Claire Woodward
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
As a highly experienced MBACP-qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, my therapy practice benefits greatly from a 15-year career with the health and wellness industry. This experience provides me with valuable insights into the complex relationship between mental and physical health, deepening my understanding of overall well-being.
My therapeutic approach is humanistic and rooted in working collaboratively, which incudes not only focusing on navigating immediate challenges but also on paving the way towards sustainable personal growth and self-development. My experience includes working with individuals who might be navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, and trauma possibly stemming from relationship challenges, family dynamics, or work-related stress. In addition, I bring a deep understanding of neurodiversity to my practice, with a particular focus on ADHD. I also have extensive experience in supporting clients through significant life transitions and losses, as well as in dealing with the effects of neglect, abuse, or feelings of being misunderstood.
If your experiences align those I've mentioned or perhaps you're feeling uncertain of yourself and wanting a change but unsure how to proceed, therapy can be a good place to start.
To make the first step easier I offer a complimentary 30-minute telephone or online session. This initial meeting is an opportunity for you to explore if my approach meets your needs and to decide if I am the right therapist to guide you towards the change and growth you seek.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a first-class honours degree in Pluralistic Person-Centred Counselling (Advanced Practitioner) - a Level 6 BACP accredited qualification. This is complemented by a Diploma in Pluralistic Person-Centred Advanced Practitioner Counselling awarded by The Metanoia Institute, London.
I am committed to personal and professional development, and accordingly, I regularly undertake continued professional development training. This includes subjects such as addiction, grief and loss, working with trauma, attachment styles, internal family systems, neurodiversity, boarding school syndrome, working with the inner critic, disordered eating and many more subjects.
My career began in the corporate world, which provided me with a unique perspective of the stresses and demands of corporate life. In 2008, my path shifted to the health and wellness industry, where I discovered my true passion for helping clients realise their fullest potential. This inspiration led me to embrace the field of counselling and psychotherapy in 2018, marking the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter in my professional life.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 - £90.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I believe therapy should be accessible to all. I offer some concession places (if not already taken) for students and those in financial difficulty. I also offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how we might work together.
- Initial 30-minute consultation - no charge
- 50-minute sessions start from £65
Our first session will be a 50-minute online, and during this time, I will ask questions to understand better what you're currently facing and what has led you to seek therapy. This is also a chance for you to explore whether counselling with me feels like the right fit.
Are the sessions confidential?
As a Member of the BACP, I offer confidential sessions per the BACP’s Ethical Framework for Counselling professions: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/
When I work
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Further information
I provide a compassionate and relational non-directive approach that values your autonomy and self-determination. This is a pluralistic approach that offers flexibility to integrate techniques and strategies from various therapeutic modalities, as required.
I aim to work collaboratively to identify your unique preferences, helping us determine the most suitable approach for your specific situation and goals.
Testimonials:
"...Working together with Claire helped me get through a challenging relationship. Our sessions helped me make sense of some of the complex feelings and patterns I was experiencing. Today, I have a greater understanding and acceptance of myself which gives me the confidence to communicate what I need from my relationships..."
"...Therapy with Claire has shifted my perspective. Her candid and insightful approach cut through the confusion, helping me to understand and come to terms with my childhood experiences. I’m now stronger and can understand that I’m not to blame for the past…"
"...Since starting with Claire, I've found clarity and strength that has been transformative in both my personal and professional life..."
