Benjamin Bestwick

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Integrative Counsellor MBACP & MNCPS (Acc)

About me

Hi, I’m Ben — thank you for taking the time to read a little about me.

I’m a qualified integrative counsellor offering a calm, confidential space where you can talk freely and be heard without judgment. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply need somewhere to breathe, I’m here to walk alongside you.

My approach is rooted in humanistic values. I see you as the expert in your own life, and believe healing happens through honest, respectful connection. I'm not here to “fix” you, but to support you in exploring your experiences and finding your own way forward.

I work with adults and young people aged from 16+, supporting a wide range of concerns — including anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship issues, and the everyday pressures of life. No problem is too big or too small to bring into therapy.

Alongside my private work, I also provide counselling and group support through a local charity, helping individuals process difficult life experiences with compassion and care. This work informs my trauma-aware approach, but I welcome anyone seeking a space to feel heard, understood, and supported.

If something here resonates, feel free to get in touch. I offer a free introductory call so you can ask questions and see if I might be the right fit for you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

Core Qualifications

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – AIM Qualifications
  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling – AIM Qualifications
  • Level 2 Introduction to Counselling – AIM Qualifications
  • Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Diploma in CBT and Counselling
  • Clean, enhanced DBS (Adults & Children)

Specialist Diplomas

  • Diploma in Transactional Analysis
  • Diploma in Domestic Abuse & Violence Awareness
  • Certificate in Anxiety and Depression

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

  • Trauma-Focused Practice
  • Working with Sexual Assault and Incest
  • Specialist Counselling for Female Survivors of Sexual Violence
  • Male-Only Groups / Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
  • Working with Children and Young People
  • Grief and Loss
  • Bereavement Support
  • Understanding and Working with Attachment Styles
  • Attachment & Identity in Childhood
  • Working with Relational Trauma: Disorganised Attachment
  • Understanding and Responding to Child Exploitation
  • Depression and Young People
  • Sexual Violence Awareness
  • Computer Gaming Therapy

Professional Experience

  • SAIL – Male Support Worker (Counsellor), providing 1:1 and group support
  • FJ Academy / Therapy 4 People – Private Practice Counsellor
  • Wholebeing Wellness – Private Practice Counsellor
  • Early Help Officer – Supporting children, young people, and families across educational and safeguarding settings

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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
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

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£35.00 - £50.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

20 minute initial consultation is FREE

£50 per online session

£35 per session for trainee counselling students/students (valid student cards required)

£35 per session for Low-income

Limited spaces for low-income and trainees/students, however, please don't hesitate to reach out.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40

Type of session

Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check info

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

Online platforms

Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp
Discord

Social