About me
In today's world, we're often asked, "How are you?" and many of us instinctively—or simply on autopilot—reply, "I'm fine," even when we're carrying anxiety, overwhelm, sadness or self-doubt beneath the surface. Perhaps you've been trying to cope on your own for some time, yet things still don't seem to shift. You may be finding it difficult to cope with life's challenges, navigating a loss, questioning your self-worth or feeling disconnected from yourself. Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to face it alone. I invite you to explore it together.
I'm Bethan Thomas, an NCPS Accredited pluralistic Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, offering face-to-face counselling in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, for clients across Stockton, Billingham, Thornaby, Ingleby Barwick, Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley, as well as online counselling throughout the UK. I provide a warm, compassionate and confidential space where you can slow down, make sense of your experiences and move towards meaningful and lasting change.
At Cahya Counselling I believe in honouring your story, nurturing transformation and helping you rediscover your light. I believe that even in life's darkest moments, healing begins when we feel seen, understood and supported. Together, we'll work towards helping you reconnect with your strengths, your sense of self and your own inner light.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that every person is unique and the expert in their own life. I recognise counselling isn’t a one size fits all. I work from a pluralistic perspective, rather than expecting you to fit a particular model, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, drawing on different evidence-based approaches to support your goals. I see therapy as a collaborative partnership, trusting in your innate capacity to discover your own strengths, insights and solutions.
I feel privileged to walk alongside people through some of life's most challenging moments and to witness the resilience, strength and growth that can emerge through the therapeutic process.
My Approach
I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Collaboration lies at the core of our therapeutic alliance. Together, we cultivate resilience and deepen self-awareness, fostering a path towards transformation, growth and healing.
Many people tell me they worry about saying the "wrong" thing in counselling. Others wonder whether what they're experiencing is "a big enough deal" to bring to counselling. My role isn't to judge, analyse or tell you what to do. Instead, I offer a calm, accepting space where you can be yourself, explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, and feel genuinely heard.
How I can help
I regularly support people experiencing:
Abuse and trauma
Anxiety and excessive worry
Bereavement and grief
Depression and low mood/ motivation
Emotional overwhelm
Feeling lost or disconnected
Life transitions
Low self-esteem and confidence
Relationship difficulties
Setting boundaries and goal exploration
Stress and burnout
Alongside counselling, I also offer hypnotherapy where appropriate. Some clients choose to integrate hypnotherapy into their therapeutic journey to support issues such as anxiety, confidence, stress or unwanted habits, while others prefer counselling alone. We can discuss what feels right for you.
Our Time Together
During our first session, we'll take time to explore what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from therapy and whether we're the right fit to work together. I work face-to-face in Stockton and online. I work short and long term depending on your goals and needs. Whether this is your first experience of counselling or you're returning to therapy after some time away, my aim is to help you feel comfortable, supported and able to work at a pace that feels right for you.
My Background
Alongside my experience in private practice, I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling Skills and a Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice. I am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), committed to working ethically and continually developing my practice.
Prior to working as a counsellor I had roles in HR and emergency services.
Availability
I'm currently welcoming new clients for face-to-face counselling in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, and offering online sessions through Google Meet.
Getting in touch
Approaching others for help can feel daunting, and that's completely understandable. If you're considering counselling, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything, it simply opens the door to a conversation. If it feels like the right time, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you as you begin your journey towards transformation, healing, clarity and lasting change.
Training, qualifications & experience
BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling Skills from Middlesex University Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice from Chrysalis Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory from Chrysalis Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy from Chrysalis.
Member organisations
school 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.
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.
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
Please note payment is due 48 hours prior to your scheduled session.
When I work
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Please note I do not offer evening sessions.
