Simon Coombs

Hello and welcome to my page here in the Counselling Directory.

I imagine at the moment that you are feeling particularly vulnerable, unhappy and possibly overwhelmed.

But there is hope for you here. PLEASE VIEW MY VIDEO TO SEE HOW I CAN HELP YOU.

I work with people who live in Devon. Specifically, Torbay, Teignbridge, Plymouth and Exeter in the South West and via Skype in other parts of the country.

Searching for a counsellor at a time when you may already be struggling to cope can seem so difficult. However, you've made it here and that means you are on the way towards improving your emotional well-being and moving towards a better place in your life. And you won't be doing that alone. You'll be working with me.

All of us will experience times in life that will challenge us. We may struggle. You might not feel you can admit this to others, and often we may even have difficulty admitting it to ourselves.

However, the truth is that acknowledging that you need help or support shows you have the strength to seek a better, happier and healthier life for yourself. You don't have to settle for how it is now. With my support, you can make changes and begin to take back control of your life in a measured and empowered way.

Coming to Counselling and Therapy - What to expect

I've worked successfully with many people over a number of years. I can offer you genuine warmth as a person, and compassion for your problems, whatever they might be.

If you need help, you can contact me either by phone or email. First of all we'll have a 20 minute initial phone consultation. This is free of charge and will give us time to talk through what is troubling you, answer your questions, and book up your first session. It's very relaxed and informal so there is no need to worry.

When you come to counselling you'll be talking to someone who will listen and not judge you, irrespective of what brings you to me. We'll work together and explore your difficulties or distress in a safe and compassionate way. We might decide to try a number of approaches alongside Counselling, such as CBT, to see what best suits you. This is called Integrative Therapy but simply means you will get the service that works for you and not something rigid or inflexible. I'll use my training and experience as we work together to enable you to better understand your problems and take back control of what to do about them.

You may have one specific area to work on or numerous, but working with me, you will grow your confidence, self esteem and develop your own skills and understanding to be able to manage your own wellbeing better. And then you will notice that life feels better.


In my Practice

I provide a welcoming, compassionate, confidential and professionally safe environment where you will feel supported, valued and understood. That is my commitment to you.

As a Practitioner, I offer a blended,flexible approach incorporating Counselling, Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Together we can discover what works best for you, and build a relationship where we can explore your difficulties together and begin your recovery.

You can book day time and evening appointments - in person, via Skype or on the phone.

How I can help you

I offer short and long-term therapy for a range of issues you can find at the foot of this page including;

anxiety
depression
relationships inc separation and divorce
confidence and self esteem
dependencies
work and life stress
phobias
trauma inc PTSD
bullying
gambling and spending disorders

I work with individuals of every age, stage, gender and background. This includes Students in educational settings. I also work with couples.

I am a Registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical framework for good practice at all times as you would expect. I carry professional indemnity insurance and ensure ongoing professional development by attending courses and workshops on a regular basis.

If you are struggling and life is unhappy or unfulfilling contact me now.

Your journey to recovery starts here.

Spending and Shopping addiction/disorder.

LGBT.

NHS waiting lists can be up to 6 months or more. You may not want to go to your GP, or you might have been offered only one option such as CBT, and know that individual counselling is more likely to help you.

When we need help from a dentist or physio we go and get it. Your mental health is a priority to healthier living and thinking so why wait?

You're investing in your future health and wellbeing when you come to see me. And you are worth it. So think carefully when you choose a therapist. I will always be happy to talk and reassure you.

Session fees are 50 pounds per full hour, not the usual 50 mins. This is explained during a free initial phone consultation which usually lasts 20 mins.

If you’re on benefits or a low income there’s no reason why you can’t have therapy too. Subject to availability, I offer a reduced cost service if you can evidence your income. Please ask me about this when you first make contact.

Discounts for counselling students in training are available.

A 24 hour cancellation policy applies. Late cancellations will incur a charge of 50% of the session fee.

I practice in Devon primarily, in the South West. Sessions take place in private, appropriate and safe settings in person or can be held via Skype or on the phone.

In order to give yourself the chance to recover, I normally recommend 6 sessions as an average treatment plan. However, some clients improve sufficiently in less time, some need more.

Some clients like to see me on a weekly basis, others, fortnightly. Subject to availability the choice is yours.