Dr Claire De La Varre
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Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
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) 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.
3) Couples.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate. Please call, text or email me for a free 15-minute consultation.
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 psychodynamic trauma treatment and energy psychology. I am a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register, Complementary and Natural Health Care Register, 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 (HGI)
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 £75.00 to £140.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a free 15-minute chat if you are considering working with me and would like more information. Choose a 60-minute (£75) or 90-minute (£110) session. Couples' sessions are £100/£140 for 60/90 minutes. I recommend a 90-minute session for your first session.
When I work
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Saturday mornings in-person in Edinburgh.
Further information
I am based in Stirling on weekdays (except Tuesdays) and on Saturday mornings in Edinburgh (Morningside). My work hours are Mon 9-12, Wed 9-7, Thurs 9-7, Fri 9-5 (Stirling) and Sat 10-1 (Edinburgh). Other times may be available outside regular hours - please ask. Sessions are by appointment only, and can be booked by calling, texting, or emailing me. Payment is due by 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 sufficient notice there is a cancellation fee of £40.
