Christine King

I have 18 years of experience working in the counselling sector.           
I offer individual counselling, I work face to face. I have worked with a diverse range of clients from a variety of demographic and cultural backgrounds.

Hello and welcome to my page.      
I currently have some available slots for new clients.  I provide long term, short term or one session therapy. (I offer, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly appointments.)
I adapt my approach to suit the needs of the client. You are my main focus and priority.
Experience therapy at your convenience, with flexible scheduling and no long-term commitments. I understand that regular attendance may not be feasible for everyone due to financial constraints, and that is completely understandable.

I feel l have the most rewarding, meaningful job, it is so valuable as I have the privilege of sharing in your journey and providing support through your therapy sessions. ( your story, what happened to you) Building trust, respect, and rapport to establish a strong therapeutic relationship is my priority to ensure you receive the maximum benefit from our sessions.

I am here to support you when life gets overwhelming, maybe you feel lost or empty. 

Are you a high-achiever who presents a polished facade to the world, with a successful career, attractive home, and enviable lifestyle? However, do you find yourself grappling with underlying challenges and personal issues that you keep private?

I can help you with facing challenges related to anxiety, ruminating, shame, ADHD, grief or relationship concerns, and various other issues.

“Change” can feel difficult for many, the thought of routines changing, different people etc, can feel overwhelming.

ANXIETY 

ANXIETY HAS NO VOICE, NOBODY CAN SEE IT,  ITS LIKE ITS HIDING IN THE DEPTHS,  IT STEALS THE ABILITY TO DO TASKS,  IT ROBS THE MIND OF POSITIVE THOUGHTS. PEOPLE CAN BE QUICK TO JUDGE, IN REALITY  IT FEELS LIKE A LOSS OF STRENGTH, A PRISONER OF OUR MIND.   

ADHD

Clients with ADHD may have varying reasons for seeking therapy, and their needs may evolve over time.

DEPRESSION. 

Do you feel stuck in a repetitive pattern of negative thoughts and emotions that do not contribute positively.
The constant replay of challenging experiences and inner dialogue can lead to feelings of low mood and lack of motivation.  
You may feel drained, and unproductive, making it difficult to break free. You may find despite the opportunities to move on, the tendency is to remain in this negative cycle, closing off any possibility of change.
The heaviness of these emotions can make it seem daunting to take action towards improvement. ( Please do not hesitate to seek support.)

SHAME

Do you always feel rejected, have a belief that there is something wrong with you, that you are faulty in some way, a feeling that you are never accepted for who you are, wanting to hide. 

Do you have a healthy relationship with yourself? Are your relationships healthy? Which role do you play in your family ? Which types of relationships do you find challenging? Family, Friendships, Romantic, Intimate, acquaintances, Professional, Situation-based.
I invite you to join me in addressing these concerns.

My purpose for being here on this Directory is to provide assistance in helping individuals get back on track.
If you find yourself facing difficulties in life, please come along and share your experiences and tell me what happened to you, in a confidential environment.

Counselling services are available to individuals facing various challenges, regardless of whether they are experiencing mental health difficulties. Counselling is a therapeutic approach aimed at addressing a wide range of concerns, such as relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and more. It is not exclusively reserved for those diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Counselling can offer significant benefits to individuals experiencing personal or emotional challenges and seeking to enhance their general well-being. I offer a secure and confidential environment where individuals can freely discuss their feelings and concerns.

I am trained to use a range of techniques and approaches to help my clients with emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues.

You can explore you thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism.

In fact, many people seek counselling as a preventative measure to maintain good mental health and prevent future problems from arising. By addressing issues early on, individuals can develop coping skills and strategies that can help them navigate life's challenges more effectively. 

BEGINNING………………………You may feel apprehensive, anxious or a discomfort before starting therapy. 
Our first session will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the process and to look at the ways we can work.  It will also be an opportunity for you to share some of the struggles or difficulties that you want to explore. This will help us set goals, expectations, and help us to create a way forward. 

