Jackie Thomas

I am a qualified counsellor, trained to work with children, young people and adults. Since 2018 I have been providing a counselling service to schools in the Havant / Leighpark area. I have 16 years’ experience working in primary education, 6 as a School Counsellor where I work alongside SENCo’s, social workers, educational psychologists and other children’s services professionals. I have previously worked as an adult Bereavement Counsellor for the Bereavement Counselling Charity, where I visited clients in their homes and as a young person's Counsellor at Off the Record in Havant.

I believe in the philosophy that we are all naturally creative and unique, we all have value, deserve respect and have an instinctive tendency to grow, change and achieve our full potential. Sometimes life can get in the way of this and sometimes we need a little help to get unstuck. Sometimes it is hard to talk to those we are closest to for fear of upsetting them and easier to talk to someone outside of the situation. This does not mean that anyone has failed.

What I offer

I offer a safe and supportive and comfortable environment to talk about difficult issues, in confidence.  I listen to a client’s views, experiences and feelings without judgement in an atmosphere of respect and empathy, working collaboratively to build a secure and trusting relationship. 

My approach to therapy is Humanistic, mainly person-centred. By offering both talking and creative therapies clients have the opportunity to discover what works best for them.

Sessions for children and young people can be very different to an adult session.  Often children and younger people  prefer play based or creative activities alongside or instead of talking as it can be easier to tell their story and express feelings in this way.  I offer a variety of resources including drawing, writing, painting, clay, sand tray, music, role play, puppets etc.

Adults can also access their creative side too if they wish :-), talking can be difficult.

As a counsellor, I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists) and abide by their ethical framework. I also have regular supervision, a requirement of the BACP, my professional body.

How can counselling help?

• Provides a safe place to talk
• Somewhere to explore and deal with emotional issues.
• Help to look at things differently.
• Find ways to cope better with issues, concerns and situations.
• Achieve some level of understanding with regard to thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
• Feel better about yourself through accepting strengths & limitations.
• Change behaviours which have negative consequences.

My fees are £60.00 for a 50 minute session. if you wish to discuss please email or contact me by phone. If I am unable to take your call immediately leave a message or text and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Payment by cash or bank transfer.

I offer a FREE initial 20 minute phone consultation, please contact me by email or on 07878 306567 if you would like to arrange this.

If the sessions are for a child / young person, parental consent will be needed before sessions can begin. I suggest at least six sessions to establish a meaningful relationship with a child / young person. 

Cancellation policy: 24 hour notice is required for a cancellation or full charge will apply.

Location

I run my private practice from home in Waterlooville where I have a spacious dedicated therapy room for children and adults.  It is ground floor accessible and has free parking. 

I can also do home visits within the local area although I may have to charge mileage if over a 30 minute journey.