Amanda Van Der Straaten

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Dip. Couns Reg MBACP
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Gillingham, Kent, ME7
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Life can get us all down at one time or another. Sometimes we can end up feeling very stuck unable to see an alternative and trudging along not knowing how to make changes or even if change is what we need.

How I work
I am a Person Centred counsellor with experience of working with both adults and young people. I work in a non directive way, allowing my client to steer the work. My view is my client knows how they feel, my role is to help them to work out what they can, or want, to change, and if necessary support change. I came into contact with counselling initially as a client so I am well aware how daunting it may feel to make that first contact. I hope we can find the way through together, to a happier stronger you.

What happens next
When you make contact I would look to respond with 48 hours. We would then talk about making an appointment and arrange something mutually convenient.
In the first meeting we would see if the way I work would suit you and if we get on. At that point we would complete a (short) contract which would set out what we expect of each other. This is usually how often we would meet my fees what you can expect of me and my expectations of your attendance and how payment would be arranged.

Training, qualifications & experience

I have a diploma in humanistic counselling. I have previously worked for four years for Young Healthy Minds a KCC commissioned service providing emotional well-being support to young people in Kent schools. Prior to that I have worked in a women's refuge dealing with the issues surrounding domestic violence and a Further Education College working with young adults who were experiencing emotional distress.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).

Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.

Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.

All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Fees

£55.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

£55 per session. (Some discounts may be available for those not in employment or suffering hardship)

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I currently work daytime Mondays

Duncan Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Amanda Van Der Straaten
Amanda Van Der Straaten