I have 18 years of experience working in the counselling sector.           
I offer individual counselling, I have worked with a diverse range of clients from a variety of demographic and cultural backgrounds. I have experience working on a broad range of cases. In addition to my private practice I also have worked several years as a voluntary counsellor for a charity, I also have extensive experience in loss after working for many years as a trained Cruse bereavement counsellor, also many years in private practice working with anxiety and relationship problems.  

Integrative counselling is a combined approach to psychotherapy that brings together different elements of specific therapies, my view is there is not a single approach that will work for everybody. I work with a Person-centred focus, Psychodynamic, Solution-focused, Visualisation and Mindfulness and EFT

My aim is to reduce the need for medication, some people may experience side effects when they first start medication, however side effects will often wear off over time.

Is it time to be honest with yourself…..Sharing a confidential space with me, you get the chance to stop being the strong one, are you pretending everything's okay? Tell me what it's really like to be you. 
If we are not sure how we feel, it maybe hard to find the words. 

Let’s work together and heal your anxiety.
Anxiety, sadness are you keeping your worries to yourself? Are you finding intrusive thoughts a problem? Although intrusive thoughts are usually nothing to worry about, they can sometimes feel very difficult for some, is the past impacting on your daily life.

Do you have long Covid ? It can manifest in many ways. According to the Government data, there are two million people with self reported long Covid. 
Do you feel you have lost yourself ? 

A Relationship breakdown can be a  very painful time. Do you find your relationships always seem to end in the same way? Same old story! 

Not feeling good enough? 
Do you try to do everything on your own? 
Do you always attract people that are not available? 

“ WORRY CAN TURN A SMALL SHADOW INTO A MONSTER” Christine king  

A bereavement can be one of those most difficult & lonely times.

Do you feel shame and just can’t tell anyone about what’s happened, however you cannot  carry it around any longer, please come and share and talk it through, without any judgement  

How are you feeling? Have you considered counselling? Maybe you feel your life has changed as a result of Covid, and you are wondering how to move forward.

Whatever your reason for counselling, I can offer you a safe space to explore. 

What is going on for you?  Can you find words to explain?  I am here to help you explore, help you to make sense of what’s going on for you. 

Perhaps you need strategies maybe you don’t, maybe you want to share in a confidential setting, I am here and trained to help. 

Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you are not feeling okay.

Do you feel lost or at a cross roads in life?

What is happening in your relationship? Is it difficult to talk to others that are close to you? 

ANXIETY

ANXIETY HAS NO VOICE, NOBODY CAN SEE IT,  ITS LIKE ITS HIDING IN THE DEPTHS,  IT STEALS THE ABILITY TO DO TASKS,  IT ROBS THE MIND OF POSITIVE THOUGHTS. PEOPLE CAN BE QUICK TO JUDGE, IN REALITY  IT FEELS LIKE A LOSS OF STRENGTH, A PRISONER OF OUR MIND.    

Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience, such as when we are going for a job interview. 
But when anxiety becomes much more severe this feeling can be overwhelming and begin to interfere with our everyday life. Feelings like stress, panic and worry can start to feel that life is out of control. we may also feel many physical symptoms, which may feel frightening.

Anxiety can be very difficult and the impact can be debilitating. Anxiety can stop people thriving in life, sometimes not being able to work or see friends. Don’t become a master of disguise, share with a therapist and start to live.

Do you find yourself struggling to make decisions? Feel that you know what others are thinking about you, unable to sleep well, it may not feel like a big deal. Perhaps you are wondering what is going on.

Anxiety disorders can cause disruption in everyday life and routines.” It’s very common to struggle with Health Anxiety   and Social Anxiety  

We can look at what causes the anxiety, and how you might overcome those feelings? 

Those who have Generalised Anxiety Disorder or any other anxiety disorder often find themselves in a position where they aren’t able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and are stuck in a cycle of worrying and stressing on an everyday basis.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, do not suffer it alone. Talking with a friend or a loved one can sometimes brighten up the day. 
Educating yourself can help you with your anxiety. 
If all else fails, please come along to explore, I am trained in ways that can help you.

