Leigh Skelding

My name is Leigh and I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor working within school settings in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, alongside my own Private Practice in Baldock.  I have extensive experience working with children/teenagers and adults affected by anxiety, social anxiety, depression, low mood, self-esteem, bereavement and attachment issues.

I work with children aged 5+ on the Autistic spectrum and their families within a school setting on a daily basis, helping them to deal with life's challenges and looking at their transition for life beyond school age. I work Creatively incorporating Play therapy for those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD/ADHD/Asperger's enabling them to express themselves with their social, communication, interests and behaviour.  I have worked alongside families whose children have been excluded from education due to behavioural issues, where the impact on the child and family are significant.  I predominantly use forms of art therapy to assist children in expressing, understanding and working with their emotions.  I am a member of the Creative Counselling Group which allows me full access to a variety of resources.

My Private Practice space is currently in Baldock, Hertfordshire, where I am able to see people on a one to one basis or families, alongside my "Walk and Talk" Therapy, which I currently work outside in Stotfold, Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston.

In May 2019 I started to offer 'Walk and Talk' therapy, no matter what the weather it allows total freedom and has a number of proven benefits.

People often feel better immediately because it:

It’s easy, natural and relaxing to be outdoors or out in a natural environment

It doesn’t require a lot of eye contact and it is more comfortable to walk and talk side by side than in an office.

Allows you to think clearly and creatively about your problems. Therefore, find solutions quicker.

It's healthy and uplifting because walking improves your health and energy levels, so you sleep better and feel more energetic.

It's soothing, calming and nice to be outdoors or to walk in nature, so you fret less about your problems.

It is suitable for everyone. You set your own walking pace, from a gentle stroll to a brisk pace or simply sit on a bench in natural surroundings – whatever you are comfortable with. We will agree on a place to meet to suit your needs.

I am very much a people person, warm by nature and empathic. I accept all who walk through my door without fear of judgment. I see people as unique and appreciate that we all have difficult moments when we need to reach out and have someone to talk too. Studies show that your relationship with your counsellor is the key to a successful outcome within a therapeutic setting.  How well we connect with our counsellor is essential – clients need to feel safe, secure, and that they are working with someone they can trust. 

I am professional and abide to the BACP ethics and regulations. I regularly attend Clinical Supervision to review my work and complete a minimum of 32 hours of CPD, (continued professional development) each year to keep my professional skills up to date.

I offer one off, short term and long term therapy.

I hold an enhanced DBS and full Insurance.

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I offer short, mid and long-term face to face counselling depending on your needs.  There is no obligation to commit to a fixed number of sessions.

Adults and Young people - £55 per session. (50 minutes)

Couples - £65.00 per session. (60 minutes)

Family Counselling £70 per session. (60 minutes)

Students/NHS workers - Please contact for further details

Sliding scale payments for those receiving Benefits are offered.  Please inquire to see how it can work for you.

Sliding scale payments are offered for those in receipt of Benefits or in Low income households. Students will also be offered a discounted rate along with NHS staff.