Abbie Challen

About me

Counselling

I am a fully qualified and insured Counsellor (Humanistic Integrative) and Life Coach with over 5 years of combined experience in the Mental Health and Wellbeing field. I am a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and thereby abide by a strict code of ethics and conduct.

I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore and understand yourself, allowing you to work through any difficulties, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I use an Integrative Approach, rooted in person-centred (Rogerian) philosophies, which when put simply means I reactively use many different approaches to support you but always believe in your autonomy and that you have the answers. Much of the practice is about guiding you to your own solutions, aiding self-exploration and helping you by utilizing the strong, secure relationship we will develop. I may use techniques that draw from approaches such as CBT, Psychodynamic or Transactional Analysis, to adapt to your needs and give you the quality of care you deserve. Your goals and foci for the sessions will be regularly and gently reviewed, to ensure we are looking at what feels right for you.

Ultimately, the goal of the practice is for people to feel heard and accepted. I work on a relational level, so all clients should leave feeling lighter, heard and understood. I believe it is a privilege to hold a safe space for clients and that everyone deserves one. It is because of this philosophy that my practice has a holistic and restorative energy.

I would describe myself as congruent, honest and supportive. At times, I may offer gentle challenge to aid self-exploration. The practice is tailored to suit every client’s needs, but everyone should leave feeling accepted, clearer-headed and understood.

Coaching

As a life coach, my role is to support clients in actualising their potential. Together, we set, meet and exceed goals, modify behaviours and make positive steps towards you achieving your dream life. Not to be confused with counselling, life coaching guides you towards solutions with clear benchmarks to help you move forward in life. Similarly to Counselling, there is no hierarchy with coaches and clients, together we learn from one another, helping you to utilise the amazing skill set you already have to achieve what you want.