Sam O'Connell
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
We all experience difficulties in our lives from time to time. We may be struggling with behaviours which do not serve us, overwhelming feelings, intrusive thoughts or a more general sense that something isn't quite right in our lives.
Counselling provides a confidential space where we can explore and investigate these difficulties, in the company of another, with the aim of understanding them in order to give ourselves more freedom and choice in our lives. The work of therapy can be challenging but it can also be a transformative experience.
Training, qualifications & experience
As an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor I have worked in a variety of settings, including the charity sector, providing a confidential, non-judgmental space for clients to discuss the difficulties that arise in their lives. I have experience of working with a wide range of issues including depression, low mood, anxiety, sexuality, childhood abuse, loss, relationships, anger, identity issues and self-harm.
I have a particular interest and experience in working with LGBTQ+ clients. Whilst shame and isolation and the behaviours that we can develop to try and manage them (such as addictions and compulsive behaviours) are universal, they can be particularly acute for those in the LGBTQ+ community as a result of both external and internalised homophobia. I work with clients struggling with these issues to help them in understanding what is going on and working through them.
Being an Integrative Therapist means that I have been trained in a variety of models of counselling and psychotherapy (including but not limited to psychodynamic, humanistic, relational and body psychotherapy). We are all individuals and this allows me to tailor my approach to best suit my clients. I recognise that the different terms used to describe the wide number of therapies on offer can be confusing and daunting for those seeking therapy for the first time. A guide to understanding these different terms can be found at https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/what-is-psychotherapy/types-of-psychotherapy.
Qualifications
- MA Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling (Middlesex University/The Minster Centre)
- Adv.Dip Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy (The Minster Centre)
- PG.Dip. Integrative Counselling (The Minster Centre)
Professional Bodies
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP, Full Clinical Member)
Member organisations
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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. 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
Fees
£75.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I charge £75 for each 50 minute session. A small number of low fee slots are available. Please let me know when you make contact if this is something you would be interested in.
I work with clients primarily in person. Ad-hoc online sessions can be arranged once we have built a working relationship where circumstances make it difficult to attend in person at our regular time.
When I work
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Further information
My office is on the ground floor of the building. However, please note that there are two steps down from the main entrance and there is no step-free access to the room.
