About me
Hiya I’m Amy, thanks for having a look at my page. If you’re here, you might be thinking about talking to someone.
That first step of contacting a counsellor can feel like a big one, it's ok if it feels weird or a bit awkward, I remember being in that position myself. I’ve sat on the other side of the counselling room, so I know what it’s like to take that first brave step. This is why I aim to offer a warm space where you can talk at your own pace, at first contact and beyond. There's no pressure and no judgment, just a want to understand what's brought you here.
The way I work is collaborative, meaning that during sessions with me, we will explore your thoughts and feelings together. I'm not here to fix or tell you what to do, but I will support you in tuning into your own answers.
I am an intergative counsellor, meaning that I use Person-Centred theory, which looks at how we relate to ourselves while respecting an individuals ability to access their own resources. I also use Psychodynamic theory which explores how our unconscious processes show up in the present. I will also draw on the relationship that we build during counselling, this being an important part of informing how we might work together.
I believe in the power of counselling, having benefited from having counselling myself. I feel strongly about the importance of ethical practice and work towards the values outlined in the BACP ethical framework. Core to my way of working is client autonomy, ensuring that clients are able to make their own decisions in a supportive environment. While I value client autonomy, I also believe that counselling is not passive. I will actively engage in the process offering empathy, my own perspective and sometimes a nudge when something might benefit from a closer look. I will always aim to do this in a way that respects your individual needs and process.
If any of this resonates, or you’re just a bit curious, please do get in touch.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from Gloucestershire College.
I have spent the majority of my practice working at a counselling charity. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, each seeking counselling for unique and varied reasons.
I have worked with people living with anxiety, depression, trauma & psychosis, I have supported people living with the impact of sexual and domestic abuse. I have experience working with neurodivergent people, plus those who are exploring gender and sexual identity. Having worked with many clients who have experienced complex trauma, this is a particular area that I feel passionate about.
It is important to acknowledge that counselling is not just about crisis, there is no 'bad enough' or a measure of distress that makes counselling appropriate. Counselling is for anyone who thinks it might be what they need, no pre-conditions, experiences or circumstances required.
In addition to my counselling practice, I am also a lecturer at Gloucestershire College, teaching CPCAB counselling courses.
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
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer counselling at a rate of £55 per session. Concessionary rates are available for trainee counsellors - please feel free to get in touch to discuss.
Please note, I’m unable to offer counselling to trainees currently studying at Gloucestershire College, due to my current teaching role within the counselling department.
Just one tiny tech tip while you're here... If you drop me an email and don’t hear back, it might be because my reply has taken a detour to your spam folder (rude, I know). I always respond, so if it seems like I’ve gone quiet have a quick peek in your junk mail - my response might be hiding in there.
When I work
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I am offering in person sessions on Thursdays, appointment times are flexible, My practice is located in Cheltenham Town Centre by the Royal Well bus station.
Further information
What to expect in your first session
Once we connect, I will arrange an introductionary phone call so we can chat through availability options, and so I can undertsand what you're looking for from counselling. All being well, I will book a regular timeslot, I will then send all the details about the first session in a confirmation email, with the counselling agreement contract attached for you to have a look at.
The first session is a chance to get a sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable with me as your counsellor. I encourage you to 'shop around' for a counsellor that feels right, I welcome the decision to stop sessions if I'm not the one for you!
Whatever you bring to the first session and beyond is welcome. You may have nerves, questions, or concerns about accessing counselling for the first time, maybe there are some worries about “explaining everything again” to a stranger. Or perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed about where to begin. Whatever your experience, I am here to come alongside and together, we’ll take it one step at a time at a pace that feels right for you.
