Charlotte O'Hanlon

Hello, my name is Charlotte.  I am a fully qualified counsellor & psychotherapist, trained in the person-centred experiential humanistic approach. I also incorporate Existential psychotherapy principles into my practice.

Most people experience personal difficulties at some stage in their lives. It is quite normal and understandable to struggle with such issues and to need some help & support during these times. I offer a confidential non-judgmental environment in which you can safely explore whatever it is you may be feeling or experiencing, in your own time and at your own pace. The way I practice is non-directive, allowing clients to explore their concerns in an environment where they feel safe.

I have a special interest in working with neurodiverse clients; Including but not limited to - ADHD, ASC & Dyslexia. I have experience working with clients with a wide range of long-term neurological illnesses and neurodevelopmental differences. I also offer longer sessions for those who may require more time to process. The human brain is the most complex structure in the universe and the most important part of who we are.

I offer long-term face-to-face therapy, online counselling, short-term face-to-face therapy, and telephone counselling. I work individually with Adults one to one. I offer a free initial telephone or online consultation session for new clients. My fees start from £55 per 50 minute session or £75 for 90 minutes.

I offer a free initial telephone or online consultation for new clients. This is so I can introduce myself and so you have the opportunity of asking any questions you may have.  This enables me to assess your needs, suitability and how I can best support you in therapy. If you are unsure if my service would be right for you, then feel free to contact me to discuss further to allow you to make an informed choice before starting.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and I abide by its Code of Ethics. I also hold an enhanced DBS certificate and am fully insured. This includes keeping up to date with continuing professional development and supervision.

I offer a free initial telephone consultation for new clients. This allows you to ask any questions you may have, as well as allowing me to assess your needs from therapy and how best to support you.

My fees start from £55 per 50 minute session or £75 for 90 minute sessions. 
Depending on clients' needs I can offer double sessions if required.

What Is Person Centred Therapy?

Person centred therapy, also known as client-centred therapy, is one of the major models of psychotherapy practised worldwide. The therapist offers support, guidance and structure to enable the client to discover their own personal solutions to their problems. It has been shown to be effective for a range of client problems, and primarily for anxiety and depression.

Person centred therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending upon the client’s needs. Sessions are weekly and last for about one hour each, and costs are comparable with other types of therapy. 

Person centred therapy is based upon the underlying belief that every person has both the ability and the desire to reach their potential through personal growth and change. This natural inclination is called the self-actualizing tendency. The ability to self-actualize derives from a person’s capacity for self-understanding and for changing their own self-concepts, as well as attitudes and behaviours. The interactions between the therapist and client facilitate this change.

Client centred therapy is distinct from other forms of therapy in two major ways: a focus on the unique nature of each client, and the therapist’s avoidance of giving any direction to the issues discussed. As a non-directive therapy, the therapist does not attempt to direct the conversation in the session.

The client is encouraged to lead in each session by bringing up the issues, feelings, or difficulties that are relevant to them. Each client’s thoughts, experiences, and beliefs are seen as valid content for the sessions. 

Due to the uniqueness of each person, the client is viewed as the expert of his own experience, while the therapist is the expert in the theories and methods of therapy. This belief creates a team approach with equal partners in the team rather than an expert therapist with a helpless patient, as is the model in psychoanalysis. 

The setting of goals in person centred therapy is also tied to the concept that the client is the only person with expert knowledge of themselves. Only the client is able to set goals that are desirable and worthwhile for themselves. There are some generalised goals as well, which include minimising distress, improving self-esteem, increasing self-understanding, and facilitating personal growth.