Deborah Birley

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The objectives of a counselling relationship will vary according to the individuals needs. Relationship issues, depression, panic attacks, anxiety all seem to be a product of the lifestyles we are now living, dealing with these issues will enable you to work towards living in a more satisfactory and resourceful way.  We all have the tendency to repeat patterns of behaviour and allow our past experiences to affect our present . Even though we would like to change, we can often feel unable to do so. Painful situations in the present often have their roots in the past.  This understanding allows the possibility of greater freedom of thought and action, leading to change.

I have over twenty years experience as a counsellor in a variety of settings, including working with adults in doctors’ surgeries, educational establishments;  Furthermore, I have worked with the Young Citizens Project and the Youth Offending Team. Working in an Information and Counselling Centre for Young People aged 14-25, and a Women’s Counselling Centre.

I am also a trained play therapist, working seven years for the national children’s charity, Place2Be. Having run a project for children needing emotional and therapeutic support, I am also able to work with children in the area of play and creative arts. With this option they are able to explore and express themselves through other modes and activities. Adults can also benefit from these methods of therapy.

I offer short or longer term therapy, depending on the nature of the presenting issues.  This is generally in person, but can also be via Skype or phone.

I operate a private practice in my home.  I ensure confidentiality and provide time and space for people to work at their own pace, whatever their issues.  There is parking available, and a regular bus service runs to Buckden, if needed.

Initial meeting

An initial meeting will give us an opportunity to explore how we might best work together. No further obligation is assumed by either party as a result of attending the initial meeting. You may decide at that point that you don't want to continue any further or I may decide that the material you want to work on falls outside my areas of expertise and experience and that it might be better for you to work with someone else. If we decide that we would want to work together we can begin to establish an initial number of sessions to commit to and build in an appropriate review so we can reflect on the process and determine how best to move the work forward.

As laid down by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I maintain a strict ethical therapeutic code.