Claire de la Varre - Human Givens Therapist
About me
Hello there! As a Human Givens therapist, I focus on helping my clients to identify and address their unmet emotional needs. We suffer consequences when these needs are ignored, which can range from mild stress all the way up to mental illness. Human Givens therapists offer practical help so clients learn how to activate and use their inborn resources, whether the goal is to manage anger, break the cycle of depression, relieve anxiety, stop panic attacks, eliminate addictive behaviours, treat medical symptoms that have an emotional component, or improve relationships.
What to expect in a session
My aim is to help get you back on your feet and functioning again with all the tools and resources you need to cope well with the circumstances of your life, in as few sessions as possible. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I look at the whole person, including which of your emotional needs are not being met. I will ask you about various aspects of your life including your concerns, stress level, relationships, health, sleep, and work, and will listen carefully. You can choose a one-hour or 90-minute session, either online or in my comfortable Stirling office. Each session will be a mix of talk, learning practical skills and coping strategies, and guided imagery/relaxation.
Speciality Areas
While I work with individuals and couples on many issues, I specialise in the following areas and client populations.
1) Adolescent/teen issues: eg anxiety, depression, chronic illness, school problems, addictions, isolation, neurodiversity, sexuality, racism, identity and belonging.
2) Recovery from domestic violence. Domestic violence victims are often thought of as women, but DV and abuse affects men and children too.
3) Somatic (physical or medical) symptoms that have an emotional or psychological component. This includes functional gastrointestinal conditions like IBS, chronic pain, migraines, and some skin conditions.
4) Couples. Because all relationships are unique and every relationship has problems some of the time.
I hold a basic DBS certificate. Please call, text or email me for a free 15-minute consultation. I am currently working only online (via Zoom), and will start seeing clients in person again, in my Stirling office, whenever government guidelines permit.
Training, qualifications & experience
I started my private practice in 2008, in hypnotherapy. From 2015-2018 I was also an adjunct assistant professor at UNC School of Dentistry, running a hypnosis clinic for patients with dental anxiety, and teaching postgraduate students about dental hypnosis.
I am a registered member of the Human Givens Institute (MHGI). I have a PhD in Educational Psychology, with a focus on child/adolescent development and disability. I hold additional certification as a hypnotherapist, Transactional Analysis Practitioner, and Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) practitioner. AIT is a mind-body trauma treatment that incorporates CBT and energy psychology. I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society of Psychological Hypnosis (APA-Div30), the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, and the Advanced Integrative Therapy Institute.
Member organisations
Human Givens Institute
The Human Givens Institute (HGI) is both a membership organisation and a professional body representing the interests of those in the caring and teaching professions who have an interest in or utilise the human givens approach. Counselling Directory register Registered Members (MHGI) and Fellow Members (FHGI), who will have completed the Post Graduate Practitioner's Assessment (Part III) and who are fully qualified to practise as a human givens therapist or counsellor. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
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
Therapies offered
Fees
From £60.00 to £90.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
I offer a free 15-minute chat if you are considering working with me and would like more information or have questions. My intake session is 75 minutes and costs £75. Subsequent sessions are £60 for a full hour, or £90 for 90 minutes. Couples' sessions are 20% extra.
An additional service I offer is customised, guided-imagery recordings for clients to use at home between sessions. These cost from £25-£50 depending on length.
Concessions offered for
Availability
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Further information
My work hours are M-F 9-7, and Saturday mornings 9-12. Other times may be available outside regular hours - please ask. All sessions must be pre-booked (via my online booking system) and payment is due no later than the day of service.
If you decide you would like to work with me, I will email you paperwork to complete. All sessions are, of course, confidential. I would only break confidentiality if you expressed an intent to harm yourself or others. I do not offer emergency/crisis support: please call your GP, 111, The Samaritans helpline, or 999.
Cancellation: please provide at least 24 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. I do understand that life happens and sometimes this isn't possible due to emergencies. I give all my clients one "free pass" for cancellations. If you cancel more than once without enough notice there is a cancellation fee of £40.
