Heather Holmes
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I am Heather, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Integrative Counsellor which means that I have a solid foundation in a wide variety of theoretical approaches and have developed my own way of working as a result. In particular I draw from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and Schema, as well as new research in neuroscience.
Since you're reading this page then I imagine some aspects of your life are challenging or upsetting which you would prefer to be different, you may be wondering if therapy can help you with your concerns and difficult feelings. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression or anger, or you may be finding it a challenge to like yourself. Perhaps you're struggling with relationships and would like to work on ways to improve how you relate to people. Or you may be coming to terms with a trauma or a loss in your life and are looking to process your experience and see a way forward. Or perhaps you simply feel that something in your life is not quite right, even though that something isn't clear yet.
Life can be tough so If you’re currently finding it difficult then you’re not alone. Sometimes we need extra support. It can be hard to understand how simply talking can be useful but therapy can give you a perspective you may never have experienced. Talking to someone who’s trained to listen can be profoundly helpful if you’re feeling depressed, struggling to like yourself or make decisions. If your emotions are confusing or overwhelming then talking about them can bring clarity. Sharing your anxiety is the first step to making it more manageable, and if you’ve suffered a deep loss then having someone to walk with you through your grief can help the healing process enormously.
My aim is to help you look to at your issues in an objective way and to develop a therapeutic relationship where you feel able to freely explore thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged
I would describe myself as respectful, kind, compassionate, non-judgemental and professional therapist. We can spend time looking at issues you bring to therapy, which might include relationships with others and with yourself; you might struggle with your feelings, or how your thoughts affect your day to day behaviour.
For further information on various approaches please view my website, heatherholmes.co.uk
I am based in Ashwell and work from my home situated at the entrance to the village, overlooking fields. The room is quiet and tranquil with a large window where high hedges and trees outside offer privacy. There is free parking on the drive with easy access to the therapy room.
I also offer online Skype session which allows more flexibility.
To get things started, you can either:
Call me for a free informal telephone consultation to discuss how we can work together, or simply text or email me and I can get us booked in for your first appointment.
I’ll look forward to hearing from you….
Training, qualifications & experience
Masters Degree in Psychology - Northumbria University (currently studying)
EMDR Therapy and Coaching Practitioner (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) - EMDR Centre, London.
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Dist) – College of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, London
Advanced Diploma CBT/REBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy)
Diploma CBT/REBT
Certificate in Blended Counselling and Ethics
Working with Shame (2019)
Trauma and the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation (2019)
Poly vagal theory (2020)
Rewind technique (2019)
ACT. Acceptance Commitment Therapy. (2019)
BACP certificate of proficiency
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate
I have full public liability insurance
I regularly update my counselling knowledge and skills by participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops
Experience: Anxiety UK Therapist, Therapist at Anglia Ruskin University.
I originally trained as a Textile designer and have worked in the fashion and interiors industry which lead to developing my own brand and artwork as well as teaching at an Academy. Working creatively with adults from a wide range of backgrounds and life situations directly lead to my interest in training as a therapist as these sessions emphasised the importance of connection, flow and providing as open space where anything could be discussed.
Member organisations
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.
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 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.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
I offer a free initial phone or video call.
I request that whenever possible a minimum of 48 hours notice is given for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice may incur a fee.
When I work
I am available Monday - Thursday.
Skype calls are more flexible.
Further information
Online counselling is increasingly popular for those who cannot make face to face, in person, counselling. I use Skype, for these sessions.
The beauty of this approach is that you are able to see me and attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, or quiet place at work, and you can talk to me from anywhere in the world.
