Claire Messenger
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
I am a DBT-informed therapist working with adults who experience intense emotions, complex mental health difficulties, or who have felt misunderstood in previous therapy or mental health services.
I offer online therapy across the UK and work with a range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, psychosis-related experiences (such as hearing voices or paranoia), addiction, grief, and long-standing relationship or family challenges.
I have particular experience supporting people with traits associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD/EUPD), emotional dysregulation, and patterns that can feel difficult to manage, including self-harm, substance use, or other coping strategies that may be causing harm.
My approach integrates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, including emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. I aim to offer a steady, non-judgemental space where we can work at a pace that feels manageable, whether you are looking for support with a current difficulty or something more long-standing.
Alongside my counselling diploma, I have additional training in adolescent mental health, safeguarding, and bereavement support. I also have a grounded understanding of NHS and community mental health services, recovery pathways, and 12-step programmes such as AA, CoDA, and ACA.
I work with the impact of family conflict, coercive or controlling relationships, parental stress, separation, and family court processes, as well as with people who feel different, struggle to connect, or are exploring neurodivergence or attachment-related difficulties.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training qualifications and experience includes
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Qualified, trauma-informed, registered with National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
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CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Adolescents.
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Experienced supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar, BPD, (EUPD), CPTSD, psychosis, , OCD, ADHD and schizophrenia
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Grief and bereavement support experience, with additional training through St Christopher’s Hospice
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Child and adolescent counselling (secondary school age)
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Clinical experience working with parents or children with complex medical needs.
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Coping skills and emotional regulation especially with alcohol or substance related concerns and behaviours.
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Therapeutic support through relationship challenges, separation, divorce, mediation, family courts system and child arrangements.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
- Neurodivergence and relational impact
- Anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction issues, OCD
- Clients who have experienced, or family member of those affected by, psychosis or sectioning (hospitalisation for mental health issues)
- Diagnosis and / or traits relating to EUPD, schizoaffective, bipolar and schizophrenia
- Relationship and family issues, parents, teen or adolescent stress, including estrangement, childhood bereavement and separation
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 - £65.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Concessions are available. If cost is a concern, discussion is welcomed openly to explore as part of our initial conversation.
When I work
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Further information
Your therapy will be offered to meet your individual needs - gentle, compassionate and trauma-informed person centred counselling with emotional regulation, mindfulness and distress tolerance skills (DBT approach) if wanted.
I work relationally, creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and discover new ways of coping.
Most of my work is offered online, which allows consistency, flexibility and continuity of care. I also offer a limited number of in person sessions at specific locations and times, currently Orpington and Sidcup. In person work involves additional costs and logistical considerations, which is reflected in the fee.