About me
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck. Perhaps something in your life no longer feels right, even though you appear to be coping well to everyone around you.
You might be experiencing grief or bereavement, relationship difficulties, stress or burnout, health anxiety, or questions about sexuality or identity. Sometimes there is no single reason for seeking counselling. You may simply know that you are struggling and want a confidential place to understand what is happening.
I’m Paul, a BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with more than 20 years’ experience across counselling, health and support services. I offer individual counselling in Ashford, Kent, as well as online and telephone counselling for adults throughout the UK.
I have particular experience in anxiety and overthinking, grief and bereavement, men’s mental health, relationship problems, LGBTQ+ issues, sexual health, stress and burnout, and supporting people through significant life changes.
My approach is integrative and person-centred. This means I don’t believe that one way of working will suit everyone. I draw on different therapeutic approaches and adapt our work around you, what you are experiencing and what you hope to gain from counselling.
My style is warm, straightforward and collaborative. I won’t tell you what you should do or how you should feel. Instead, we will work together to understand what may be contributing to how you feel, explore patterns or experiences that are affecting you, and consider what could help life begin to feel different.
Much of my professional career has involved supporting people through difficult and vulnerable periods. This includes more than 15 years working within sexual health and LGBTQ+ services, along with significant experience in hospice care supporting people affected by serious illness, dying, grief and bereavement.
Choosing a counsellor can feel very personal. Qualifications and experience matter, but so does finding someone you feel comfortable talking to. You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or what you want from therapy. We can begin with where you are.
I offer both short-term and longer-term counselling, depending on your needs. If you would prefer to speak briefly before arranging an appointment, you can book a free 15-minute introductory call.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist and have held accredited status since 2013. My core training is in integrative counselling and psychotherapy, and I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.
I bring more than 20 years’ professional experience across counselling, health and social care. During that time, I have supported people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. My particular areas of experience include grief and bereavement, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress and burnout, men’s mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, sexual health and significant life changes.
Earlier in my career, I spent many years working within sexual health and LGBTQ+ services, including helping to establish Ireland’s first national LGBT helpline. This continues to inform the inclusive, affirming and non-judgemental way I work with people of different sexualities, identities and backgrounds.
I also have significant experience within hospice and bereavement services, supporting people affected by serious illness, dying, grief and loss.
Alongside my counselling work, I have held senior leadership roles within health and social care. These roles have given me extensive experience in safeguarding, clinical quality and supporting people with complex needs.
Member organisations
school 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.
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
I have over 15 years’ experience working in sexual health services, supporting people with concerns around sexual health, relationships, sexuality and identity. This includes supporting people following diagnoses such as HIV, herpes and other sexually transmitted infections, and with the emotional impact these can have, including anxiety, stigma, shame, confidence and relationships.
I also have significant experience within hospice and bereavement services, supporting people affected by life-limiting illness, dying, grief and bereavement. I understand that these experiences can bring difficult and sometimes conflicting emotions, whether you are facing changes to your own health, caring for someone, or adjusting to life after someone has died.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 - £65.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I aim to keep my fees clear and straightforward, with no obligation to commit to ongoing counselling.
Initial Assessment
50 minutes | £60
An opportunity for us to explore what has brought you to counselling, what you would like support with, and whether working together feels right for you. There is no obligation to continue.
Online & Telephone Counselling / Psychotherapy
50 minutes | £60
In-Person Counselling / Psychotherapy in Ashford
50 minutes | £65
Online & Telephone Block Bookings
6 sessions | £345
12 sessions | £660
In-Person Block Bookings
6 sessions | £375
12 sessions | £720
Sessions are usually held weekly, although we can agree a frequency that works for you and your circumstances.
Cancellations
I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged in full.
If you have any questions about fees, appointments, or which option might suit you best, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Further information
I offer individual counselling and psychotherapy in person in Ashford, Kent, and online throughout the UK.
Face-to-face sessions take place in a comfortable, private counselling room in central Ashford. The location has free parking, a waiting area and accessible facilities.
Online counselling offers greater flexibility and allows you to attend sessions from a private space that feels comfortable and convenient for you.
Sessions usually last 50 minutes and are shaped around you and what you would like to explore. I offer both short-term and longer-term counselling, and we can discuss what may be most helpful during your initial assessment.
Confidentiality is central to my practice, and I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, or whether I might be the right counsellor for you, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, briefly discuss what you are looking for and get a sense of how I work before deciding whether to book an initial assessment.
I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
