Abbie O'Connor

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

she/her
Adv Dip, Registered Professional Member of NCPS

About me

Have you had difficulties with others not accepting you for who are? Perhaps for example you are neurodivergent, and others have failed to understand your needs, and that can be really isolating. Perhaps you have been through bullying, or other kinds of abuse? I understand that sometimes it can feel so hard not to be understood and accepted for who you are and sometimes that may make you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

I have some spaces at the moment, and could work with you online, over the phone or in person in Lower Clapton, Hackney (I am not far from Clapton, Hackney Downs, Hackney Central, or Homerton stations).

If we decide to work together, I would get alongside you to listen as you express what works for you, and look at what you need and what helps you feel better about you. I also can help you work through the aftermath of any bullying or trauma, and work out a way to get out of it if needed. I am experienced in working with survivors of abuse of many kinds, including those with complex trauma, dissociation and DID.

I really welcome trans and other LGBTQIA+ clients and understand the importance of identity, fully accepting ourselves and being affirmed by others.

I am sensitive to cultural differences and am open to learning about your personal experiences, including any impacts of prejudice or racism.


How I Work

I use an integrative approach, tailoring sessions to suit your unique needs. This means blending different types of therapy to find what works best for you. For example, I might use:

· Person-Centred Therapy to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to express yourself.
· Trauma-Informed Techniques to help you feel grounded and secure.
· Creative Methods for those who want to explore through art, storytelling, or movement.


Sessions are collaborative, and we’ll work at your pace to explore what feels right for you. Please get in touch if you would like to start some sessions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

My Training and Experience
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and have completed further training in:
· Attachment and Trauma
· Working with Dissociative Disorders
· Counselling Young People
· The Sesame model, which uses creative self-expression to explore inner experiences.


I’ve worked in various settings, including as a counsellor in a GP surgery and in, a carers support centre and in a charity for abuse survivors. I have also worked as a support worker in women's services and in mixed community projects over the past 25 years. This has allowed me to support people with a wide range of challenges, including survivors of complex trauma, individuals with learning or physical disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

I have 29 years of experience in supporting people who experience complex dissociation, and have in-depth understanding how to work with people with DID or OSDD and their partners or close supporters. 

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • Childhood Emotional Neglect
  • self-care
  • working with the inner child
  • sub-personalities
  • childhood issues
  • memories
  • incest
  • spiritual abuse
  • organised abuse
  • cyberharassment

Fees

£70.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • OAPs
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

Health Insurance/EAP

  • WPA
  • Aviva
  • Vitality

Additional information

Concessions may be offered for students if needed (depending on family income etc).

Some people pay privately, and others who come to me have insurance through work or a family member's work.

If you have Insurance with Aviva, Vitality or WPA, please contact them initially to get sessions authorised, so they can approve the payment for your sessions. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

Let’s Work Together

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to book an intro call or ask any questions. Together, we can explore a way forward that feels right for you.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

I offer online sessions. One of my locations in E5 has three steps and a hand rail to the entrance. Another place I work at in E5 has a ramp and is wheelchair user accessible.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Google Meet
FaceTime
Abbie O'Connor
Abbie O'Connor