Astra Wiggins
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Looking for a new perspective? Get in touch for an initial, obligation-free discussion. This would provide an opportunity to discuss your specific needs or areas of focus. Please be aware that concessions are available for individuals facing financial challenges.
Selecting a counsellor may seem daunting at first! However, I emphasise the creation of a professional and empathetic therapeutic relationship, characterised by respect and trust. My commitment is to offer a conducive environment where judgment is absent, facilitating an exploration of your situation.
In light of the current global circumstances, navigating certain aspects of life can be overwhelming. Whether you are contending with pandemic-related stressors or specific challenges, I am here to provide support.
My experience spans addressing various concerns such as anxiety, panic, depression, self-harm, self-esteem issues, phobias, PTSD, bereavement, loss, bullying, anger management, coping with chronic health conditions, obsessive compulsive disorder, family issues, and relationship difficulties. Additionally, I help those seeking positive life changes or a supportive space to share and make sense of their experiences.
I operate a confidential and professional practice, accommodating both adults and teenagers. I am also a trained Cruse Bereavement Counsellor and School Counsellor.
My in-person sessions are held within a private clinic situation in Southend, and online services can be offered to those who require it.
If you are considering counselling and are ready to make the initial leap or looking for a new perspective on your current situation, I assure you a thoughtful and compassionate approach. I aim to assist you in navigating challenges, fostering positive changes, or promoting greater self-awareness.
Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a diploma in Counselling and a Level 5 equivalent Practitioner Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. My approach is integrative, drawing from various modalities such as CBT, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Creative Therapy, and more.
Rooted in Person-Centred principles, my counselling is built on honesty, non-judgment, and empathy, operating on the belief that every individual possesses inherent goodness and the potential for personal growth. I tailor my approach based on you, the client, from different modalities as needed.
Qualifications:
- Level 5 Equivalent Practitioner Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, VCTS
- Level 4 Equivalent Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which accredited to the NCPS, VCTS
- Level 3 Equivalent Certificate in Counselling Skills
- 100 Supervised Counselling Placement Hours
- Cruse Bereavement Care Certificates in Bereavement Support and Suicide/Traumatic Death Support
- CPD Safeguarding Training, Olive Tree Centre, 2hrs
- CPD Unhealthy Relationships Course, VCTS, 5hrs
- CPD Empowering Care: Enhancing eating disorders
awareness and support in Essex Event, 7hrs - CPD LBGTQ+ Awareness Training Event (An Introduction to LBGTQ+), 90mins
- CPD LBGTQ+ Awareness Training Event (Breaking Down Barriers), 90mins
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£35.00 - £40.00
Additional information
Fees from £35 to £40
Concessions offered for
- Low income
- OAPs
- Students (University)
- Unemployed
Additional information
I offer face to face Counselling at Victoria Counselling, in Southend.
Online Counselling for 50 minutes costs £40
An individual 50-minute session face to face costs £40
I offer reduced rates for young people, university students, pensioners, and those struggling financially of £35 per 50-minute session.
Call or email for a free informal discussion to discuss and identify your needs and establish whether I am the right Counsellor for you.
Further information
Currently, I volunteer at Olive Tree Centre.
Before my counselling training, my background included working with youth groups at my local church. I also hold a BA Hons Degree in Journalism.
