About me
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a trained and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (registration number 410215). I practice in accordance with their ethical framework, ensuring you receive professional and ethical care throughout our work together.
How I work?
I offer a warm, person-centred approach grounded in empathy, respect, and real human connection. I will truly listen and understand your world from your perspective, creating a space where you can feel heard, supported, and safe.
Together, we will work in partnership to fulfill your needs. I can draw on a range of techniques to tailor our work to your individual needs, always respecting your values and moving at your pace. Our sessions will be regularly reviewed to ensure the therapy remains meaningful and effective for you.
I will bring a kind, compassionate and non-judgemental presence to each session, and will support you with genuine care, and professional integrity.
What happens in the first session?
In our first session, we’ll begin by going through the counselling agreement together, so you feel clear about how we’ll work, including confidentiality and what you can expect from the process. Once you're feeling comfortable, I’ll invite you to share what’s brought you to counselling at your own pace.
We may also begin exploring what you hope to gain from therapy and start thinking about any goals you'd like to work towards. This session is about creating a safe, supportive space where you can begin to feel heard and understood.
Will I need short-term or long-term therapy?
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some clients find that a shorter-term approach—perhaps 6 to 10 sessions—is enough to focus on specific issues such as building self-confidence or improving self-esteem.
For others, particularly those working through more complex or deep-rooted experiences like trauma, a longer-term therapeutic journey may be more beneficial.
We’ll discuss this together and review progress regularly to ensure the pace and length of therapy feels right for you.
My Experience
I have supported clients facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. These include:
Anxiety and depression
Low self-esteem and self-confidence
Bereavement and loss
Family and relationship difficulties
Self-harm
Addictions, including behaviour addiction
Suicidal thoughts
Stress and overwhelm
Trauma and abuse
My approach is always compassionate, non-judgemental, and tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances. Whatever you're facing, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore it.
Who I Work With
I work with individuals aged 13 and above, offering support to both adolescents and adults. I have specific experience in secondary school counselling and understand the unique challenges faced by young people during this stage of life.
I hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, last updated in June 2025.
How We Can Work Together
I offer flexible options to suit your preferences and needs. Sessions are available via telephone, Zoom, or face-to-face—depending on your location. I also offer walk and talk therapy, which combines the benefits of movement and nature to support emotional wellbeing. For many, being outdoors can add a calming, grounding element to the therapeutic process.
What If I Can’t Find the Answers I Need?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything before booking, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by phone at 07961 378034, send a text or WhatsApp message, or email me at ashawcounselling@gmail.com.
(I’ll get back to you as soon as I can and usually aim to respond to enquiries on the same day).
For more information please visit my website at https://ashawcounselling.co.uk/
Training, qualifications & experience
- BSc Psychotherapy & Counselling, Plymouth Marjon University.
- BACP registered member (MBACP).
I am experienced in helping people with difficulties, including:
- Anxiety, depression and general wellbeing
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Bereavement
- Sleep difficulties including insomnia
- Low confidence and self-esteem, and in particular;
- Recovery from trauma relating to abuse and adverse experience and
- Addiction
I have experience of working with young people, having provided counselling for 12-18s in a busy Plymouth secondary school.
I am inclusive, welcome difference and have experience of LGBTQ+.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 - £55.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Sessions by telephone or Zoom: £45 per hour.
Face to face sessions: £55.00 per hour.
Low income concessions (Limited places):
Telephone/zoom £35 per hour
Face to face £45 per hour
When I work
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Saturday mornings available by arrangement for telephone or online sessions.
Further information
Having been a national trust Area Ranger in a previous career I believe strongly in the healing power of spending time in natural surroundings.
My own interests include wildlife watching, walking and sea swimming.
