Claudio Mendes

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Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Banstead, Surrey, SM7
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hello.

I’m Claudio Mendes, a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 16 years of experience.

Over the years, I have supported clients from all walks of life, helping them navigate life’s challenges and make meaningful changes during times of struggle.

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. Some we overcome, but others persist despite our best efforts to change. The good news is, you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Having the support of someone who is focused on understanding you—without judgement—can be transformative.

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques which having discussed your situation, will be tailored to meet your unique needs.

I specialise in delivering

• Psychodynamic Counselling,

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

I also use other approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).

These therapeutic approaches can work independently of or alongside CBT, depending on your specific needs and whether you are seeking long term or short term support. Most importantly, these interventions are flexible and customised to support you through the challenges you're facing.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy is a deeply collaborative and supportive journey. Together, we’ll explore your concerns and work towards solutions that are tailored to you.

I’m deeply interested in understanding people—the way we think, act, and how our unique life experiences shape who we are.

You may feel different from others, as though people don’t truly understand you. Perhaps you’re ready for change, yet fear it, feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break.

You might be coping with a painful loss or navigating a tough life transition.

You may be struggling with persistent negative thoughts, unhelpful habits, or feeling disconnected from fulfilling relationships and unable to understand why.

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, personal growth, or overcoming past trauma, I’m here to help guide you through it with empathy, respect, and expertise.

I believe that growth is a natural and continuous process, much like the world around us.

I’ve worked with individuals facing a range of life challenges, including addiction, relationship difficulties, issues around love, sexuality, identity, as well as struggles with discrimination, loss, health conditions, and bereavement. These diverse experiences have deepened my understanding and shaped my compassionate, non-judgmental approach to therapy.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration in my life, and I often incorporate its principles into my work. Just as the seasons change, therapy can help us adapt and transform. Change is constant, and through therapy, we can embrace that transformation.

As Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” This resonates with the core of our work together—helping you embrace your potential and empowering you to make lasting changes in your life.

What to Expect in Therapy

If you’re considering therapy for the first time, you will have questions.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered to make the changes you desire.

We’ll work together at your pace, setting meaningful goals and using evidence-based methods to help you navigate difficult emotions, increase self-awareness, and develop healthy coping strategies.

By connecting with you in an authentic and supportive way, I offer personalised guidance that speaks directly to your unique needs.

Through this partnership, we’ll work toward lasting transformation, empowering you to grow and embrace the positive changes that life has to offer.

Claudio

Training, qualifications & experience

Education & Training
I am a fully qualified psychotherapist and counsellor.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, which enhances my ability to offer evidence-based, structured therapeutic interventions that can help you make meaningful changes in your life.

Additionally, I have a CPCAB Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling, which has provided me with the essential knowledge and skills to offer compassionate, professional therapy services. This qualification not only enables me to support you in navigating life’s challenges with a safe, empathetic approach but also allows me to work in diverse ways, enriching both my theoretical understanding and therapeutic practice.

Building on my previous qualifications, I am also an Accredited Psychotherapist and Supervisor with Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (IPT UK). This allows me to offer both therapy and supervision to other therapists, further enhancing my expertise in supporting clients at various stages of their therapeutic journey

I am an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and IPT UK, guaranteeing that my practice upholds the highest ethical standards in the field.

My commitment to ongoing professional development means I stay up-to-date with the latest therapeutic approaches and advancements in mental health, allowing me to provide the best possible support for my clients.

My Experience

I specialize in supporting adults through a broad spectrum of challenges, with particular expertise in Anxiety, Relationship issues, Stress, and Trauma.

Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of how these difficulties, especially Anxiety Disorders, can affect both mental and emotional well-being. I am committed to helping individuals navigate and overcome these challenges with compassion and practical strategies.

I have developed particular experience and expertise in helping clients overcome Anxiety and persistent obstacles that may be holding them back from living the life they desire.

In our work together, we focus on identifying and challenging unhelpful anxious thoughts, building assertiveness, enhancing self-confidence, and reducing excessive worry. A key part of the therapeutic process involves addressing anxious patterns in relationships, working through self-doubt, and overcoming self-criticism.

We also explore the deeper roots of Anxiety, including past traumatic experiences, neglect in relationships, feelings of shame, and limiting beliefs that may be contributing to ongoing struggles.

Additional Areas of Expertise

  • Relationship Difficulties and Disputes
  • Helping individuals navigate conflicts, communication issues, and rebuild connection with important others.
  • Life Transitions
  • Assisting individuals through significant life changes such as career shifts, relocations, or major personal milestones.
  • Shame and Fear-Based Responses
  • Helping clients transform limiting beliefs and emotional patterns that stem from shame and fear.
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Empowering individuals to build confidence, self-acceptance, and a healthier self-image.
  • Self-Criticism
  • Guiding individuals to overcome harsh self-judgment and foster a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue.

