About me
I offer and short- and long-term psychotherapy and counselling for individuals, both indoors and outdoors (see below for more on my outdoor work).
When life is challenging, we can feel scattered or lost, stuck in a rut, or in pain. I’m passionate about working with people to help them understand themselves more deeply, and find more easeful, or fulfilling ways to live their lives. Reconnecting to parts of ourselves we’ve lost touch with or had to hide can be transformative; building healthy connections with others and with the world around us is, I believe, more important than ever in the uncertain and challenging times we live in.
I have particular experience working with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity and relationship issues, and the ongoing effects of adverse childhood experiences, including self-harm, addiction and suicidal thoughts. But whether you are struggling with something in particular, or have a sense of something not being right that you can't put your finger on, I offer my presence and experience alongside you in exploration, and to work with you to bring about change.
I welcome people of all identities, cultures, sexualities and faiths.
I am a member of the UKCP and abide by their ethical code.
My approach
Rather than focus on techniques, I work with you to find the best way for you to explore whatever is troubling you.
I'll pay attention to what you're saying, how you're saying it, and what you might be communicating in ways other than words. I work relationally - a way of paying attention to repeating, often troubling patterns we hold onto from our early life. So I'll ask about your life today and in the past, particularly perhaps your childhood, and together we'll start to make sense of things. We'll talk, but also make space to notice what might be happening in your mind and body. We'll work with whatever feelings, thoughts, and beliefs arise so you can begin to live differently.
Coming to therapy can feel like a big step. It can be a complex and challenging process, and I’m always up for discussing how it’s going, and how we’re working together.
Outdoor therapy
I offer outdoor therapy as an alternative to my indoor practice.
For some people, therapy in an outside space can open things up in a different way from talking face-to-face in a room. I also believe passionately in the benefits (for us as individuals, and collectively) of paying attention to how we connect to the natural world we're a part of. The way I work opens up the possibility of exploring our relationship with the environment we are in, moment to moment, as well as reflecting on what might be happening inside us, or between therapist and client, as we might in a more ‘traditional’ setting.
I have found that this process can enliven and deepen our understanding of ourselves, of how we connect to others (including but not exclusively people!), and of our relationship with the world we are moving among. It can feel vital, and vital-ising, to spend time tending to any or all of these relationships.
My outdoor work takes place in a woodland area local to me, in which during a session we might walk and talk, but also allow space for pauses and quiet reflection, sitting or standing: how we spend the time is something we can shape together, in contact with what might arise as we go.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the where/how/when etc, please feel free to contact me via email.
How long for?
I offer both time-limited and open-ended therapy, on a weekly basis. I don't prescribe the number of sessions - everyone has different needs. It is your choice, and something we can discuss together at the beginning, and review as necessary as the therapy progresses.
You don't need to commit to anything before we've had a chance to talk: we can meet for an introductory session, or I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what you might be looking for and to see whether we would like to work with each other.
Training, qualifications & experience
- MSc in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute)
- Certified Transactional Analyst (European Association of Transactional Analysis)
- Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapeutic Counselling
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 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. 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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Personal growth and exploration
Maybe you have a sense that something is wrong but can't put your finger on what the problem is. This is very common too, and something we can explore together.
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£70 per session. I have limited space at a lower rate for people on reduced income or out of work.
Further information
If you have any other questions about how I work, there is more information on my website: www.chriselcombetherapy.co.uk
And please don't hesitate to email me.
I offer an initial, free, 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what you might be looking for and to see whether we would like to work with each other.
