Amanda Wanless
Email meAbout me
My name is Amanda, though most people call me Mandy. At my core I am a person-centred counsellor which means my aim is to focus on how you see yourself rather than me telling you how you should feel! Essentially, I want to help you get back in tune with your own inner values and to help develop your self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence so you can overcome the obstacles in life which are causing you distress. By feeling more empowered you will be able to find the way forward which is right for you as an individual.
In our work I will always be open and genuine with you, which at times may include challenging your thoughts and feelings. I may also, if relevant, integrate other approaches such as psychodynamic therapy. I strongly believe that we are shaped by everything that happens in our past. So, as well as concentrating on what is happening now, we will also explore your childhood or any early trauma.
Choosing a counsellor is daunting. At first it may seem hard, possibly embarrassing, sharing your inner thoughts and feelings to someone who initially is a stranger. However, if you can take that first step, I am here to listen and then help you explore and resolve your problems in a supportive environment, without being judged. My aim is to help you move forward in a way that is right for you.
I meet with clients in a private, comfortable room. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday, including early mornings and late evenings. Parking is available. On occasion sessions can be held via telephone or Skype.
The above is just a very basic outline of my work but please contact me if you wish to know more.
Training, qualifications & experience
After spending over 20 years in the corporate world, I decided to get off the hamster wheel, re-train and have subsequently worked in Education, Youth and Family Services and the charity sector. Roles have included being a Family Support Worker and a Youth Mentor.
My counselling experience is varied and includes working with adults and young people in both private practice and within a counselling organisation, school and charity. Whilst I am a general counsellor I have a lot of experience in loss, bereavement, anxiety & depression and young people.
My work is primarily person centred focusing on the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard and is firmly rooted with the ethical framework of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) of which I am a registered member.
I hold both a Diploma in Counselling and a Foundation Degree in Counselling.
Member organisations
Accredited register membership
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Affairs and betrayals
- Anxiety
- Asperger's syndrome
- Attachment disorder
- Autism
- Bereavement
- Bipolar disorder
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career counselling
- Carer support
- Child related issues
- Childhood bereavement
- Childhood bullying
- Depression
- Depression and anxiety in children
- Disabilities
- Discrimination
- Domestic violence
- Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Feeling sad
- Gender dysphoria
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- HIV/AIDS
- Infertility
- Loneliness
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Miscarriage
- Panic attacks
- Physical abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Postnatal depression
- Pregnancy and birth
- Redundancy
- Relationship problems
- Self-harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sexual abuse
- Stress
- Trauma
- Work-related stress
- Young carers
Photos & videos
Fees
My charge is £50 for an individual 50-minute session. Concessions are available.
The Initial Assessment Meeting is £25.
Payments can be made by cash, cheque or by direct money transfer. If you wish to pay by direct transfer the details will be given to you upon booking. Payment by direct money transfer is required before each session.
Further information
Counselling sessions
Initial Assessment Session
In our first meeting I will carry out an informal assessment. The purpose is to find out what has brought you to counselling and what you wish to get from our work together. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have. Typically, in this meeting I will ask questions about your personal history and current situation, as well as your family background.
From this conversation, I will be able to decide whether I can help you and even more importantly, you can decide if you think you will be comfortable in meeting with me.
If we both feel counselling will be beneficial, I will give you copies of my terms and conditions and my privacy statement. We can either go through these in the meeting or you can take them home and read them.
Regular Sessions
If after the initial assessment you wish to start counselling, we will agree on a convenient time to meet each week.
We will carry on speaking together regarding your thoughts and feelings. We will work together to find the cause of these feelings and look at ways to manage or move forward with them. The sessions will go at your pace and we will focus on what you wish to bring to each session to work on.
Maps & Directions
Barnet, EN5
Type of session
| Online counselling: | Yes |
| Telephone counselling: | Yes |
| Face to face counselling: | Yes |
| Home visits: | No |
Practical details
| Sign language: | No |
| Other languages: | None |
Accessibility
| Wheelchair access: | Yes |
Availability
Monday - Saturday (early and late evening appointments are available)
Types of client
| Young people |
| Adults |
| Older adults |
