Ann van der Giessen

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her/she
Diploma Therapeutic Counselling MBACP

About me

Sometimes the world is a chaotic, busy place that challenges our mental well-being. It can feel like there is no space or time to process how we think and feel about things. This is where counselling can help. I want to provide you with a dedicated time reserved for the thoughts that are most important to you. Together we can explore feelings, where they come from, and how they are impacting you. We will create a space to support your mental health and well-being.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on different theories and ways of working based on what is best suited for you. This is bespoke therapy, because there is no cookie-cutter approach. Everyone has a unique story, circumstances, and challenges. I welcome clients from all walks of life and want to provide you with a space that feels safe to you. Reasonable accommodations can be made, and I encourage you to advocate for yourself.

Clients often aren’t certain what their aims for therapy might be; emotions can be confusing! Together we work to create clarity and help you develop your own insight. The power of therapy is that it can allow you to unlock your inner wisdom and lead to greater understanding of yourself. This can have a lasting impact on yourself and your relationships.

The most difficult part is making the first move. You’ve already made the first one just by seeking out a therapist. So, if you’re ready for the next step…

I offer a free 30-minute consultation to give you the chance to explore if this is the right fit for you. It’s a place where you can ask questions, and we can exchange information.

If you feel you are ready for a consultation, please email me to find out about booking a time.

I use secure end-to-end encrypted video chat for privacy. I also offer phone consultations if that is your preference.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a BACP registered member with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. My training focused on integrating modalities based on what is appropriate for each client. Alongside private practice, I am a volunteer bereavement counsellor for Marie Curie.

My education & continuing professional development has included:

  • Person-centred, CBT & Psychodynamic Modalities
  • Pre & Post Bereavement/Grief Work with Clients
  • Integrating Artwork and Creative Methods
  • Working with End of Life Clients
  • Neurodivergence in Counselling
  • Safeguarding in Private Practice
  • Suicide Awareness Training

I often work with adults who:

  • Experience grief or anticipated grief of loved ones
  • Struggle with loss surrounding: divorce, job loss or other life-changing events
  • Have difficulty coping with anxiety
  • Feel a lack of purpose or sense of direction
  • Struggle with burnout or emotional exhaustion
  • Are challenged with being a carer/compassion fatigue
  • Feel stuck in patterns that they would like to change
  • Want a better understanding of themselves
  • Want to work on relationships with others

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£55.00 per session

Additional information

I offer counselling students sessions at a discounted rate of £35 to meet your course requirements. I have a limited number of these spaces available. Please inquire.

Holywell, Flintshire, CH8

Type of session

Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly