Clare Payne
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I'm Clare. I trained at Esher College and the University of East London, and I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I adhere to their ethical framework, ensuring a safe, confidential, and respectful space for our work together.
Training, qualifications & experience
About Me
Hello, I'm Clare.
I trained at Esher College and the University of East London, and I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I adhere to their ethical framework, ensuring a safe, confidential, and respectful space for our work together.
Before training as a therapist, I worked for many years in the arts and in administrative roles — fields that gave me a deep understanding of the pressures, responsibilities, and quiet questions that can build up over time. That background continues to inform my work, especially when supporting clients navigating identity, career, and life direction.
How I Work
As an integrative counsellor, I draw from various therapeutic approaches to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. My foundation is person-centred, meaning I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and our work will be guided by your insights and pace. Central to my practice is the cultivation of self-compassion, helping you to approach yourself with kindness and understanding as we explore your thoughts and feelings.
Who I Work With
I specialise in working with gay women in their 30s who are navigating career and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, seeking clarity, or contemplating new directions, I'm here to support you in exploring your options and making choices that align with your authentic self.
What to Expect
In our sessions, you'll find a warm, supportive environment where all aspects of your identity are welcomed and valued. Together, we'll explore your experiences, identify patterns, and work towards developing strategies that empower you to move forward with confidence and self-assurance.
Next Steps
Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, but it's a courageous move towards self-discovery and growth. If you're ready to explore your path with compassionate support, feel free to reach out to arrange an initial session.
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
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Counselling Sessions Available
I currently have availability on Mondays, as well as Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and evenings.
To help you get started we can have an intro call. To book look for the intro call button on this page. I look forward to supporting you on your counselling journey.
When I work
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Further information
What to expect from your First Counselling Session
Your first session is an opportunity to:
- Ask questions about the counselling process.
- Share your hopes for therapy.
- Talk through anything on your mind, at your own pace.
There’s no “right” way to approach counselling—this is your space to explore what’s going on for you in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment.
This session also gives you a chance to see if working together feels like the right fit for you.
If you’re ready to take the first step, I’d love to hear from you.
