Gaynor Birkett

Hi, I'm Gaynor. I am an experienced, qualified and registered counsellor with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. I offer an integrative approach to counselling using various therapies such as Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Rewind Trauma Therapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

In a nutshell, this means I am able to use a combined and integrated approach to counselling, safely bringing together the most effective parts of different therapies to help anyone who has or is going through a challenging time; or has things they need help with or would like to explore, in a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space. This creates bespoke counselling that's as unique as my client's needs. I can also deliver a single counselling modality if required e.g. solely CBT or Person Centred Therapy etc...

I am a trauma-informed counsellor with a lot of experience working compassionately with trauma, trauma responses, triggers, flashbacks and traumatic memories especially in relation to historic domestic abuse, sexual violence and sexual abuse, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (C-PTSD), childhood trauma/acute childhood experiences (ACE's), relational trauma; alongside working with shame, guilt, bereavement, loss, grief, anger, anxiety, depression and somatic interventions to help clients move from surviving to thriving.

I have worked for a number of years in charities. I worked in an Armed Forces Support Hub counselling Veterans and their families for a few years. At present, I work for a Well Women's/Domestic Abuse charity and I also work for a Sexual Violence & Sexual Abuse charity; in both settings counselling women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

I also work in Private Practice, where clients can book in with me directly. I run the Counselling practice; and also the Holistic Therapy practice which was established in 2005. I have 18 years of experience as a Holistic Therapist. I am experienced in the mind-body connection. As we all know 'the body keeps the score'. I also have a deep interest in spirituality within therapeutic practice. I am an advocate for self-care for individuals, whether that be from a mental, emotional or physical perspective. Our body is our priceless home for as long as we are here and our mental and emotional wellbeing is the life force for true health and happiness.

I provide a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and to work through problems and life events; to develop healthy coping mechanisms; to learn more about yourself; and if applicable to set goals or realise a life purpose.

The counselling sessions can be carried out face to face in either the counselling room or the holistic therapy room. Both are private, quiet and relaxing. There is free parking at the premises or plenty of free on-street parking, in an easy to find location. Alternatively, I offer online or telephone counselling sessions, so client location isn't an issue. I am a certified online and telephone counsellor. I am committed to delivering a service which is non-judgemental, welcoming, non-discriminatory and provides equality for all individuals.

I offer a free 20-minute no obligation introductory chat/informal consultation either online or by phone, to discuss if counselling is right for you and whether I am the right counsellor for you; enabling you to make an informed decision. If so, we can discuss how we can best work together, discuss the next steps and you can ask any questions which you may have. Please get in touch.

Counselling

Individual fee is £50 for a session either face to face, online or telephone. Payments are via bank transfer; or cash (only face to face).

Sessions must be paid for on the day in advance or at each session.

Free initial 20 minute informal consultation.

Counselling is generally undertaken weekly or fortnightly. However, I always aim to be as flexible as possible and work with a client's specific needs and circumstances. Regular reviews are carried out to ensure the therapy is always meeting your requirements.

I offer short term (up to 6 sessions), medium term (6-12 sessions) and longer term (12+ sessions) counselling. However, you may only want a one-off session, only need a few sessions or choose to come on an ad-hoc basis. There is no obligation but generally 6 is usually a minimum to begin with.

Holistic Therapies

From £40 for treatment.

Besides the various types of talking therapies available, I have 18 years' experience in offering holistic therapies such as:

• Reflexology
• Maternity / Fertility Reflexology
• Sports & Remedial Massage
• Therapeutic Massage
• Thermal Stones Massage
• Warm Bamboo Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Indian Head Massage
• Hopi Ear Candle Therapy
• Reiki
• Crystal Healing 

As I offer both counselling and holistic therapy services, any holistic therapies taken alongside active counselling is at my discretion, as the therapist. Each situation will be discussed and reviewed with each client, on a case by case basis and will be in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for Counsellors. It may be that either counselling or a particular holistic therapy may have to finish before another therapy is begun. Undertaking both services concurrently is possible under certain circumstances e.g. palliative care, ongoing cancer treatment etc. but this is at my discretion and must be discussed and agreed first.

Please Note: If I am unable to answer your call please leave a voice message or preferably send a text to 07561 252527 or email me with your name and contact details and I will respond within 24 hours. Thanks.