss other options to help you find the support you need.

The subsequent sessions usually takes place at a mutually agreed time at the same time each week.

I offer long-term, open-ended counselling, which allows a greater exploration of your issues at greater depth. Or, short-term, solution focused counselling is available.

I offer both daytime and evening sessions, subject to availability.