Harriet Simmons
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Life can be wonderful but can present us with challenges that we don’t know how to manage. Sometimes it can help to talk to someone impartial about how you’re feeling and look at these challenges together through a different lens to gain some clarity.
My objective is to offer you a safe and confidential space in which to process your thoughts and feelings without judgement or conditions, and with empathy. I like to work in a collaborative way; think of it as walking alongside you and lending a listening ear. The intention is for you to gain clarity and perhaps make changes, or to re-focus on whatever is troubling you. This can enable you to reach your potential or to feel better about yourself and life in general.
Training, qualifications & experience
I've trained as an integrative counsellor, which means that I draw on more than one approach. My main approach is person-centred therapy developed by Carl Rogers. I allow the client to take the lead, allowing time and space to explore what's going on for them, primarily focussing on feelings. To facilitate the therapy I apply the core principles of empathy, acceptance and genuineness. The important part for me is to be able connect and grow a relationship with the client, and putting trust in the process.
I’ve been practicing since 2016 and my background is primarily in the health and social care sector. I've worked in this sector for 20+ years, specifically with older people and those affected by cancer, as well as their families. My experience includes working with and supporting people with chronic health conditions, and their family members or carers. Working with bereavement is of particular interest and reward, and I have undertaken various training on this topic and am always learning.
I feel that self-care is intrinsic to our well-being, and use coping techniques for anxiety such as doing what you enjoy, perhaps going for a walk or taking part in exercise can be helpful in alleviating unpleasant sensations associated with anxiety. There is much research in the connection between mind and body, and I like to integrate this into my work, if appropriate. Of course, there could be practical changes to explore too. Sometimes making a small change can make a big difference!
Before starting our therapeutic work, we will have an initial phone chat to establish whether we’re a good fit for each other. (There is no charge for this).
Qualifications: RSA Certificate in Counselling Skills in the Development of Learning. CPCAB Level 3 Counselling, CPCAB Level 4 (diploma) in Therapeutic Counselling.
I am a registered member with the BACP.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Concessionary rates available.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Further information
I mainly work from home in Chingford, however I can access a space in Walthamstow if that's more convenient.
