Paula Gardner
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
When our emotional needs aren't being met, we can start to feel wobbly. This might mean we get over-emotional, angry, irritable or start to doubt ourselves. Unwanted behaviours may set in, such as OCD or intrusive thoughts. We may even see our relationships start to suffer.
This can be triggered as a result of trauma, whether that's recent or something that's happened in the past. Trauma isn't always shocking and recognisable, like a car crash or abusive relationship. Sometimes trauma can be a badly managed redundacy, or someone close to us demeaning and criticing us over time.
Trauma doesn't have to be present. Sometimes, life can just be overwhelming, and having that time to reflect and work out where to go next can be helpful.
I tailor my therapy with a number of Solution Focused approaches which face what's going on for you right now, look at what you can change, and how that would happen. If we need to delve into the past, we will, but we'll also set practical experiments between sessions, to help you make changes and build confidence.
I use a gentle and effective tool to called Rewind to deal with trauma, one which I regularly use with veterans suffering from PTSD for instance.
Couples therapy
We are working with two people's past, the present and expectations for the future. Nevertheless, using our emotional needs as a foundation is a powerful basis for creating new behaviours for the relationship ahead, however that may look.
What Sets Me Apart
Swift Progress: Most clients notice improvements within just a few sessions, typically requiring 6-10 sessions for lasting change.
Strategic: Also a business psychologist, and with years as the owner of a PR and marketing firm under my belt, I take a strategic approach which suits many clients who want to see a difference quite quickly,
Warm and Practical: Clients often describe my approach as warm and practical. Laughter can be part of our sessions, and that's very impactful.
Versatile options
Online Sessions: Conveniently connect with me from the comfort of your own space. No travel, and evening and Saturday morning sessions may be available.
Therapy Rooms: Sessions available in Hythe and Folkestone.
Walk and Talk Therapy: Outdoors therapy for a refreshing change of scenery, fresh air and the power of movement to help with processing.
Take the next step by visiting my website or emailing me to arrange a no-obligation chat.
Training, qualifications & experience
MHGI
I am a fully qualified member of the Human Givens Institute, which works with The Human Givens, a form of therapy that is solution focused and aims to improve life for you as soon as possible.
My experience has been split between my own private practice and working with a local community organisation, delivering therapy to members with issues such as addiction, ASD, and trauma.
MSc in Business Psychology
I have a Masters in Business Psychology and have previously owned my own PR and marketing company. I am very experienced in working with businesses at all levels, and understand the issues that can bring added stress to CEOs, business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers. Likewise, I often go into businesses to work with them on a group training or one to one counselling basis with employees.
Coaching
I am also a coach, having trained with the ICF accredited school Animas, and have been coaching young people in mental health and preparing for work, for many years.
Member organisations
The Human Givens Institute (HGI) is both a membership organisation and a professional body representing the interests of those in the caring and teaching professions who have an interest in or utilise the human givens approach. Counselling Directory register Registered Members (MHGI) and Fellow Members (FHGI), who will have completed the Post Graduate Practitioner's Assessment (Part III) and who are fully qualified to practise as a human givens therapist or counsellor. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£85.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I work with solution-focused therapy, which is often shorter and less drawn out than many forms of counselling. People often feel significantly better within a couple of sesions.
Couple counselling is also available, at £120 per session.
When I work
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Further information
I have an enhanced DBS.