Anxiety Disorders
I specialise in supporting individuals with various Anxiety Disorders, including Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Health Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These conditions can significantly impact daily life, leading to persistent worry, physical symptoms, and intrusive thoughts.

Whether you're dealing with the overwhelming fear of a panic attack, constant worry about the future, excessive concern over health issues, or compulsive behaviours associated with OCD, I work with clients to develop strategies to manage and alleviate these intense experiences.

By exploring the underlying causes of anxiety, providing tools for relaxation and emotional regulation, and building resilience, my goal is to help you regain control, reduce distress, and cultivate a sense of calm and stability in your life.

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

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
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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.

IPT UK
Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (IPT UK)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (IPT UK) is a multi-disciplinary interest group for people involved in the training, practice and theory of Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Additional Areas of Expertise
I specialize in supporting clients through a diverse range of personal challenges. My goal is to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease, resilience, and understanding. Other areas where I can offer support include:

Relationship Difficulties & Disputes
Whether you're facing conflicts in your personal or professional relationships, I work with individuals and couples to improve communication, resolve disputes, and rebuild stronger, more connected relationships.

Healing from Trauma
I provide a safe space for those healing from past traumatic experiences, supporting emotional recovery and helping you move forward in a way that nurtures your mental and emotional well-being.

Life Transitions
Significant life changes, like career shifts, relocations, or personal milestones, can feel overwhelming. I guide individuals through these transitions, helping you adapt and find clarity during times of uncertainty.

Grief & Loss
Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey. I offer compassionate support to help you process loss, honour your feelings, and find hope and meaning through the mourning process.

Overcoming Shame & Fear-Based Responses
Shame and fear can hold us back from living fully. I help clients transform limiting beliefs and emotional patterns, empowering you to break free from the grip of shame and fear, and embrace a more authentic life.

Building Self-Esteem & Confidence
Low self-esteem can impact many areas of life. I empower individuals to build confidence, embrace self-acceptance, and develop a healthier, more positive self-image.

Transforming Self-Criticism
Harsh self-judgment can be debilitating. I guide clients in overcoming negative self-talk, fostering a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue that supports personal growth and emotional resilience

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£100.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors
  • check_circle Unemployed

Health Insurance/EAP

  • check_circle BUPA

Additional information

My standard fee is £100 per session. 

My standard fee reflects the time, expertise, and experience I bring to therapy, as well as the dedication I invest in supporting your progress. It also accounts for the collaborative work we will do together to promote your well-being and achieve your goals.

Some reduced-fee slots may become available for students, individuals who are unemployed, or those on a low income.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I am available for sessions on Thursdays from 12 PM to 5 PM, offering flexible hours to fit your schedule. 

Further information

I understand that finding the right therapist is an important and personal decision. To help you feel more comfortable, I’d like to share a bit more about how I work and what you can expect when working with me.

Holistic and Client-Entered Approach
My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in a client-entered approach, where your needs, values, and goals guide the process. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and challenges at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking to manage anxiety, navigate relationship struggles, or work through trauma, I am here to support you in a way that feels right for you.

Tailored Treatment Plans
Each client is unique, and so is each treatment plan. I use a combination of evidence-based therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—to meet your individual needs. Together, we will explore the most effective techniques for your situation, whether it's learning how to manage stress, overcoming self-doubt, or breaking free from unhelpful thought patterns.

Collaboration with Other Professionals
When appropriate, I am happy to collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as your GP or psychiatrist, to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to your care. This collaborative support ensures that you are receiving comprehensive care and that all aspects of your well-being are being addressed.

Ongoing Professional Development
I am committed to my own professional growth and ensure that I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in therapy and mental health research. Through continued education, training, and supervision, I work to refine my skills and provide you with the highest standard of care.

Availability and Flexible Sessions
I offer both in-person and online sessions to make therapy as accessible and convenient as possible. I understand that life can be busy, so I offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Whether you're looking for weekly sessions or occasional support, I’m here to work with you in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Confidentiality and Trust
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice. You can trust that everything you share during our sessions will remain confidential, creating a safe environment where you can feel comfortable opening up.

Next Steps
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how I can best support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer an initial consultation where we can explore your needs and determine if we are a good fit to work together

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Additional languages

Portuguese

Online platforms

Zoom

Supervision

Online

Experienced supervisor in CBT and IPT, offering dedicated supervision to support clinical and therapeutic practice.

View supervision profile