Amber Castanho
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Life’s challenges can stir up a range of emotions and some may feel difficult to manage. Therapy offers a space to unpack these feelings, and I’m here to support you and walk alongside you as you navigate your path forward.
I offer long-term and short-term therapy, available online (via Zoom) and in person from my cosy and confidential rooms in Twickenham (TW2) and Richmond (TW9). Both my rooms are easily accessible by public transport from surrounding areas, and there is also paid parking close by.
My Practice
I am a fully qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a First-Class Honours degree in Integrative-Relational Counselling. Along with private practice, I have several years of experience working as an in-house psychotherapist at a busy GP practice. I have experience in working with a diverse range of topics, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family issues, ADHD, relationship problems, parenthood and trauma.
Integrative-relational counselling draws on a range of psychological theories, including psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be as unique as you are, and this approach allows me to collaboratively tailor how I can best support you, your experiences, and your needs so that you can get the most from your sessions.
My aim is to offer you a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental space and relationship that allows you to feel heard, understood, and empowered. Having gone through counselling myself, I have directly experienced the life transformation that good therapy can have, and it inspired me to become a psychotherapist.
What You Can Expect
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s normal to have questions or uncertainties. My hope is to create a warm, safe and welcoming space where you can explore whatever you like at the pace that feels most comfortable to you.
Free Introductory Call
Finding the right therapist for you is essential to a successful counselling experience. Therefore, I offer a free 20-minute introductory call to help you decide if I’m the right therapist for you. This is an opportunity to ask questions you may have, to share what you hope to explore in counselling, your goals, anxieties and needs, and to get a feel for whether my approach aligns with what you’re looking for. If we choose to proceed, we will discuss our counselling agreement, fees, and book your first session.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BA (Hons) in Integrative-Relational Counselling - First Class Honours
- Registered Member of the BACP
- NCFE Counselling Skills Qualification
- CPCAB Counselling Skills Qualification
I have a number of years of experience working as an in-house psychotherapist within a large GP practice.
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
The topics above are not an exhaustive list but reflect my areas of experience. However, you are welcome to talk about any concerns during our counselling sessions.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 - £75.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Introductory call - Free
Online (50-minute) session - £65
In-person (50-minute) session - £75
I offer a limited number of reduced rates for students, OAPs and those on lower incomes or unemployed. Please contact me if you'd like more information.
I also work with Vitality and Healix private health insurance.
When I work
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I have flexible working hours, and we can discuss on an introductory call what times suit you.
Further information
To ensure that I am providing the highest-quality counselling services to my clients and adhering to BACP guidelines, I receive ongoing professional supervision from a senior practitioner. Furthermore, to support and further my professional and personal development, I continue my learning through counselling courses, workshops, and reading.
