Celia McLean

My journey into the counselling profession began when I faced challenges in my own life that I struggled to make sense of. With the support of counselling, I was able to accept myself more fully and make changes in the way I live my life. This experience inspired me to undertake training to become a counsellor and remains something I value immensely.
I am a qualified Counsellor working with an Integrative approach, this means that my work is underpinned by a Humanistic (person Centred) framework and I draw upon aspects of other theoretical frameworks, such as Psychodynamic and Transactional Analysis.
I believe that we are all unique individuals, therefore I seek to adapt my therapeutic approach to best suit the individual’s needs. I place the therapeutic relationship at the heart of my approach, as I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship where you can experience being heard, understood, and accepted for who you are can be a healing experience in itself. (for further information on how I work, please read below).

How counselling can help 

There are many reasons for seeking counselling, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings, struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or feelings of isolation.
 Perhaps you find yourself constantly taking care of others and putting their needs ahead of your own, leaving you running on empty.   You may find yourself feeling overly responsible for others in your life, always trying to “fix” their problems. You may be experiencing difficulties within your personal relationships or workplace or have experienced a life changing event such as a bereavement, divorce, job loss or be struggling with issues from your past.
 
I work with adults, individually from all backgrounds with a range of issues and difficulties.

I have previous experience of working with and a special interest in: Abuse, Anxiety, Addiction, Bereavement and loss, Co-dependency, Domestic Abuse, Depression, Emotional abuse, Inner child work, Work-related stress and childhood trauma.

I have previous experience of working as a Bereavement counsellor at a local hospice. I have also worked at a local independent counselling service, working with clients who have experienced a wide range of mental health and emotional difficulties.

I have previous professional experience of working as a Police Officer. I understand the demands and pressure this occupation can place on individuals emotionally, mentally, and physically. I am aware of the stigma that is attached to seeking counselling and the difficulties faced by individuals in this occupation in accessing appropriate support. I will work in confidence with you, giving you space to explore the challenges you are facing, free from judgement.

How I Work:

I work in a compassionate, down to earth and collaborative way, offering a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace and be heard.  Together we can gently explore what’s troubling you, whether it be past or present. We can work towards making sense of how your life experiences have brought you to this point and help you gain a better understanding of yourself and the roots of your difficulties. Enabling you to discover and use your own inner resources to find the best way forwards. 

What Next?

Contemplating seeing a counsellor can be unnerving, you may feel daunted by the prospect of seeking professional help, you may think that asking for help is a sign of “weakness” and you should continue to struggle by yourself. However, I believe that seeking professional support when needed is an act of courage, hope and self-care, that could help make a difference in your life. Please feel free to contact me confidentially by phone or email, if I can answer any questions you have, or to arrange an assessment session.

The assessment session is an opportunity for us to meet and will give you an indication of what working with me feels like. During the assessment session I will gather some background information from you, explore with you your reasons for attending counselling and establish what you hope to gain from therapy. If you feel we can work together and you decide you would like to commit to ongoing therapy, we can discuss your needs and future sessions. I usually offer, weekly, 60 minute sessions, face to face, online or by telephone, on both short- and long-term contracts.

Fees:

£45 per session. I believe that finances shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the support you may need, therefore I offer some lower cost sessions. Please enquire for further information. 

My private practice is based in my comfortable, private, garden office in Marks Tey, which is accessible from surrounding areas on public transport and by car, free parking is available onsite.
I offer a range of appointment times Monday to Thursday, please enquire for further information. As well as face to face sessions I also offer telephone and online (zoom, whatsapp) sessions.