Abigail Graves
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi, I'm Abi. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. I know that seeking therapy and finding the right therapist can be daunting, so I hope that the following information will help you to consider whether you would like to work with me.
My experience:
I'm an experienced psychotherapist and I work with adults age 16+. I have worked in NHS mental health settings for 10 years and the last few years within private practice also. I'm passionate about offering individuals a safe space, warmth and empathy in order for you to be able to work through the difficulties and painful emotions you may be experiencing. You may feel stuck in life and unsure of how to move past the barriers you are facing, which may be difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviours or relationships. Psychotherapy can be really beneficial in working through these experiences.
I have experience in working with a broad range of issues such as:
· anxiety
· depression
· childhood trauma
· low self-esteem
· relationship difficulties
· work related stress
· trauma or abuse (physical, emotional/psychological and sexual)
· spiritual and religious trauma
· emotional dysregulation
· borderline personality disorder or difficulties
· self-harm and suicidal thoughts
· …and more
I have particular interest and experience working with early relational trauma and associated difficulties such as anxiety and depression, emotional and attachment/relational difficulties or post-traumatic symptoms. I also offer work to individuals who have been involved in fundamentalist religious groups or cults and are wishing to work through the impact of that experience.
My approach:
I predominately work in a long-term open-ended way, meaning that together we have time to work through the layers of your experience. However, I also offer time limited work if that would be more suited to your needs and I would be happy to discuss this with you.
My approach as an Integrative psychotherapist means I will support you to understand your present day experiences within the context of your whole life, as our ways of 'being' are shaped and developed right from our very early experiences. This often means that the root of our difficulties is beyond our conscious awareness and clients can benefit from support to explore and understand why they might feel stuck in the way they do.
Another important element of my approach is that I am relational. This means that I am not a detached 'expert' in the relationship with the client, but rather I meet you as human to human and seek to provide a collaborative experience as we work through your difficulties together. In developing an attachment between therapist and client, often we can see relational difficulties play out in the room together, and this gives us a real or 'live' experience through which to work through things differently.
How to connect with me:
If you are interested in working with me, I would be happy to have a chat on the phone with you to see about working together, and if it feels right, to book in an initial assessment. At the initial assessment, you will have an opportunity to talk about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to get from it, as well as getting a sense of me and my way of working, and whether this is right for you.
I offer in person work based in Belper, as well as online work via zoom. I predominately work from my therapy room in my home, which is a welcoming and comfortable space. The location is accessible via public transport (bus and train), within walking distance of Belper town centre (10-15 minutes) and there is on street parking available.
If you're considering taking the plunge and starting therapy, I would really encourage you to do so. It can be a life changing experience and one that I would love to join you on!
Training, qualifications & experience
I am qualified as an Integrative Psychotherapist (masters level). I trained at The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute. The Sherwood Institute has a highly renowned reputation for in-depth psychotherapy training. As well as academic rigour there is a large emphasis on the therapists personal development and self-awareness, which is at the heart of what makes an good therapist.
I have worked as an Integrative psychotherapist for both charitable organisations and within private practice.
I have also worked for many years in an NHS group psychotherapy setting for individuals who have experienced complex trauma and have significant difficulties with emotional regulation and relational patterns, or those with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.
As well as my integrative training, I have completed training in mentalization based treatment (MBT), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), and art psychotherapy, and draw on elements of these modalities within my work. I am committed to continuing to develop my knowledge and skills as a therapist and regularly attend training and workshops. As well as this, I have also been through long-term therapy myself, and understand the experience of being a client.
I am also a qualified Occupational Therapist and previous to my work as a psychotherapist have many years experience working in NHS mental health settings, including within forensic and rehabilitation settings.
Member organisations
school 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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
My fees are £55 per session. I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation if you are unsure if you would like to commit to an initial session with me. I am also happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have about therapy via email or text.
When I work
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I work between 8 and 5 Monday to Thursday, and Friday 8 to 3, with some flexibility outside of these hours. Please get in contact to discuss a time that would work for you.
