About me
Hi there, I'm Ella, the face behind The Growth Counsellor. I’m an integrative counsellor offering a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly about whatever is going on for you, without judgement or pressure to have everything figured out.
I believe counselling should feel human. You don't need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. Sometimes you might have something specific you want to talk about, and other times you might just know that things don't feel quite right. That's okay, we can start wherever you are.
I work integratively, which simply means I don't believe that one way of counselling suits everyone. We're all different, with our own experiences, personalities and ways of making sense of the world.
By drawing on different therapeutic approaches, I can adapt the way we work together, to suit you and what you might need from counselling. I believe you know yourself better than anyone, and my role is to support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you.
Compassion Focused Therapy is a key part of my therapeutic approach.
Many of us can be incredibly hard on ourselves, especially when we're experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, body image concerns or feelings of not being good enough.
I have a particular interest in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), which can help us understand our inner critical voice, why we might be so hard on ourselves and how our experiences can shape the way we think and feel.
Through compassion-focused work, we can begin to explore feelings of shame, self-doubt, anxiety and self-criticism, while gently developing a kinder and more understanding relationship with ourselves.
For me, compassion isn't about pretending everything is okay, ignoring difficult feelings or simply thinking positively. It's about finding ways to support ourselves through the difficult moments, rather than adding to them with criticism.
Above all, I want counselling to feel like a space where you can be yourself. Some sessions might involve exploring difficult feelings or past experiences, while others might simply be about having somewhere to talk and make sense of what's going on in your life.
Whatever brings you to counselling, my hope is that you feel listened to, respected and supported through your journey.
Sessions are available in person or remotely, giving you the choice of what feels most comfortable for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications & Professional Registration
- Master's Degree in Counselling
- NCPS Accredited Counsellor
- Fully Insured
- DBS Checked
Professional Experience
- 14 years' experience working within the mental health sector.
- 3 years' experience as a Mental Health Support Worker supporting young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Additional Training & Professional Development
- Bereavement Training – Sandy Bear
- Suicide Awareness Training – Envy's Alice
- Safeguarding Training
- Crisis Management Training
- First Aid Training
- Epilepsy Awareness Training
Therapeutic Approaches
- Integrative Counselling
- Person-Centred Approach
- Compassion Focused Approach
- Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches
- Psychodynamic Approaches
- Inner Child Work
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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Session Fees
Individual counselling sessions are £50 for a therapeutic counselling hour. I also offer a free initial 15 minute call to answer any questions and to see if I would be the right fit for you as your counsellor.
I understand that everyone's financial circumstances are different, so I also offer a limited number of concessionary rates to help make counselling more accessible.
If you'd like to discuss session fees or find out more about concessionary availability, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to have a conversation.
Further information
My interest in body image, confidence and movement.
Alongside my counselling work, I'm also currently training to become a Personal Trainer. This has developed my interest in the relationship between our mental wellbeing, our bodies and movement.
Body image is an area I have a real interest in. How we feel about ourselves and our bodies can affect so many parts of our lives, from our confidence and relationships to how comfortable we feel in social situations or even walking into a gym.
I'm particularly interested in supporting people who experience body image difficulties, low self-confidence, self-criticism or anxiety around exercise and gym environments.
