Anita Jane Hood, BA (1st Class Hons) Integrative Counselling, MBACP

About me

The fact that you are on this website means that you have already taken the first step towards change.  This decision may fill you with anxiety around what to expect and I would like to reassure you that you are not alone with these feelings.  This is the first step along the way to gaining clarity and insight into whatever may be troubling you or you wish to explore.

A little about me...

I am a wife and mother and have worked in a number of different areas - for a firm of lawyers, in primary schools, a high school and the NHS.  I have gained a huge amount of life experience, both within my personal life with family and through my professional life.  Through working in fairly diverse areas I began to understand that, as humans, absolutely anyone can experience pain in some form - perhaps through mental health issues such as low self-esteem, depression, stress or anxiety, or situational difficulties such as poverty, illness or relationship breakdown.

I have a lot of personal experience of difficulties and understand just how challenging life can be at times particularly with depression, anxiety and stress-related issues and also the pain we can experience at various points in our lives.  However, I believe that it is through difficult and painful situations that we grow and, given the correct environment, these painful times can serve to enable us to flourish.

As an Integrative Counsellor I am able to draw upon different theories and styles to support you in therapy, according to your individual needs and wishes.  In broad terms, I am able to work from Examples of different approaches include Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

However, despite these different approaches, it is the relationship which has been proven to be the single most important factor in the healing process - I truly believe that the counsellor-client relationship is the most important aspect in bringing about change and quote the words of Irvin D. Yalom:  "It is the relationship which heals", a solid, trusting, non-judgemental relationship.  I offer a calm and sensitive approach to support you and enable you to explore any worries and concerns from the past, present or future.  This then provides you with the opportunity to gain increased self-awareness and the confidence to make any changes in your life.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to the guidelines of their ethical framework.  I am also a member of the Suffolk Association for Counselling.  I also attend professional developmental courses and meet regularly with my supervisor to ensure I am able to work in the best possible way to meet your needs.

In addition to my private practice, I  volunteer with MTCIC (Mentis Tree CIC - Acorn Counselling) working with a broad range of clients experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence/low self esteem, concerns with ageing, relationships, OCD and many more.

My integrative training enables me to use a number of approaches such as I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and also a member of the SAC (Suffolk Association for Counselling).

I am DBS checked (Certificate No. 001511389127), fully insured and subscribe to the regulations of the Data Protection Act 2018.

How may counselling help me?

Counselling provides an opportunity for you to explore your concerns in a safe space where you can talk in complete confidence, without fear of being judged. It is an equal relationship where we work together to explore your concerns, with the aim of enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your difficulties.  Counselling does not involve me giving you advice; rather the aim is to help you to understand yourself and so to be able to make decisions based upon that understanding.

What will be covered in the initial session?

I offer an initial session at a reduced cost of £20; this session gives you the opportunity to decide whether I am the right person to help you and to discuss what you would like to gain from the therapy.

Where are you?

I work from comfortable premises located in Ipswich which are easy to find, with free parking nearby; alternatively the area is also well-served by public transport.

How long are the sessions?

I offer one-off sessions or short-term or long-term therapy. Sessions last for 50 minutes and are booked on the hour.

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions cost £35. I offer an initial session at a reduced fee of £20 to give you the opportunity to decide whether I am the right person to help you and to discuss what you would like to gain from the therapy. Thereafter, sessions are charged at £35 although I do offer a concessionary rate to students/unemployed of £25.

How many sessions will I need and how are the appointments made?

I offer both short and long term therapy, depending upon your needs.  Sessions are usually booked weekly at the same day and time each week; this means that you can plan ahead, although if this does not suit you we can talk about this.

It is difficult to predict how many sessions you will need - I work by 'checking in' with my clients frequently to consider how our work is going and this also gives you the opportunity to reflect on how many further sessions you may need.

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

Appointments may be available with one week, although at busy times this may be a little longer.

What about confidentiality?

All sessions are confidential within the professional guidelines of the BACP and will be fully explained during your first session.

How do I pay?

Payment is made by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, however small, do please feel free to get in touch - either by email, phone call or text message and I will get back to you at the earliest opportunity.