Common symptoms associated with a panic attack include:

Racing heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath
Feeling like you are choking
Dizziness (vertigo)
lightheadedness
Nausea
Sweating or chills
shaking or trembling
Changes in mental state, including a feeling of derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Chest pain or tightness
Fear that you might die. 
( Any chest pain/tightness, always check with your Doctor that there are no other causes for these symptoms). 

Anxiety changes the way you think. 
You may feel you are losing yourself in your anxiety. Negative thoughts can feel constant and out of your control. Sometimes finding yourself obsessing over things you need not obsess over. 

If you are in an emotional state or despair, and feel it's important to get help quickly. Talk to someone you trust. Sharing a problem is sometimes the first step to recovery. 

I feel I have one of the best jobs in the world, my job is so rewarding, once my clients find they are at a place which is right for them, it's like letting a butterfly free into the big blue sky.

“Wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone had the time and space for counselling, a bit like the gym for our brain.” 

AUTISM

Don’t let autism stop you coming to counselling. Sometimes. people who have family members or partners who have been diagnosed with autism find therapy useful too. Having an autistic child can be both rewarding and challenging. Sometimes parents of autistic children benefit from the support that counselling can provide as they find their way through parenting an autistic child. Counselling has also helped those whose partners have been diagnosed with the condition.

RELATIONSHIPS
Do you understand yourself? Do you feel needy? Do you feel trapped?                              Do you find yourself going through the same things in relationships?
Although they are different people, but things always end up being the same, or they act just like someone who you used to know.

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to be understood and heard.” ( R, Nichols.) If you feel sad, allow yourself to feel sad, if you feel anxious, allow yourself to feel anxious, so much suffering is caused by resistance to what is.

I BELIVE IN YOU.

Sometimes we can find ourselves struggling with personal difficulties and anxieties this can be isolating, maybe you are feeling like you cannot share your feelings with family or friends. I work with clients in a warm, non judgemental and supportive way so that I can help you to help yourself, exploring problems in a safe, confidential environment, providing support so that you can make positive changes. I provide a therapeutic relationship which i feel is unique and essential to facilitate change, which can help with your own personal growth.

When you are coming to therapy for the first time, you may be nervous, skeptical, or frightened about starting. Most people have a natural fear of the unknown, which may be contributing to your feelings. These feelings are normal.
Addressing your concerns with your therapist is a great way to start your first session.
People who become therapists have the ability to connect emotionally with others, to develop empathic bonds with them, and to hear about pain endlessly.
Therapists work with nervous and anxious people a lot of the time.

I regularly attend further training to develop my knowledge and supervision.

I work with individuals 18 years and over.

I work short term and long term.

Integrative counselling is a combined approach to psychotherapy that brings together different elements of specific therapies, my view is there is not a single approach that will work for everybody.

I work with a Person-centred focus, Psychodynamic, Solution-focused, Visualisation and Mindfulness.

Deciding on a regular day and time each week helps the counselling process.

If you work different days/ times don’t let that put you off getting help, we can find a way around this which works for us both.

please contact me if you need an urgent appointment, I will do my upmost to see you.

I am a highly trained, fully qualified integrative Counsellor/psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
More about me under TRAINING, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. 

Testimonials

Thank you for understanding Christine and thanks for all your help I really cannot put into words how much you have helped me I will always be grateful!

Thank you Christine, things are much clearer now.

My life feels much more positive now.

I can help you with those everyday problems and feelings of ...

Pregnancy can be a very exciting and worrying time for parents-to-be. Pregnant women experience a range of changes both emotionally and physically, these changes may increase anxiety. Fear of the unknown, feelings of insecurity over work or money, and pressures add to hormonal changes during pregnancy and may make women feel overwhelmed and stressed, try not to bottle these feelings up, share with somebody you trust or talk it out with a therapist

Stress

Panic

Anxiety

Relationship issues

Coming to terms with change

Menopause

Stages in life, Mid life Crisis and Aging

Depression

Low self-esteem and self-confidence

Health problems ( you or a family member)

Sexuality

Loneliness

Self Harm

Work-related stress

OCD

Autism and learning difficulties

carer support

Pregnancy and birth worries

Separation and divorce

Spirituality

Disordered Eating. what is your relationship like with food? Is food addiction real? Yes, it is!

