Fiona Oppenheimer
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello. Do you struggle with stress from; work, relationships, or parenting? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, or low in self-esteem? You are not alone. I am trained to work with young people, adults and couples who are presenting with a whole range of issues. I am specialised in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, relationship issues, bereavement and issues surrounding spirituality.
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.
I help you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself by exploring your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, your needs, motivations and past patterns, increasing your self-awareness, 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, understood and safe. I bring unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to help you to find the inner strength and clarity 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, social anxiety, panic attacks, feeling overwhelmed, tearful, angry, worthless, anxious, depressed or suicidal.
How Therapy Can Help?
Talking together can help to clarify things and to find a clear path. Counselling is a unique opportunity to learn more about yourself, improve your psychological health and feel supported to make positive decisions about your life.
We’re often asked, “How are you?” but how often do we have the time to really answer, let alone know how we truly feel?
It may be that you are feeling lost, confused, or stuck in your life and do not know which way to turn? You might be feeling overwhelmed by your feelings or unsure how you feel at all. These are very common experiences that can be helped by counselling.
In a therapy session, we would take time to see how you really are and for you to feel supported and cared for. Coming for therapy can be a reliable way of improving your mental health, creating stability in your mind and strengthening how you feel about yourself through building your confidence.
Life is so busy. Giving yourself time each week to have counselling may feel like a luxury, but most people really appreciate and value a peaceful space away from the demands of their lives to talk in private. Here you can receive psychological care uniquely personal to you.
What is it Like Working with Me?
I see our work together very much as a collaboration, in which kindness and compassion plays a key part. I attune to your needs and explore your experience with you, so that you may feel truly met and able to relax into a sense of wholeness and safety.
I work in a gentle and compassionate way in order for you to feel safe. The way I work is to include all aspects of your life, your emotional, cognitive, spiritual and bodily sensations in present moment awareness as well as looking into past patterns that have affected you negatively.
Through therapy we uncover the underlying issues that are core to your pain and suffering, by addressing these together you can become aware of them, understand and accept them, enabling you to find true healing.
'The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.' - Carl Rogers
About Me
I am an experienced Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist qualified to work with adults and young people , I work with people aged 16 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 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 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
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling Level 4 with Heartwood College of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The training was Integrative, which means I have experience of several counselling approaches. The use of the word ‘integrative’ not only describes a fusion of different techniques, it also refers to the integration of all aspects of the personality and needs of the client. This brings awareness of the emotional, rational, behavioural, physiological and spiritual, as they apply to you, delivering a tailor made service to address your evolving needs.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Pat Ogden, Ph.D.
Body Oriented Therapy Techniques for Trauma and Attachment
Internal Family Systems Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & More: An Intensive Online Course with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson
Counselling Children and Young People Diplma
Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Diploma (Distinction)
CPD Emotionally Focused Therapy
CPD Working with Trauma (Caroline Spring)
Counselling Survivors of Domestic Abuse - NDADA
Certificate in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Teacher Training Programme Buddhist Psychology & Practice
BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Arts
I hold full professional liability insurance.
I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, this means I work in line with their ethical requirements.
I am committed to ongoing personal and professional development and regularly attend workshops and courses.
I regularly attend both 1:1 and group supervision (as is required by my professional body the NCPS) so you can be reassured that I am receiving support in order to fully support you.
I worked at NDADA, North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, as a Counsellor.
I worked as a Cancer Care Counsellor within the NHS.
My aim is to give you compassionate support and permission to be fully yourself, however challenging that can be.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 - £75.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
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.
When I work
9am - 8pm Mondays
9am - 5pm Tuesdays
9am - 8pm Wednesdays
9am - 7pm Thursdays
Further information
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.
