Freya Rudigier
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
There are many different ways of delivering counselling, which can pose quite a challenge for clients choosing to find their preferred approach. Generally, I believe there is no right or wrong approach but rather, that some way of working may be more or less helpful for specific needs of the individual person and within their unique circumstances. Therefore, I rely on my clients' expertise in their lives and their engagement in the process to help guide their unique approach. What may feel helpful for one client, could feel disruptive to another.
In my training as a counselling psychologist, I have been introduced to the three schools of (person-centred / humanistic therapies, psychodynamic therapies, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies). Whilst my personal approach has been influenced by all three schools, I predominantly take a relational psychodynamic approach. This means I meet my clients with congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, as well as confidence in their capacity for growth. Equally, I recognise the impact of past experiences, particularly those in childhood, that are now influencing conscious and unconscious experiences in the here and now.
Please visit my website to learn more about my experience and approach.
Training, qualifications & experience
My identity as a counselling psychologist has been developing since 2014. I graduated with honours in Counselling and Psychology in 2017 and set up a wellbeing service at a local primary school, where I had worked as a TA during my studies. Whilst I continue to be passionate about my work with children and young people, and my approach has been influenced by the creativity and curiosity that this work brings, I have mostly been working with adults in recent years.
Alongside beginning a doctorate in counselling psychology in 2019, I have continued to develop my portfolio, gaining experience working 'behind the scenes' of counselling organisations. This means I have been involved in the training of volunteer therapists, day-to-day management of facilities and administrative duties. These experiences have given me the confidence to set up this private practice in 2021 and also offer consultancy services and training.
As well as my private clients, I have supported people in various counselling settings, which included the private, NHS, and non-profit sectors. Due to the nature of these different settings, I have learned to assess client's needs, work flexibly, creatively and within different time frames.
One of the main theories I work with is attachment theory. This theory considers how our relationships and the safety and danger we experience in those relationships, shape our way of engaging in the world.
The parents, or primary caregivers, play a crucial part in this development, as they shape the nature in which we relate to others, ourselves and the world. However, as we grow up, and our relationships become more complex, our relational templates grow more complex also. Sometimes this results in strategies that have previously been necessary and helpful, not being so helpful after all.
At the core of my work lies the therapeutic relationship - our relationship. In our work, I hope to provide a safe space and meet you with stability, and warmth. Grounded by my humanistic values, I am not here to judge you, or anyone in your life, but rather help you make sense of your experiences.
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
We often find it difficult to name or categorise 'what feels painful'. I have only selected some broad areas of counselling I work with, please do not let this stop you from reaching out.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 - £100.00
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Starting your counselling journey can be daunting. I hope to make the start a little easier by offering clients a free taster session. Depending on your preference and our availability, this will happen either online or face-to-face. We will have 30 minutes to learn more about each other and what counselling may be like. With no strings attached, you will have some time to think about whether we feel like a good fit and go through the counselling agreement. If you are interested but unable to meet at the suggested time, please feel free to contact me to discuss options.
Once started, we will meet at the same time each week. As a counselling psychologist, I use psychometric measures (short questions about your mood and experiences) in our first session. This often helps us to focus on how your situation is currently impacting you and helps us to think about specific goals. Many clients find it helpful to establish goals at the beginning of their counselling journey, which we will then regularly review.
In the first weeks, I will continue to "gather information" to help me step into your shoes and connect with your experience. This time can often make clients feel particularly vulnerable and we often introduce self-care and grounding techniques alongside.
Ultimately, all sessions follow your pace. Entering counselling is positive risk-taking, but I do not underestimate the courage every session takes.
When I work
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My regular in-person sessions are held on Mondays (evenings) and Fridays (daytime) in Epsom towncentre.
My Monday practice is currently full.
Further information
Whilst I feel lucky to offer counselling face-to-face in a beautiful practice in the centre of Epsom, I understand the need for flexibility and can offer to move sessions online if needed.
Please visit my website to learn more about me, the services I am able to offer, and view my private practice setting.