Emetophobia

Bereavement/ loss

Dreams and the unconscious self

Working Relationally with Attachment and Traumatic Bonding

The Traumatised Mother’s Inner World: Implications for the Child’s Development.

Child sexual abuse: Hope for healing.

Please note if you haven”t had an email from me, within 24hours. Please feel free to text or call. 
I am available Monday 8.00 am - 8.00 pm Friday and also Saturday morning

Your sessions are for 50 minutes.
My fees are £60 between the hours of 8am until 4pm, or £65 between the hours of 5pm last session at 8pm or Saturday mornings. A single session is priced at £90, and I will do my upmost to arrange an appointment for you on the same day.
Could you please let me know, if you require only one session? 

I also offer intense sessions on understanding and dealing with the anxiety. please ask for details if interested. 
Please note, there is no charge if you are going on holiday or can’t make an appointment, as long as you have given me sufficient notice

Free parking

Orpington station is 10/15 minute walk and there is a bus stop a just a few minutes walk, i am also a short drive from junction 4 of the M25

If you are in an emotional state or despair, and feel it's important to get help quickly. Talk to someone you trust. Sharing a problem is sometimes the first step to recovery. If you feel you need an URGENT appointment please contact me to discuss.

Why choose private therapist rather than the NHS?

I hear people saying they are on waiting lists, which are far too long.

If you attend your GP for counselling it will be noted on your medical records, some people do not want this, your information is confidential, this would only be shared with relevant a third party in a very high risk situation.

* Depression and anxiety are more widely recognised in to days climate, people are seeking help to deal with their symptoms rather than reaching out for a pharmaceutical option. There are a multitude of factors that contribute towards anxiety and depression.

* Anxiety is an emotion, which can feel very unpleasant causing inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behaviour. People often ruminate and experience unpleasant feelings of dread. Sometimes people think a lot about dying. Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness and worry, which is often accompanied by muscular tension ( which not everyone is aware of) restlessness, difficulty in concentration and fatigue. Anxiety can be appropriate reaction to some things although when experienced regularly there can be a lot more going on. A big part of the battle against anxiety involves learning to stay in the moment, and not worrying too much about what comes next. Don’t struggle on your own, talk to somebody you trust.

* The client is ultimately the 'expert' on themselves. As a practitioner it is my job to help people discover and identify their inner resources and develop ideas so that they start moving forward towards a positive psychological realm.

* We often learn that some feelings are unacceptable and unbearable, as a result we ignore them, find defences, this may work for a while, but this takes a lot of energy, this leads to self-destructive behaviours (Alcohol, gambling) and tension ( which is held in our body) over time we may feel stuck, agitated chaotic and lonely.

* Am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me, and which truly expresses me?
Carl R. Rogers

Grieving

We grieve after any sort of loss, but most powerfully after the death of someone we love. There are such a mixture of feelings, which take a while to get through and which cannot be hurried, many people ask "How long will I feel like this?"

We most often grieve for someone that we have known for some time. However, it is clear that people who have had stillbirths or miscarriages, or who have lost very young babies, grieve in the same way and need the same sort of care and consideration.

* Spirituality is not about relating to any kind of belief for some, its about your life, your view on the world how you see it. Spirituality can help you to feel more connected to your higher self. It can bring lots of questions around purpose and meaning. A sense of connection and belonging with the universe.

* Sometimes Autism can bring many difficulties with social interaction, communication, restricted interests and many more difficulties, resulting in problems and challenges, this can result in feeling very isolated.

* When all we can think about is difficulties and problems this can leave us feeling very defeated and overwhelmed, this is why we can end up doing nothing. Your therapist will help you break out of problem-cycles and help you to develop action plans.

* Never underestimate the power of the brain.

"Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength." -Freud

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” —Sigmund Freud