Kim Simmons
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I believe that the whole point of counselling is for you to feel that you can talk about whatever you want to talk about. Sometimes, it can be easier to speak with someone other than friends and family, without being judged or told what to do. The sessions are for you to explore whatever you like.
The traditional image of a counselling room with two chairs facing each other often comes to mind when thinking of counselling. Perhaps you have tried traditional counselling and it was not for you: walk and talk could be an excellent alternative. The shoreline around Portchester is beautiful, with views out to the Solent. The act of walking side by side can feel less formal and daunting and talking often comes easier when walking. There are many benches should you want to sit down along the way and we can work together to set a walking route. Many people are inside all day and may wish to get some fresh air, calming views and some exercise. When the unpredictable British weather strikes, I also have the option of a counselling room.
My room overlooks Portchester castle. The first sessions will take place here to discuss how we can work together. Ongoing, I have the flexibility to offer counselling inside, alongside walk and talk. Sometimes you may feel like a walk, other times you may want to stay warm inside.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have been working and volunteering within the area of mental health for 10 years. During this time I have worked in the NHS as a mental health support worker across various settings. I have also supported people as an independent mental health advocate working for a national charity: supporting and advocating for people. I have volunteered within a local wellbeing service and also offered support over the telephone for a national charity.
Prior to this, I spent many years working in the hospitality industry.
This has all led me to counselling, and the privilege of meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Everyone is unique and I feel that rather than tick all the boxes above please feel free to give me a call or an email: that way we can discuss if you feel comfortable and would like to work together.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£40.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
All sessions are 50 minutes and cost £40.
