Fran Roberts

Style of counselling I have been an Integrative counsellor for over a decade and use a variety of approaches including CBT, MBCT, person centred and solution focused brief therapy. I combine these approaches according to the clients’ needs, believing strongly that no two people or issue can be solved with one process.  I specialise in many areas including anxiety, depression, identity issues, relationships, self-esteem, well-being, self-harm, couples and general counselling.

Walk and Talk Therapy Another way to meet is outdoors. Sitting face to face with someone can feel quite intense so walk and talk therapy can be an interesting alternative. The session involves a 50 minute walk around a park where the fresh air and greenery can contribute to the therapeutic experience. I provide umbrellas if needed and there are covered spaces we can also shelter in if necessary. 

Why come and see me A variety of concerns can bring someone into counselling, and it’s not always an easy decision to make. My practice considers the difficulties surrounding that decision and the process itself. I work closely with you to build a working relationship that reflects your specific needs and goals, as an individual and a couple.  And I encourage regular updates on how we feel it is going and if there are any changes that need to be made. It is vitally important to me that you are comfortable with the path we are on.

What to expect in your first session Your first session is the assessment where we get to know each other a bit better. It is really important that you like the counsellor you work with so in the assessment I encourage you to ask me about anything you feel is important in making this decision. It is also where you can tell me more about yourselves and why you want to come into counselling. We then work out a possible plan before you make your choice.

Online Therapy There are a few things to consider when deciding to see a therapist online. Do you have somewhere private and quiet you can meet. Do you have access to a stable camera and somewhere comfortable to sit. If so, then I believe online counselling can be as effective as face to face. It also means I can offer more flexibility in when we can meet and it allows you to slot your sessions in to your own schedule more efficiently. And in these uncertain times knowing you have a safe space on a weekly or bi-monthly basis that won't be impacted by restrictions can be extremely comforting.

Mindfulness For the past 8 years I have found that my work has focused more and more on the area of mindfulness and self-care and I have written a book with my twin sister about how to live a mindful life. This area has always personally interested me and I use it to help me understand myself better and focus on what’s important. I am also consistently amazed at the impact it has on clients from all backgrounds with a variety of issues. The clients themselves talk about feeling in control, content, focused and calm, but most importantly, more 'themselves'. I have witnessed clients move from a place of anger and fear to calm and resilient. Knowing how and why your mind works the way it does allows you to take responsibility for what happens in there. You are able to become the witness to your thoughts and recognise negative thought patterns and unhelpful thinking. You are able to find space and calmness in a moment, even when the rest of the world is rushing by.

Workshops Myself and my colleague, Jane Taylor, are two practising psychotherapists with more than 20 years’ experience between us of working with clients from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Combining this experience and using the latest research in neuroscience we have created an exciting and efficient course in managing the daily life stresses that limit us. 

With three one-hour workshops we will show participants how and why awareness is the key to change using a variety of tools that we also use in our own day to day work with clients.  We will show you that by developing your awareness you can gain more control, worry less, achieve more and reach your full potential. For more information please contact me.

£65-£90 per hour for individual and £100 for a couples session. This can be discussed at your assessment and a few limited spaces are available for a reduced fee for individual therapy. 

I have co-written one book called The Mind Diet: Detox with my twin sister and we are currently working on our second book. The first book has been designed to help people develop a self-care plan that suits their lifestyle. We explain the different ways you can explore attaining a calmer mind and various nourishing activities to refresh and reinvigorate you.