Gemma Holtbrook

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she/her
Purley, Surrey, CR8

About me

"Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, whether you are seeking support for yourself or trying to navigate difficulties within a relationship. As a BACP Accredited, integratively trained, and relational therapist, I do not believe in a 'one size fits all' approach. Instead, I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities to tailor our work uniquely to you, providing a warm, collaborative, and entirely non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and untangle complex feelings at your own pace.
Alongside my private practice, I work as a High Intensity Therapist within the NHS, grounding my work in robust clinical experience. I am also a fully qualified relationship counsellor trained by Relate. My background includes years of specialized trauma work within Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis support, meaning I am deeply experienced in safely holding space for those navigating domestic abuse, sexual violence, and complex relational trauma.
In addition to my trauma and relationship specialisms, I have a deep personal and professional interest and extensive experience in working with parents of children with special needs. I understand the heavy mental load, unique systemic challenges, and profound emotional exhaustion that can accompany parenting a neurodivergent child or a child with additional needs. I provide a dedicated space for parents to process their own experiences, navigate burnout, and feel truly heard.
Because we do not exist in a vacuum, I work relationally—helping you look at the patterns, attachments, and communication hurdles in your life to foster deeper understanding and lasting healing. My experience spans working with adults, couples, and children/young people from aged 8 upwards.
How I Work
To make therapy as accessible and comfortable for you as possible, I offer flexible session formats tailored to your lifestyle and preferences:
🛋️ In-Person Sessions: Held at my welcoming South London practice, providing a dedicated, safe physical space to meet face-to-face.
💻 Online Video Sessions: Conducted safely and securely via Microsoft Teams from the comfort of your own home.
📞 Telephone Counselling: Ideal for those who prefer the anonymity, flexibility, or comfort of audio-only support.
Whether you are dealing with deep-seated trauma, navigating a relationship crisis, facing high-intensity anxiety and depression, or seeking support as a parent navigating special educational/developmental needs, we will work together to find your path forward."

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Licensed CFD-PCE Practitioner – NICE-Approved NHS Practitioner
  • Accredited Member – British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • Accredited Member – National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
  • MA in Integrative Psychotherapy
  • Diploma in Relationship Counselling (Relate, CPCAB Accredited)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Working with Children and Young People
  • Certificate in Trauma-Based Therapy (RASASC – Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre)
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£80.00 - £120.00

Concessions offered for

  • Trainee counsellors

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Axa Health
  • BUPA

Additional information

Initial 15 min consultation free

Sessions run for 50mins once a week

£80 for individuals 

£120 for couples 

reduced rate for trainees £45

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

PVG Scheme

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom
Gemma Holtbrook
Gemma Holtbrook