Heather Brennan

Hello and welcome. I am a qualified and registered counsellor with the British Association of Counselling and psychotherapy (BACP). My approach is respectful, sensitive and thoughtful and is underpinned by a psychodynamic training.

How counselling can help

Stress, anxiety and depression are endemic in today’s world. One in four people in the UK will suffer from depression each year (MIND, 2013). I offer a private, safe and confidential place to explore and help you manage feelings and thoughts that may be overwhelming, confusing or even frightening. This may enable you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and explore deep rooted beliefs and assumptions in order to resolve them. Together we can find your strengths, build on your confidence and self esteem, enabling you to make choices where previously you may have felt there were none.

About me

I offer face to face and online Counselling from my private practice in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. I provide both short term and open ended sessions to individuals over the age of 17 from any race, cultural background or sexual orientation.  I comply with the BACP ethical and legal guidelines which includes undertaking regular supervision to ensure a good standard of care for my clients and a commitment to ongoing continued professional development

I have also worked in an NHS funded counselling service at a woman’s centre in London and as a voluntary counsellor for the Road Victims Trust, additionally I am a trained facilitator of the Freedom Programme. I have a wide range of experience which includes working with trauma, bereavement, domestic and childhood abuse, relationship difficulties, pregnancy issues, eating disorders, chronic illness, depression and anxiety. These may be things you would like to talk to me about,  however, there may be a less apparent problem e.g. low self esteem, feeling gloomy and or confused, sad or dissatisfied with life in general, yet you can’t quite put your finger on what it is that’s bothering you. Any one of these problems can affect your well being and progress in your personal and professional life.

What to expect in your first session

We are all unique, complex individuals and I tailor my approach to meet your needs. An initial session (sometimes called an assessment) gives us both the opportunity to talk about what is troubling you. It can be transformative to talk through problems in times of crisis or emotional distress but taking that first step may feel daunting. I have first-hand experience of what this feels like as part of my rigorous training I spent several years in personal therapy.

The initial assessment lasts for approximately one hour and allows us to consider whether this type of counselling is best suited to your needs. Attending an assessment places you under no obligation to attend further sessions. Whilst I am an experienced counsellor there maybe circumstances where we both feel that you need to be referred to another agency and I will assist you in this process. All communication between us will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Sessions (50 minutes):

Stanstead Abbotts - £55.