Judith Velarde, MBACP Accredited Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner

Life can seem difficult, even impossible, at times resulting in intense, confusing and overwhelming feelings, thoughts and body sensations.  Therapy provides a valuable opportunity for you to understand and work through your issues, to gain insight, direction and personal growth.  Although it may feel scary at first, therapy can be incredibly enlightening and inspirational in helping you feel better, more connected and to make changes in your life.

Central to my work is the development of a supportive, confidential therapeutic relationship providing a safe space for you to open-up and communicate on a personal and often deeper level.  I have been described as warm, accepting and approachable.

My approach is integrative which allows me to tailor my therapy according to your needs.  I also specialise in EMDR which is a trauma focused therapy which helps process intense emotions, physiological symptoms and behaviours stemming from relational or life-events from the past.

I enjoy working with clients from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.  Prior to studying therapy I attended an international school and worked as an International Welfare Officer at the University of Bath, where I felt privileged to meet and learn about people from so many different countries and cultures.

How does it work?

Our initial session is an opportunity for you to talk about the issues you are experiencing and for me to understand your situation. It is also an opportunity for you to find out more about the counselling process and the way I work.

If we decide to work together, we may agree on the focus of our work and on your desired outcomes.

It may be that you wish to share your feelings and gain a better understanding of what you are experiencing, to improve how you relate to others, to reduce anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks or to manage depression.  You may be looking for personal growth, improved confidence and long-term change.  Whatever you bring, my aim is to help you to feel better.

I offer brief counselling to focus on a specific issue and goal or more in-depth longer-term therapy to explore past events, issues and relationships that may be affecting your present day functioning.  Longer-term therapy

I work from a comfortable private therapy room in my home just outside Canterbury. I offer face to face, telephone and video sessions via zoom.