Clare Hitchcock
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
Hello and welcome!
I'm Clare, a highly skilled, experienced child, adolescent and adult Psychotherapist. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7) in Counselling Children at school, from the University of East London in conjunction with Place2Be, a leading children's mental health charity.
I have a lot of experience working in both primary and secondary schools across London and Hertfordshire. I value the therapeutic relationship foremost and am very good at working with clients who have previously been resistant to counselling and are particularly nervous.
As well as offering my services to schools, I see clients in my private practice and on Zoom.
My approach is gentle and child/client-led, I offer genuine empathy and warmth with a non-judgemental attitude. This creates an environment where it feels easier to explore the self, whether through play, talking or other creative means. Everyone is unique and therefore my skill is in tailoring my approach to the individual.
Well, researched theories underpin my work, from attachment theory, object relations, and play therapy, as well as a great understanding of development theory.
I too have a good understanding of what the parent may be feeling and experiencing when presented with their child, whom they see suffering and feel unsure how to best help.
I have worked with a diverse range of clients, focusing on a range of issues, including suicide ideation and self-harm. I welcome individuals of any age, race, gender, sexual orientation and cultural background.
I keep up to date with Safeguarding, holding a current level 3 cert in safeguarding both children and adults.
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). On June 20, 2024. BACP accreditation formally acknowledges that a counsellor or psychotherapist has met the standards set by the BACP for training, experience, and ethical practice. It signifies that a practitioner has undergone extensive assessment and evaluation to demonstrate their competence and professionalism. I have an enhanced DBS check, and professional insurance and undertake regular supervision. More importantly, I love my job and have a genuine desire to help.
I have a special interest in Depression and currently also offer IPT for both Adults and Adolescents. IPT is a very effective treatment for depression and is recommended by NICE guidelines. I currently work for the IAPT Herts valley wellbeing team (NHS), I also offer my counselling, for the Peace Hospice bereavement service seeing Adult clients.
I welcome calls of interest, this initial call is free with no obligation. If you wish to go ahead, we schedule an initial assessment. Therapy usually takes place on the same day and time each week. Sessions are 50 minutes and can be time-limited or open-ended.
Feel free to contact me and I look forward to meeting you!
Training, qualifications & experience
I run a Private Practice, seeing children, adolescents, and adults from my Central Watford therapy room. I Offer Counseling in schools and online through Zoom. I also work for Hertfordshire IAPT service, seeing NHS adult clients.
Qualifications
- Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip, level 7) With MERIT 'Counselling Children in school from the University of East London and Place2Be, a BACP Accredited Course.
- 'Psychodynamic Counselling Diploma' from the University of Hertfordshire.
- Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist, IPT and IPT- A . IPTUK
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.
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
Fees
£85.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Contact me for a no-obligation chat.
Initial Assessment £85.00 (50 minutes)
Psychotherapy session £85.00 (50 minutes)
When I work
Weekday and some early evenings. Please call to discuss.
