Paula Abbey
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
Hello, I'm Paula. I help people with a range of issues. You may be struggling with low self-confidence, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression or have suicidal thoughts.
I have a specific interest in working with loss -this may be through a bereavement; loss of health; of the life you once knew. You may have been made redundant, or the relationship with your partner has changed or ended. These losses can uncover further losses or issues which had been hidden until now.
There may be child related issues or challenges within the family dynamic, or abusive or controlling relationships may have intensified.
I am here to help you with these issues.
Eating disorders and disordered eating
Perhaps…
- thoughts about food and weight are taking over your life
- you berate or even punish yourself if you eat the foods you are trying to avoid
- you are secretive about what you eat
- you have tried many times to gain control but feel like a failure
Your experiences could be new or you have suffered for a long time. You may feel shame, embarrassment or fear of change.
You deserve support and to know recovery is possible.
I take a person-centred approach to therapy, as I believe that you have the resources within yourself to grow and change. It is an empowering experience of personal discovery, which provides the tools needed for continued growth, long after therapy has ended.
You can expect a safe and confidential space for you to reflect and explore your world, without judgment or being told what to do. Instead, I will support you in your exploration so that you may find your own meaning and way forward that is right for you. Whatever your reason for seeking counselling, you will be valued, accepted and respected in the choices you make, regardless of your race, ethnicity, faith, disability, gender or sexuality.
Call or email to arrange your free, no obligation 20 minute telephone call.
This gives us the opportunity to discuss your needs and expectations of therapy and work out if we are a good fit. Once therapy is agreed upon, it is also important to consider which method of communication fits you best, face to face, over the phone or via Zoom.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a registered member of the BACP, having graduated with distinction from the University of Chester with an MA in Clinical Counselling. My counselling experience comes from my private practice and through roles at various charities including ChildLine, The Samaritans and a local hospice.
I am a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity, having trained at The National Centre for Eating Disorders.
I am committed to my continuing development as a counsellor and undertake regular training and supervision. I also hold a Level 1 Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling approved by ACTO - Association for Counselling and Therapy Online.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 - £60.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I offer a free 20 minute telephone appointment.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
I currently offer counselling sessions between 9am -3pm Tuesday - Thursday.
Further information
What to expect in your first session.
I will send you my therapeutic contract for you to review and complete before our first session together. We will discuss this paperwork briefly at the start of our first session and then it is over to you. As a person-centred counsellor, I will encourage you to direct your own therapy, to provide your own interpretation of the situation you are in, by creating a comfortable and non-judgemental environment in which to do so.
I am again offering clients the option of face to face counselling with Covid-19 safety procedures in place. Clients also have the option to work via Zoom or over the phone if they prefer.
