Erika Gunderson
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi and welcome,
Thanks so much for checking out my profile. My name is Erika (she/her) and I am an integrative counsellor who has been trained in both person-centred and psychodynamic counselling. While I have been trained in two types of counselling I tend to work in a more person-centred way meaning that I try to make my work very relational.
I am aware that feelings can often seem frightening, nerve wracking and overwhelming. In sessions I aim to provide the time, space and energy to allow individuals to explore whatever may be troubling them in a non-judgmental and safe way. The person-centred way of working focuses on the relationship that is built between client and therapist, and through that relationship allows clients to explore depths of themselves in a way which may not feel accessible in 'normal' life.
What this means:
I try to approach the counselling relationship from the point of view that I am assisting and supporting people in finding the direction which is right for them. I will never be the expert of someone else's life but I am happy to explore all the options which may be available to them and support them in making a choice. My work is non-directive, meaning my clients will tell me what they want to explore/discuss and I follow their lead. With that being said if someone requires more structure to the conversation I am happy to provide that.
Areas of interest:
One of my main areas of interests is working with self-esteem and empowering clients to change the way in which they interact with themselves. As we begin to change our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with the world and others may begin to change as well. It is the hope that this change may allow one to live a life which feels more fulfilling and authentic.
As I am not originally from the UK, I also have a special interest and understanding in working with those who are navigating assimilation to a culture which may be different from their own.
How I use a first session:
I normally use a first session as an opportunity to get to know someone and see what it feels like to work with one another. Finding the right therapist may feel similar to shopping around for a car or an apartment, it may take some time to find what feels like the right fit. While I always hope I may be the right fit I appreciate the importance of feeling safe and comfortable in the space with a practitioner and I always want people to find what they are looking for.
Training, qualifications & experience
- I earned a Bachelor's of Science (undergraduate degree) in Counselling and Human Services from the University of Scranton
- I earned a Master's of Counselling and Interpersonal Dialogue from the University of Edinburgh
- I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am currently working towards accreditation
I have been self-employed as a private practice counsellor since 2020 but have a wealth of knowledge in working with mental health. I have worked in the care sector, as a telephone counsellor as well as in a teaching position alongside my private practice. I work with both short term (weeks - months) as well long term (months - years) clients.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Cultural identity and living within a different culture
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Additional information
- The fee of £60 is for 60 minutes
- Payment for the session can be made either via bank transfer or cash. I carry small bills for change in case one may wish to pay by cash.
- Payment is not due until the session has been provided. Payment is kindly asked to be paid within 24 hours of the session.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Please send an email if you would like to discuss setting up a potential appointment. I normally set up a 5-10 minute call to express a little bit about my service and what I offer.
Further information
- I work with clients either weekly or fortnightly to begin with.
- I work primarily face-to-face but am able to move to digital counselling via Zoom once a relationship has been established face-to-face.
- I only work with referrals from individuals seeking counselling and will not work with those looking to refer a friend or family member.
- Please be aware I am not a crisis counsellor. If you find you are needing immediate mental health support - please present to A&E, get in touch with your GP and or the local mental health crisis team as they may be more equipped to support with this.
Please always check your spam folder if you have emailed me as sometimes the replies may go there!
