Ben Shears

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Adv. Dip. NCPS - Anxiety - Depression - Low Self-esteem

About me

Warm, down-to-earth counselling
Counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure where to start. I aim to provide a space that feels supportive, approachable, and down-to-earth — somewhere you can bring whatever you’re facing without fear of judgement. I offer sessions in person in Chudleigh (TQ13), online and via telephone, so you can choose what works best for you.

I work with a wide range of issues, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I work with adults of all ages, but I also have a range of experience working with young adults aged over 16 and working with clients with autism and ADHD. Past clients have described me as professional yet warm with a good balance of humour and perspective that helped to create lasting change. 

Therapy can feel overwhelming at times, so I put a focus on managing sessions to ensure they progress at a pace that's right for you. My integrative training allows me to adapt my approach to your needs, drawing on CBT, Gestalt, person-centred therapy, and mindfulness.

Free 30-minute consultation
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision. I offer a free 30-minute online consultation with no obligation to continue. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and see whether I’m the right fit for you.

What clients say:

  • “Ben is a warm and kind person… I would recommend him to anyone.” 
  • “Doing therapy with Ben over the past 5 months has been life changing. His sessions were engaging and practical; his calm and patient approach made it a thought-provoking process.”
  • “His observation and guidance are always astute, and I’ve gained an understanding of myself that has enabled me to tackle life with a confidence and reasoning I'd never had available before."

What to expect in your first session
I’ll explain how I work and go through practicalities, such as payment, cancellations, and confidentiality (including the few exceptions where information must be shared to keep you or someone else safe). You’ll have space to talk about your situation, what brought you to counselling, and any goals you may have — it’s fine if you’re unsure. We’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

After the session, you’re free to take time to decide whether you’d like to continue.

Training, qualifications & experience
I’ve trained and worked in a range of settings, which has given me experience supporting both adults and young people:

  • Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Heartwood College, Devon)
  • Accredited Registrant of NCPS, working under their ethical guidelines
  • Insurance cover with Holistic Insurance Services
  • Additional training in children and young people’s mental health and understanding behaviour that challenges

Previous experience:

  • Community counselling practice in Paignton
  • Youth Enquiry Service, Brixham — counselling young adults during the height of Covid
  • Primary school — supporting pupils with behavioural and emotional needs

Ready to get started?
If you’d like to see whether we’d be a good fit, book your free 30-minute consultation today. I’d be glad to hear from you and explore how we can work together.

Training, qualifications & experience

I began my training as a counsellor by studying a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills with Heartwood College in Devon. I returned to Heartwood College to complete my training, studying a Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Counselling. The course took a holistic approach, providing training in CBT, Gestalt, Person-centred Therapy and mindfulness. 

Before setting up in private practice, I worked with a local community counselling practice and Youth Enquiry Service Brixham counselling young adults. 

For a number of years, I have been working in a primary school supporting children with behavioural and emotional needs. I have completed additional training in this area including Level 2 Certificates in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges and Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health.

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

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 - £60.00

Concessions offered for

  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Refugees

Additional information

My basic fee is £55 for a 60 minute online appointment. 

In person appointments cost £60 for 55 minutes.

I offer a 20% discount for counselling students until their required hours are met and a 10% discount for university and college students over 18. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Chudleigh, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Employee Assistance Programme

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

Online platforms

Google Meet

Supervision

In person
Online

Approachable and considered supervision for trainees and qualified counsellors. Free 30-minute consultation. £40 p/h plus student discount.

View supervision profile

Ben Shears
Ben Shears