John Williams

I am a qualified and experienced counsellor with my own practice in Carmarthen, West Wales.
Wherever possible I endeavour to see new clients within 24 hours of first contact when required. Please note, I am exceptionally busy at this moment and I may not be able to see you as soon as I would like to.

My office is conveniently located in a discreet and tranquil location, but within a few minutes walk from the town Centre, bus and railway stations. There is free parking to the side of the building, although if this is full there is a paying carpark less than 200 metres away (£1.50). I am in full time private practice and appointments are available every day, evenings and most weekends.

I have a background in professional health care and previously worked as a senior volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care as a Bereavement Counsellor, Supervisor, Trainer and Chair for the West Wales Area management committee. I qualified as an integrative counsellor in 2013 and since then have completed an additional 8 years training in transactional analysis psychotherapy.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (B.A.C.P) and The United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis, I adhere to the ethical framework set out by these organisations. I am also on the Professional Standards Authority accredited  register for approved therapists. I work with individuals, couples, groups/organisations on a face to face or online basis. I specialise in bereavement, anxiety/depression, couples counselling and have a special interest in neuro-diversity - autism, Asperger's Syndrome, AD/HD and highly sensitive people. I also have experience in many other areas. I am a clinical supervisor for other counsellors and facilitate trainings for senior counsellors.

Most of us need support at one time or another; counselling can help as it provides a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. It is very beneficial to talk with a trained counsellor who will listen and not judge you. The counselling I offer is a confidential service.

I believe that you are the expert on yourself and that counselling can help you discover hidden resources which can move you forward. Uncomfortable feelings or emotions can be an invitation to look at ourselves more deeply and integrate their messages into our every day lives. I will work with you in a respectful, professional and empowering manner. Sensitively working at your own pace and toward your chosen outcome. I am a pro-active therapist and will work with you in a collaborative manner valuing your individuality and equality. I will use techniques from transactional analysis and from my integrative therapy experience to assist you in your needs. Transactional Analysis (TA) is a comprehensive map of the human personality and of our interactions both within ourselves and with others. TA provides a simple and easy to grasp language in discussing complex processes. In addition to face to face counselling, I offer counselling online through a secure medical grade platform or if you prefer via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime, or by telephone. Please get in contact for details.

£45.00 for a sixty minute session.
£40.00 for the first assessment session *
£60.00 for couples for a 90 minute session (£55.00 for first session)
Supervision for counsellors £60.00 for a 90 minute session
Groups/Organisations by negotiation.

My fee may be negotiated for concessions.

* The first assessment session lasts for an hour, this is an opportunity for us to both meet each other and discuss what you want from counselling.

Please note I always allow at least 30 minutes between clients, this protects your identity and maintains a high standard of confidentiality. I work with adults and young people (18 or over)

BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF AND LOSS.
Bereavement can be a devastating experience, where our whole world goes into turmoil. This is one of the most shocking or shattering  experiences in life which can be difficult to negotiate. People who experience the death of a loved one can feel like they're going crazy and are swamped with strong emotions like anger, guilt, fear and sadness. The little things we used to find so easy can become a huge effort. People who care for us sometimes try to help by saying we should be over it by now. Bereavement is a unique experience to us all and there is no set time limit for grief. I have over 8 years experience within the field of bereavement in various roles such as counselling and group facilitation. I have worked with clients who have been bereaved through illness, homicide, suicide,  the loss of a child, multiple losses, accidental & sudden death to highlight just some of my extensive experience. There are various models of grief which may help you. Although in my experience people benefit from being listened to and having their feelings witnessed by a trained listener. I will be authentic and human with you. I will not medicalise you or hide behind forms or techniques. Being bereaved is like going through a torrential storm - there's no way round it, but going through the storm of grief can help you begin to rebuild your life.

COUPLES COUNSELLING.
Couples therapy is very different from individual counselling. The main focus of therapy is on the relationship rather than the people within it. My interventions are based on helping couples to achieve better interactions which helps the relationship to flourish. I will help you explore your communication patterns and how these impact on the fabric of your togetherness. Relationships progress through developmental stages which counselling can help you negotiate. I have a high success rate with couples and I find this work very rewarding. Not all relationships will flourish, some may end in separation, although actively attending counselling with a desire to change can be greatly helpful.

ANXIETY.
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, it can affect how we think, behave, feel and how we relate to others. Heightened states of anxiety can result in panic attacks. These panic attacks may vary in intensity with symptoms which can include: a racing heart or pulse, shallow breath, perspiration, an impending feeling of doom, body tremours and loss of consciousness. Panic attacks can literally feel like the person is experiencing death. Counselling can help you to recognise triggers and develop strategies to better manage your anxiety. Counselling can also help you explore where these worries originate from, which may be from your childhood and assist you in permanent, long lasting change. I have completed extra training in transactional analysis psychotherapy which is more effective for this deep work.