Derek Gardner

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About me

My interest in mental health began with curiosity. I often had long, engaging conversations with a retired therapist about the value of seeking support, and these discussions inspired me to explore the field more deeply. This ultimately led me to begin the journey toward obtaining my diploma.

Throughout my training, I gained a great deal of insight into human behaviour—and into myself. I came to believe that many people could benefit from even a few sessions with a trained therapist.

Although I could list the various therapeutic approaches I have studied, the foundation of my work is not the techniques themselves but the relationship I build with each client. Establishing trust is essential. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable enough to speak openly, enabling me to support them in addressing whatever challenges they may be facing.

My aim is to offer a confidential, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain clarity, and build the confidence needed to make positive changes in your life. It is a place where you can express your thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment.

We all encounter periods of uncertainty when life feels overwhelming—whether due to work-related stress, difficulties in relationships, or the loss of someone close. I provide a space where you can openly share these experiences, and together we can work toward finding solutions that feel right for you.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My training is as an integrative therapist. This means I use various modalities including Transactional Analysis. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Person Centred approaches. This helps me tailor sessions to your individual needs. This in turn helps to identify patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs and help you move nearer to where you want to be with greater self-awareness.

Member organisations

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.

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

Fees

£50.00 - £65.00

Additional information

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but I’m here to make the process as easy as possible:

  1. The first step is to get in touch and schedule an initial session so that  we can have a chat about what you are looking for in more detail and I can answer any questions you might have.
  2. If you choose to continue, ongoing sessions are available from  £50 per session, but there is no obligation to commit. 

My priority is that you feel comfortable and supported in your journey.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I offer weekday sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, both in person and online.

In person sessions are held in West Wickham.and online sessions take place via zoom/google meet.

To help decide if I am the right fit for you, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Current availability is available on request

Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3DW

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

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

Key details

DBS check

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

Online platforms

FaceTime
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Derek Gardner
Derek Gardner