John Garden

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MBACP, MNCPS (Acc.)

About me

Counselling is about working together to reduce emotional suffering. 

You don’t have to face your challenges alone.

You may be struggling with your past, your present or your future. Life may have become difficult suddenly or it may have been difficult for a long time. 

Whatever your reason for seeking help, counselling can provide a space for us to come into contact with a broader view of yourself. We can use the time to think about how you navigate the world and your relationships with others. Working in a safe, grounded space, we can connect to difficult feelings in a new way. 

I work within an integrative framework, which means that I draw on the theory that I feel is most useful to you in the moment. The main approaches that I use are psychodynamic, existential, transpersonal and gestalt.

Psychodynamic approaches are useful for looking at how we might get stuck in the present repeating patterns of behaviour from our past, particularly in how we relate to others.

Existential approaches can be useful to help us understand what is possible in our present life and how undisclosed aspects of our existence might be holding us back from making contact with greater freedom and potential. When we work existentially together we work to uncover what is hidden from view, exposing our blind spots in a safe and supportive environment.

Working transpersonally, we give space to what comes into view when two or more people come together to more deeply understand what is in their heart and soul. How can we connect with something outside of ourselves? How can we discover what is already within us? I encourage you to bring with you what is already useful to you in your inner life, be that a spiritual practice or a personal passion that brings you joy. We start with what we already have and go from there.

Gestalt is a word that can have different meanings to different people. The gestalt of a person is their whole being including their internal world, their physical being, their relationships and their social and cultural context. The gestalt of what happens in counselling is the whole of the working relationship including you, me and everything we bring to each unique meeting.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Level 5 CPCAB diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Bedford Independent Counselling Training.
  • Diploma in Gestalt Counselling, The Albany Centre.

I have 6 years' experience working as a volunteer befriender for the Twins Trust Bereavement Support Group. I also trained for three years at The Minster Centre.

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.

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

Therapies offered

Fees

£65.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

A limited number of concessions are available for trainee counsellors and low-income households.

When I work

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

Further information

Diversity Statement:

My services are available to all clients regardless of difference or ability. I welcome enquiries from clients who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who identify as transgender or gender fluid. I understand that working with a white male counsellor may feel challenging for some clients and I am committed to creating the safety and trust that is necessary for us to work together. Above all, I offer a contained, supportive and equitable environment to all potential clients.

63 St Peter's Street, Bedford, MK40 2PR

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

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

My consulting room is accessible via stairs. No wheelchair access, sorry.

Online platforms

Zoom
Google Meet