Tracy Hayward

*Equine assisted therapy available from June 2024 with Tracy, please enquire 

By searching for a counsellor online, you have already taken that difficult first step in acknowledging you might require support. You may be looking into whether counselling is right for you or your child.

Speaking with a counsellor you feel comfortable with, can enable you to find new ways of coping. You can talk about issues that you cannot talk about to anyone else, no matter how close.

Studies show that your relationship with your counsellor is the key to a successful outcome within therapy. How well we connect with our therapist is essential – clients need to feel safe, secure, and that they are working with someone they can trust. Good advice is to always trust your gut feeling and book an appointment initially with someone whose profile you feel drawn to.

(We also have an experienced male therapist working within this practice, please see website)

Originally I qualified as a registered general nurse, but since 1995 have worked with children in an educational environment. For eight years I worked as a learning mentor, and later a counsellor in a large middle school. Eleven years ago I left to concentrate solely on my private practice although still receive referrals from schools to work with students, parents and staff.

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate

Please check out the client testimonials in the section below.

I have a post graduate diploma in clinical supervision, offering clinical supervision to therapists and student counsellors. I also offer therapeutic supervision to individuals (and organisations) who would like to enhance their productivity and feel happier in their job, by exploring work issues that impact on them.

I offer online and face to face supervision

Counselling Adults, Children aged 8 upwards, Adolescents

Clinical and Therapeutic Supervision

I try and be as flexible as possible with appointment times and offer evening as well as daytime sessions, and work Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. 

Fees are be paid via bank transfer prior to the session to secure the appointment

Individual child sessions are for 40 minutes, weekly, £60 per session

Adult sessions are for 50 minutes, weekly, fee £60 per session

SUPERVISION - £60 for one hour, £80 for 90 minutes

At our first session we will discuss what might be causing you distress, I can check what you would like to work on, and we can explore together what you want to achieve from counselling. If you feel comfortable, and we establish that I am the most appropriate person for you to work with, then we meet weekly. We would review our work regularly to check you are getting what you want from counselling. Our work together may be short or long term, dependent on your needs and what is most useful.

When I work with children I may, depending on their age, invite you to the first session with your child to enable me to carry out an assessment. This will involve history taking, and an exploration of current issues.

I am an accredited member of the NCS, National Counselling Society and adhere to their professional framework. I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS certificate. Our counselling practice on the outskirts of Yeovil near East Coker at a converted barn, is private and safe, and sessions are held in a purpose built summerhouse.

Headteacher, local middle school 'Tracy is very warm and caring. I trust her judgements and she follows procedures very carefully. Her success made her role a cornerstone of our pastoral care system. Although Tracy has left our employment due to the success of her own private practice, we still buy in her services. She respects confidentiality, is reliable and has been a genuine asset to our school - I would highly recommend her to private clients.'

Headteacher, local primary school 'I cannot imagine our school without Tracy’s services, nor how we would support children effectively and in a time appropriate way without her. She has kept so many children optimistic, settled and positive in school, whilst they deal with difficult things that we would wish they never had to. Tracy makes an immeasurable contribution to our ability as a school to keep vulnerable children or those with a transient need, learning, moving forward and staying positive about school, their lives and their future. Tracy is an exemplary professional who I, my Inclusion Team, children and parents trust implicitly. I recommend her without exception.’

'These sessions have literally changed my life.'  C

'Not only did Tracy transform my child within 7 weeks, empowering her to stand strong, but as a parent I came away knowing that I also could say 'no' after my own session with her.' Anonymous

‘I was not sure that counselling was right for me but Tracy put me at ease, and I feel that I have benefitted greatly.’ B

'This counselling experience has given me the freedom to accept and like who I am/my beliefs, and my approach to life.'  C

'My son has made a lot of progress in a relatively short amount of time. I would definitely recommend Tracy as she quickly establishes a rapport with children and makes them feel at ease'  JD

'Tracy was extremely helpful and accommodating regarding sessions. She has given me great insight and support with my personal development.'  LP

'Being able to talk openly was a fantastic tonic for me. I now feel prepared for the challenges ahead!'  P

'I found that Tracy was so easy to talk to which helped me to open up.' L

'Tracy joined me on my rollercoaster ride and helped me work out what I really wanted from life and what I needed to let go of.'  H

‘ALL my sessions were helpful and I’m still working through some of what came out in our work’, C

'I am happier and making much better decisions - Tracy helped me to understand myself so much.'  CB

'All I wanted was some understanding and someone to listen, when I needed it the most.'  L

'Following sessions with Tracy our daughter has become more relaxed and is noticeably happier. We will certainly access her support again if she needs it in the future.'  JB

'Tracy's work with my daughter has made such a difference to her - she now has enthusiasm for learning and for life back. She's much more positive and developing friendships - it's so lovely to see her happy again. Without her input she could not have gained such a great outcome'.  LE

'My daughter was having a very difficult time. Tracy's sessions were invaluable. My child's confidence has grown considerably and she is enjoying life again.'  LS

'The help * received from Tracy through challenging times was vital. I would like to recommend her service to other parents.'  MW

'Our family has been through a very difficult time. But Tracy's help with our boys was comforting and productive.'  D

'Tracy has helped my daughter to gain confidence, and manage her behaviour better. We have seen a big improvement at home in her since their sessions.'  AB