Clara Dawson
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I help adults and children heal from the pain of loss, which can take many forms, including;
- End of a relationship,
- Death of a loved one,
- Separation,
- Loss of a dream, career, or sense of identity.
Going through a difficult experience can bring up a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, and loneliness. It can also cause anxious feelings and thoughts that life will never feel the same again.
This can affect how you see yourself which alters your self-esteem, your self-worth and how you live your day-to-day life.
Who I Work With:
I work with individuals of all ages – children, teenagers and adults. I have personal and professional experience with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia; I provide support tailored to meet your individual needs.
My Approach:
As an integrative therapist, whether you see me in person or virtually, I create a warm, empathetic space where you can feel safe sharing your thoughts and feelings.
To ensure the highest standards of care, I meet with a supervisor at least every two weeks, which ensures I support you ethically and safely. I have an enhanced DBS and full insurance in place.
Working with me isn’t about ‘fixing’ your problems, it’s about understanding the root cause of what is causing you distress or confusion and being able to move forward with your life.
Frequency of Work Together:
I typically work with clients on a weekly basis, but I also offer flexibility for both fortnightly and monthly sessions. You can see me in person in Deal or Canterbury, where there is plenty of free parking directly outside the therapy rooms, with train station and bus stops nearby. We can also connect online via the Teams platform as this may work best for you.
The Technical Part:
I use a variety of techniques to help you stay present and connected with your thoughts and feelings. We will explore the mind-body connection through somatic work, so you gain a greater understanding of how they influence each other. Together, we'll look at your past experiences and relationships, as they play a big role in shaping how you may see yourself today. I use a variety of therapy modalities including psychodynamic, person-centred and creative counselling.
I’m here to support you at your pace, and we’ll only explore what you’re comfortable with every step of the way.
Other Specialisms:
I have additional experience with:
- Helping clients with managing anxiety, self-esteem and depression / low moods.
- Neglect, emotional, and physical Abuse: Helping individuals navigate the emotional impact of childhood trauma.
- Relationship Issues: Whether with family, friends, or a partner, I can support you in finding healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Next Step:
I know that choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming. It's important to find someone who truly understands you and can help you take positive steps in your life. I offer a free 30-minute introductory call to help you decide if we’re a good fit. There is no obligation to work together after this call.
Training, qualifications & experience
My Experience:
In addition to my private practice, I also work as a Children and Young Person Counsellor for a local charity. In recent years I have experience in other roles including
- Counselling unpaid carers,
- Supporting children and young people through grief and loss,
- Addiction counselling,
- Parent therapy,
- Workplace counselling.
Qualifications
From my experience, I believe that having a connection that feels comfortable between us is vital, and it's important for you to feel that you can trust me. While my qualifications and training don't create that connection, they help me use my counselling skills safely and effectively. I’m always learning and updating my training based on the latest research to provide you with the best support possible, though I don’t list everything here. Below, I share my primary qualifications with you:
- Level 6 in Advanced Imagery Rescripting (for complex PTSD) - awaiting certification.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Young Person Counselling
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling
- MSc in Occupational Health
- BSc in Analytical Science
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I have limited concession slots available, please enquire if you require one of these slots as I have a waiting list for them.
When I work
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