About me
Hello, I’m Leanne Boden-Hughes, an experienced, registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of Hampshire Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (HACP). I work within the BACP Ethical Framework.
Are you feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or depressed?
Are you wondering if counselling can help?
Do you feel that you should be able to cope and yet, even with your best-efforts, things are still not going the way you would like?
I understand that, for some people, it can be quite daunting to make the decision to start therapy. I offer a free initial telephone call that lasts for around 15 minutes, without further obligation, where you can explore what has brought you to counselling and decide the best way forward.
If we decide to work together then we will agree a regular weekly appointment.
What happens in counselling?
At its heart, therapy is about creating a space where you feel truly heard. In our sessions, I offer a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment where we can explore what’s happening in your life.
You may not always be sure why you're feeling the way you do. Together, we can begin to make sense of your experiences by connecting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Counselling can help you better understand yourself—how you relate to yourself internally, and how you relate to others.
There may be tears in our sessions, and sometimes laughter too—both can be equally powerful and healing.
How does it work?
In simple terms: two people sit and talk, week after week—and at some point, something changes. Pain, depression, shame or fear begin to lift.
While no one can fully explain how this shift happens, research increasingly shows that it’s the therapeutic relationship itself that is central to healing. It's the connection, trust and collaboration between client and therapist that creates the conditions for change.
That’s why it’s so important to find a counsellor you feel comfortable with. I always encourage people to speak to a few therapists before making a decision—this is your space, and it should feel right for you.
How? Why?
There is increasing evidence that it is the relationship between counsellor and client that is at the very heart of change. The most important part of the counselling is that you and I are engaged in a collaborative undertaking and that we create a bond between us. It is crucial that you get the right counsellor for you and that you feel comfortable talking to them. With this is mind, I would encourage you to check a few out and see who you feel is the right fit.
Training, qualifications & experience
Before qualifying as a counsellor, I worked in education, specifically within sixth form colleges. Since qualifying, I’ve provided counselling support in various schools across the Hampshire area. My experience also includes working in addiction services, youth and family support, and counselling for a not-for-profit organisation based in Southampton.
My approach to counselling is Humanistic, grounded in Transactional Analysis (TA). If you're unfamiliar with therapy, that might not mean much at first—so let me briefly explain. There are many different types of therapy, each offering a unique way of working with clients. TA is a relational approach that explores how and why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. It provides practical tools for personal growth and change, helping individuals move towards their full potential in all areas of life. Alongside TA, I also integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to support clients in a more tailored and flexible way.
Everyone’s journey is different, and I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore yours. If you’d like to know more or have any questions, I’d be happy to hear from you.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Short or long-term counselling for adults
Short or long-term counselling for young people, age 14-24
Counselling sessions cost £50 for a 50-minute session. Sessions can either be face to face, online or over the phone.
Daytime and evening sessions are available.
Please call or message me:
- 07950955540
- 01794 501825
- Email me
Further information
I receive ongoing, regular supervision and I am committed to my own continual professional development. I am fully insured.
