Samantha Purser

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About me

I’m a warm, compassionate and experienced counsellor, specialising in supporting children, young people, and families through times when life can feel difficult, overwhelming or confusing. I also work with adults who may be looking for a gentle, warm and creative approach to counselling as well.

I believe that counselling should feel like a safe space where you can be completely yourself, without fear of judgement. For children and young people especially, finding the right person to talk to can make a huge difference. I aim to build a trusting relationship where you feel heard, understood and valued, at your own pace.

I use an integrative and trauma-informed approach, adapting how I work to each individual's unique needs rather than expecting everyone to fit the same mould. I understand that talking about feelings isn't always easy, so I offer a range of creative and age-appropriate ways to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences within sessions; this can include everything from Lego therapy, art and music-based therapeutic activities, to free association through play. Sometimes play can provide a way to communicate and explore things that may feel too difficult to put into words.

For adults, counselling doesn't always have to mean sitting in a chair and talking for an hour. If you are looking for a more gentle, creative, or flexible way of exploring what you're experiencing, I am happy to work collaboratively with you to, and togther find an approach that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.

Whether you’re struggling to understand your emotions, dealing with changes at home or school, experiencing anxiety or low self-esteem, navigating relationships or family difficulties, processing past experiences, or simply finding life a little harder than usual, I believe that having a safe person to talk to can be incredibly valuable.

Most importantly, I want the people I work with to feel that they don't have to face things alone. My approach is gentle, accepting and with the belief that everyone has the ability to grow, heal and move forward when they are given the right support.

If you’re a parent considering counselling for your child, a young person looking for someone to talk to, or an adult who would like a warm, gentle or creative approach to counselling, I hope you feel comfortable getting in touch with me.

Training, qualifications & experience

My background spans 10 years of experience supporting children, young people, adults and families through clinical, community, and educational settings, including experience across NHS, charity and youth counselling services. This has given me a broad understanding of the different environments people may experience, as well as the importance of joined-up and accessible support.

Alongside my Therapeutic Counselling Diploma, I have undertaken a range of additional qualifications and continuing professional development to support my work. My additional qualifications include:

  • Diploma in Addiction Therapy 
  • Diploma in Couple and Family Therapy 
  • Advanced Principles in Sexual Violence 
  • Online Video & Telephone Counselling 
  • Award in Education and Training (PTLLS)
  • Health & Social Care QCF Training
  • As a BACP Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist

I also regularly undertake continuing professional development to keep my knowledge and practice current. Areas of ongoing professional development have included trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, mental health, attachment, intergenerational trauma, sexual violence, family mental health, information security and data protection, and local support and signposting services.

I believe that continued learning is an important part of being an effective counsellor. My ongoing professional development allows me to reflect on my practice, broaden my understanding and ensure that the support I offer remains ethical, inclusive, evidence-informed and responsive to the individual needs of the people I work with.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£30.00 - £80.00

Additional information

Flexible & Inclusive Fees

I believe that counselling should be as accessible as possible, which is why I offer a flexible fee range of £30 - £80 per session. Fees are tailored according to individual circumstances and the type of support needed.

Sessions may be individual counselling, creative/play-based sessions, parent consultations or family/group sessions, and the fee will reflect the nature and length of the support provided.

If cost is a concern, please feel comfortable getting in touch. I’m always happy to have an open conversation about fees and explore what may be possible.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

My availability is becoming a little limited; please don’t let that put you off getting in touch. I’d love to hear from you and have a chat about how I might be able to help.

Further information

Alongside my counselling work, I have extensive experience in developing and delivering teaching and training for professionals, including content shared across the NHS and at other professional learning events. 

I also have experience supporting children and young people with disabilities, adapting my approach to meet individual communication, emotional and developmental needs. I believe that every young person deserves to feel understood, included and able to access support in a way that works for them.

I am fluent in British Sign Language (BSL), which is an important part of my commitment to inclusive and accessible mental health support for all. I am passionate about creating a space where children and young people feel accepted for who they are, and where their individual strengths, needs and ways of communicating are valued.

40 Chaplin Road, East Bergholt, Colchester, Suffolk, CO7 6SR

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Families
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Additional languages

BSL (British Sign Language)

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