About me
Hi, I’m Abi and I hope that I help you in your search for a counsellor. Reaching out is the first brave step towards a happier and more fulfilling life.
Most people experience difficulties in their lives, and sometimes feel that they need some extra support. I understand that counselling can feel daunting and you may be unsure if it is the right course of action for you, so let me tell you a bit more to help you make that decision.
What to expect in the first session...
In this session we can talk about your reasons for wanting counselling and I can give you information about how I work, so that you can decide if I am the right therapist for you, if counselling is for you and if you would like to continue.
Where am I and what do I do.....
I work from home in Buckhurst Hill, offering both individual and couples counselling. Using the person centred approach I aim to build a relationship with you and to empathise with you using a compassionate and nurturing style.
I offer a warm, comfortable, safe and non-judgmental environment, where you can speak freely in a confidential setting. My aim is to help support you in bringing back the happiness, confidence and strength to your lives.
My experience......
I have had a diverse mix of experiences working with many different types of people and in particular, working with clients who have suffered physical and emotional abuse, anxiety, past trauma and unresolved issues from the past.
I also have experience working with vulnerable and challenging young people and teenagers, both in schools and in an agency settings. I also have years of working with people with ADHD and Autism.
I believe that each client is unique. As a therapist, I am able to offer you a flexible approach, where together we can discover what works best for you, and build a relationship, within which we can explore your difficulties together.
As a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy I agree to a code of ethics for good practice and I am subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure.
Training, qualifications & experience
My work with children and teenagers....
I currently work in my local community, counselling young people aged 11 to 25.
I also run a youth club for children aged 12 to 16, which offers young people a safe and comfortable place to go, where they can get away from the stresses of school and home life.
I am passionate about working with young people and I believe that their mental health is as important as their physical health.
In addition to my youth work, I also have extensive experience of counselling adults who have experienced addiction, trauma, rape and extreme emotional and physical abuse.
My qualifications...
I have a BA hons degree in Cultural Studies.
CPCAB Level 5 in Relational Supervision for adults and Young People. CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Certificate in Counselling Skills.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
I have full public liability insurance.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I am a qualified Supervisor for counsellors and psychotherapists
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Additional information
How many sessions.....
In the initial session, we can begin to get to know each other and you can start to talk about some of the reasons why you have chosen to seek help.
If you feel you would like to have counselling together, we can arrange either a number of sessions you would like to attend, (often useful if you are looking to resolve particular issues), or we can arrange for long-term open-ended therapy, which can be useful if you are looking to work on more general life issues.
Open-ended therapy finishes when you feel the time is right for you to bring it to a close, whether you choose short or long-term therapy, however long you choose to continue is up to you.
Regular counselling sessions....
Regular counselling sessions are usually weekly, they take place at the same time, on the same day, and last for fifty minutes. Sessions are available at £60 per session, and £90 per session applies for couples therapy.
Further information
My practice is a 15 minute walk to Buckhurst Hill Central Line station, 15 mins walk to Chingford overground station and a 1 minute to the nearest bus stop. There is also available parking.
Research has shown how important the relationship is between you and your therapist, so it is important you find someone you can work with and trust.
