Charlene Taylor MBACP

About me

P'I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become'
                                                                                                              Carl Jung

Hi and welcome to my profile page!
My name is Charlene and I am an experienced, qualified, registered psychotherapist.
I offer both short and long term therapy, depending upon issues and personal circumstances.

What to expect when you contact me and decide to commit to psychotherapy sessions
I will ask a brief number of questions on what motivaged you to call and your current issue and if appropriate, offer you an appointment time, discuss fees and location of consulting room.
The first session will give you a chance to ask questions and for me to gather some more information about you. If we wish to work together, I will suggest commiting to an initial 6 sessions. This gives the therapeutic process a chance and also for you to decide if therapy is right for you. I will work with you in different ways according to the issue, your desired length of commitment etc. The space is for you each week to reflect and share, work and adapt. Some clients feel that it is their sanctuary, their 'me-time'. The consulting room is very comfortable, spacious and quiet.

My approach and experience
I aim to be approachable, empathic, professional, warm and supportive. I believe in empowering people to take control of their lives and circumstances by raising their self-awareness and motivating them using a range of theoretical models. I utilise attachment theory, psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives but the focus is on the relationship and how you present in the 'here and now'.
I am also trained in psychosynthesis and honour the link between mind, body spirit and the souls connection. I often visit this realm as a frame when working with clients and will often refer to the spiritual as another dimension to be mindful when we look to 'fix' ourselves from symptoms. I will gently urge you to connect more fully to the present and your surroundings, to find meaning in your life and to seek to deepen your connections with others in the process.

I have worked within addictions for over 15 years, within prisons, probation, community services, private rehabilitation centres, community detox units and private practice. I have previously worked within housing and homelessness, supporting vulnerable people, through detoxification and residential rehab back into employment and society. I also have a particular interest in working with young people, particularly with eating disorders, self-injury and distorted body image and low self-esteem.

I offer short-term straight talking, solution focused, affordable sessions and also longer, open ended therapy, perhaps to work through deeper issues or historical abuse.

I can often see clients at short notice and offer both daytime and evening appointments. Please contact me in confidence.

I am a full member of BACP (British Association of Counselling) and FDAP (Federation of Drug & Alcohol Practitioners) and The Society for the Study of Addictions.