About me
Hi and welcome to Barbara Farinelli Counselling.
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor and school counsellor, with Gestalt therapy at the heart of my practice. I offer counselling to adults, children, and teenagers in Canterbury and online.
I provide a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can talk openly about what is happening in your life. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or going through a period of change, we can start wherever you are and go at a pace that feels right for you.
My work is integrative, meaning I draw on different approaches depending on what is most helpful for you. Gestalt therapy helps us focus on the present moment and understand your emotions, and I may also use tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory, Compassion-Focused Therapy, or Internal Family Systems (IFS) when needed. This allows me to tailor each session to your needs, while keeping our relationship at the centre.
I work collaboratively, so whether you prefer a more exploratory, person-centred space or a slightly more structured, goal-focused approach, we can shape sessions together in a way that feels supportive and meaningful. When words feel difficult, I may gently include creative or experiential ways of working, particularly with children and young people.
As a school counsellor, I have experience supporting children and teenagers with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and navigating challenges at home and school. I also offer parenting support, helping parents feel confident in understanding and responding to their child’s emotional world. I work with neurodivergent children and young people, providing a calm and flexible environment where they can feel accepted and safe.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Level 6 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Counselling (ongoing)
- Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 Counselling Studies
- Level 2 Counselling Skills
- Level 3 Advanced Self-Harm
- DBS checked
- Mental Health First Aid
My Continuing Professional Development (CPD) includes training in:
- Suicide ideation and risk awareness
- Trauma-informed practice
- Working with couples
- Understanding addiction and substance misuse
- Neurodiversity-informed counselling 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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I currently have availability and offer counselling in person in Canterbury and online, so you can choose the option that feels most convenient and comfortable for you.
I also offer a free 20-minute introductory call, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and explore whether counselling feels right for you before committing to sessions.
I have a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for students, those on low incomes, or anyone currently unemployed. I currently offer a small number of online sessions on Saturdays (£60). Please feel free to get in touch to discuss availability and options.
I am bilingual and offer counselling sessions in both English and Italian, so you can choose the language that feels most comfortable for you.
I am a registered member of the BACP and committed to creating a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can feel heard and understood.
When I work
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Further information
I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel daunting. It is completely normal to feel unsure, nervous, or to question whether your difficulties are “serious enough” to seek support. Many people feel this way before starting therapy.
You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to counselling. We can begin wherever you are.
I offer a free 20-minute introductory call if you would like to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.
In our first session, we will gently explore what has brought you to counselling and what you hope might change. I will explain how I work, including confidentiality and practical arrangements, and there will be space for any questions you may have. There is no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions at this stage - you are welcome to take time to reflect before making a decision.
