Fiona Layton

The safe space of therapy depends upon the therapist's inner calm. When the therapist has space within themselves they can be at one with anybody. The therapy space gives the client room to express shame, guilt, fear, anger, grief and other painful feelings.

My approach is to attune to you mindfully with compassion, openness and intuition, sometimes challenging you. Working from a place of kind curiosity, I help you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself by exploring your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, your needs, motivations and past patterns, empowering you to gain freedom and choice in your decisions in the here and now, and to affect deep lasting change in your life.

Knocking on a therapist's door can feel unnerving. It is also the first step in overcoming your fears. I will be there to welcome you with a smile; there is no need to prepare anything. I offer a confidential space and a calm presence in which you can voice what is worrying you and explore any personal issues free of judgement. My aim is that you feel listened to, heard and understood, and find the inner strength to overcome your difficulties.

In an ideal world each one of us would feel unconditionally loved and accepted, free to be fully and openly ourselves, able to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with others and keen to explore the world around us. We would be trauma free. The reality is that many of us have had challenging experiences in our lives and as a result we carry inner hurts and wounds, which can show up in many ways including low self-esteem or self-confidence, social anxiety, panic attacks, feeling overwhelmed, tearful, angry, worthless, anxious, depressed, suicidal.

How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can help us to search for the roots of our pain and know that there is nothing intrinsically "wrong" with us. Over time, we can put down new, healthy roots that will nourish and re-energise us. We can mindfully learn new ways to view ourself, others and our world that gives rise to a gentler, kinder, more wise and compassionate way of being. We can improve our relationships and the way that we think and feel about ourself. We can embark on implementing the changes that we wish to make in our lives.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. Whatever your reasons, I will support you in identifying and overcoming any unhelpful patterns that are preventing you from achieving your full potential and having improved relationships. The goal of therapy is to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and to develop skills to improve your life and relationships in a more meaningful way and ultimately to discover your essential true nature. As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I use different therapies and techniques in my work to ensure I help you in the best possible way according to your needs.

About Me
I am an experienced integrative counsellor and psychotherapist qualified to work with adults and  young people , I work with people aged 13 and above. I work relationally, and the therapeutic relationship that we build is at the heart of our work together.

I am a registered accredited Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist, member of the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) I have worked as a Cancer Care Counsellor with the NHS and with NDADA (North Devon Against Domestic Abuse). 

Building on my rich life experience and solid background have enabled me to give a steadfast capacity to working with difficulties, with warmth and genuiness.

My work involves building a therapeutic relationship within a relational integrative approach. I carefully attune to client's needs through creating a safe and compassionate space to explore issues that arise for clients at their pace and to meet their own goals in therapy.

My clients say I show warmth and acceptance, empathy and insight. I have a way of putting people at ease, allowing them to feel comfortable in themselves.  Here is what my clients say:

"Our work together has been incredibly powerful. I have discovered parts of myself that were previously unknown to me and you have shown how I can care for and accept myself. The impact of our time together will be lasting." - Client Testimonial

I have trained for over 30 years in Buddhist psychology, meditation practice and for many years in Buddhism informed therapy.  Buddhism is a container that holds my practice as a psychotherapist and within which western ideas and interventions can be placed. This enables me to skilfully guide clients to lessen their suffering so they can experience more of their absolute qualities of true nature. Which may lead to a more enhanced relationship and a more embodied experience.

I specialise in treating anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, relationship issues, bereavement and spirituality.

I look forward to hearing from you, connecting with you and meeting you soon, Fiona

I welcome you to contact me on 0744 364 7604, you are also welcome to use the 'Email me' link at the top of the page. If you wish to read more please visit my website:   www.heartspacecounselling.org

I charge £55 per hour session for adults via telephone, video online counselling or Walk & Talk Therapy.

I charge £55-60 per hour session for face to face counselling and psychotherapy for young people and adults.

£75 per hour session for couples face to face counselling and psychotherapy.

I am delighted to announce that I can now offer Walk and Talk Therapy.

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

It is a form of counselling/psychotherapy where confidential sessions take place outside with counsellor and client walking side by side observing social distancing measures. It is also referred to as Ecotherapy, Walking Therapy or Outdoor Therapy. The pace is always set by the client with the counsellor matching their pace. If the client wishes to pause or sit they are free to do so.

The primary objective of Walk and Talk is to have a therapy session. However walking in the fresh air in a natural environment provides an additional therapeutic context. I adhere to the NCS Ethical Framework and observe the same legal rules of confidentiality as traditional face to face counselling settings.

I offer you support with issues such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression/low mood, Bereavement & Stress.

The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk combines the health benefits of walking outside with the psychological benefits of talking to a trained therapist. It has been shown to lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression in addition to enhancing a sense of well being.

Bereaved clients find being outside in the changing seasons helpful while working through the stages of grief following the loss of a loved one. Walking relieves tension and stimulates blood flow to the brain improving problem solving and creative thinking.

The natural environment, weather and objects encountered on the walk can be used symbolically and metaphorically as part of the therapy.