Diane Aspell

I offer counselling sessions for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.  I know that, for many, even the thought of beginning counselling can be daunting.  I hope that my non-judgemental, informal and flexible style makes that first step easier to manage.

Because the range of challenges that people face in their lives is so diverse, I take an integrated approach to counselling – drawing on psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic and CBT ideas. I see the counselling process as collaborative – we will look at what your aims and objectives might be and look at how we can work together to achieve them.

Individual counselling

Counselling offers the opportunity for you to talk about the difficulties that may be causing you emotional distress and that you feel you cannot manage on your own. I offer the space to do this in an open and confidential way that is rarely possible with friends and family. This may include exploring how earlier childhood experiences might be influencing how you react/respond to certain situations. The range of difficulties that you face might include relationships difficulties (intimate, family, social), mental health issues, sexual issues, abuse (domestic violence, sexual, emotional), illness, disability, anger, anxiety and stress.

Couples counselling

Counselling provides a space for couples to look into what is happening in their relationship.  It may be that you have reached crisis point – affairs, serious conflict, divorce and separation, illness, disability – and need urgent support. You may be stuck in patterns of communication that you feel helpless to change and are making you both unhappy. It may be that you want to look at making the best of your relationship.  Nothing is too trivial or too minor – we can look at whatever it is that is causing you concern.

Family counselling

I offer help to families who are finding their relationships problematic.  The reasons for these difficulties will be unique to each family but examples are couple/marital difficulties, issues around separation and divorce, parenting difficulties, abuse in the family (violent, sexual, emotional), illness, substance abuse.  I provide a safe and supportive environment for each member of the family to have a voice and to be heard.  This can improve communication and lead to a greater understanding of each other.  Each family works out what is the best way forward for them.

Adolescent counselling (11-18 yrs)

Often, it is other people in a young person’s life who make the decision that he/she might benefit from and should enter into counselling.  The majority of young people, however, report at the end of counselling, that it has been very helpful.  They feel happier; are better able to deal with their problems and are better able to concentrate.   I offer a safe and confidential space for young people to talk about the wide range of difficulties that they might be experiencing in their lives.  These can include anxiety, depression, abuse, bullying, self-harm, difficulties in their relationships, dealing with parents’ problems etc.

Additional information

I have extensive experience of working with clients from all sorts of different backgrounds.  Aside from my private practice, I have been a Relate counsellor since 2007 and am qualified to work with young people, individuals, couples and families.  I also counsel individual clients of Launchpad, a charity that helps some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Reading turn around their lives.

I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and adhere to their Code of Ethics and Practice.

Health anxiety
Social anxiety
Solution focused therapy
Play therapy

I offer daytime, evening and weekend sessions.  Costs vary according to when the session takes place.

Individual sessions:  daytime - £70, evenings - £80, Saturdays - £90

Couples counselling: daytime - £80, evening - £80, Saturdays - £90

Family counselling sessions: £100

If you unsure about anything or would like some more information please contact me.