Abi Spence

There are many reasons why you might decide to begin therapy. 

This might be what you are experiencing in the here and now; we are living in a time of great uncertainty, change and responsibility, with more access to information and more choice than ever before. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming. However, it could also be experiences from your childhood or more recent history which have been left unresolved, leading to anxiety, depression or toxic cycles of behaviour.

Whatever might have brought you to this point, I can provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space separate from your family and social group, in which to explore whatever you wish to bring. I work with adults on a one-to-one basis to assist you to process, respond to or engage with whatever might be preventing you from living your life to its fullest and happiest.

For 50 minutes, one day a week, you can be present and alive to your thoughts, feelings and sensations in a way that life may prevent you from being. I offer short term work (6-12 sessions) longer term (6 months to a year) or without a fixed time for the therapy to come to an end.

The most important aspect of being able to work together effectively is our relationship; whether you feel I am someone you can visualise yourself meeting with once a week. However, it's difficult to assess this from these brief words and a photo.

It can be daunting, not knowing what to expect, so here is how it might go:

First, contact me via any means that feels comfortable: phone, email, voice note or text are all fine.

After this, we can have a a brief phone chat or email exchange to discuss the details of the initial meeting; time, date, and what format the session will take (in-person, phone or online). 

The next step is the initial session. There is no fee for this, which is 25 minutes long. It can be online, on the phone or in-person. During this, we will discuss what has brought you to this point, your expectations of therapy and any other  questions you may have. There is no obligation to make any commitment beyond this session. If you would like to continue, we will pick a date and time to begin our meetings.

Where we will meet:

My consultation room is on the ground floor of a little house on a cobbled street. It is light, airy, peaceful and private. (I also do my online sessions here.) There is free parking in adjacent streets, and it is a 15-20 minute walk from York station. The area is also served by the 5 and 5A bus routes. I have no waiting room, so I ask all clients to arrive at the start time of their session.

Childhood trauma (including sexual, physical and emotional abuse)

Sibling relationships

Minority stress

Ex-boarders and boarding school survivors

Fertility issues (including fertility treatment, involuntary childlessness and miscarriage)

Post-partum depression (which can sometimes manifest as anxiety and hypervigilance as well as low mood and energy)

The introductory session is free of charge. This is 25 minutes long, and can be online, in person or on the phone. There is no obligation to continue after this introductory meeting.

Before undertaking six years of psychotherapy training, I worked in pressured, results-based environments. I have experience of managing multiple responsibilities, personalities and expectations.

I came to therapy as a client, and found it to be life-changing. I wanted to create for others what I had received: space, time and generous, attentive focus on whatever I happened to bring. 

By giving yourself the opportunity to examine your fears, motivations and actions with the help of a psychotherapist, I believe it is possible to gain clarity and understanding which can be transformative.