Paula Peden
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships - whether at work, in your family, or with your partner? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, people-pleasing, or repeating patterns that leave you feeling unheard, exhausted, or disconnected? Maybe neurodiversity plays a role in your life, and you're navigating the challenges and strengths that come with ADHD or Autism, either for yourself or a loved one.
Life can sometimes feel isolating and lonely, even when you’re surrounded by friends or family. I offer relationship counselling for individuals, therapy for ADHD and Autism, and support for parents of neurodivergent children. Many of my clients are navigating work stress, family conflict, or self-esteem issues, and I help them gain clarity, set healthy boundaries, and build stronger connections. My approach is strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming, helping clients embrace who they are and create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
I offer in-person, online and telephone counselling, and walk and talk therapy at Wrest Park, making sessions flexible and accessible. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore what’s holding you back.
If you’re ready to break free from unhelpful patterns, build self-confidence, and improve your relationships, I’d love to support you. Get in touch today to book a free initial consultation or find out more about how I can help.
Training, qualifications & experience
As a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and former senior executive, I understand how high-pressure careers can strain relationships and mental well-being. Balancing work and parenthood brings real challenges to family dynamics and personal connections. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I also have firsthand insight into both the joys and struggles that come with neurodiversity.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on blend of theoretical approaches to help you understand how past experiences shape your present, empowering you to make informed choices. I can support you to understand and address challenges in communication or perhaps draw on mindfulness to manage symptoms or CBT to support and change behaviour.
My background also includes specialist training in trauma-informed therapy, particularly in childhood experiences, a neuro-affirmative approach to counselling and emotional regulation.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their Code of Ethics. I also hold an Enhanced DBS check.
My training includes:
- - CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (In progress)
- - CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
- - CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- - CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Focused CPD
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
- The Autism Dialogue Approach
- Mindfulness for Autistic and Neurodivergent Clients
I continue to volunteer for a trauma-based charity Living Your Life, have worked with Minds and a local upper school. I am also a Trustee for Mind BLMK.
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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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.
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 - £60.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I offer a free 20-minute introductory call prior to arranging our initial counselling session where we can discuss what you are hoping for from counselling and how we might work together.
Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £50-£60 per session. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students; contact me to enquire about availability.
When I work
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I currently have limited evening availability - but can offer a waiting list space if after our intro call you feel you would like to work together *** 1st March
Further information
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget to make time for yourself. When you come to Wrest Park or the Happy Body Project, you’ll instantly feel the calm of nature around you.
My counselling room offers a peaceful space where you can leave the pressures of everyday life behind and just focus on you. Together, we’ll work through whatever you’re facing, with understanding and empathy.
I offer walk-and-talk therapy at Wrest Park. Walking in nature can be incredibly soothing, helping to lower stress and anxiety. Plus, walking side by side can feel less intense than sitting face-to-face, often making it easier to open up and share what’s really on your mind.
I also offer online or telephone counselling for anyone who prefers to have sessions remotely or finds it hard to attend in person. Whether you choose to do all sessions this way or just need the flexibility sometimes, I’m here to make it work for you.
