Dr Samantha Wren

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(BPS, HCPC reg)
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

Peterborough PE6 & London SW19
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

Hello and welcome to my profile. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and executive coach. I am registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care and Professions Council (HCPC). In addition to my doctorate in Counselling Psychology I hold a masters in Health Psychology, undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a postgraduate diploma in Executive Coaching.

How Counselling can help

Life can be extremely challenging and many of us will experience a number of losses and challenges along the way. During those times it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, lonely, confused and unsure who to talk to. Sometimes we might feel particularly stuck, and we may have difficulty finding a way forward. Therapy can be a useful space in which to explore those feelings. It will offer you some time to reflect, to think about what is important to you and to work through and process difficult past experiences. It may help you to work toward greater self-acceptance and to feel hopeful again about your future.

In therapy I tend to draw from a range of different models in my work with clients to guide the assessment and treatment approaches undertaken. However, I would say that my work is largely influenced by psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches and I tend to work relationally. I will discuss with you what particular approach I think will suit you best, and this decision will be based on your needs as well as what you hope to gain from therapy. I have experience of working with children, adults and couples across the lifespan and I have gained experience of working with a wide range of difficulties. Some examples include: obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, gender dysphoria, eating disorders, domestic violence, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and work-related stress.

My approach to therapy is non-directive but I will be there to respond to you, to guide you and to help you explore some of your difficulties in more depth. We will also review the therapy together on a regular basis, which will give you a chance to express what is working well for you and if the sessions are progressing toward your original aims and goals. In order to help you manage difficult feelings and distress, I am also able to work with mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises where appropriate in the sessions.

What happens at an initial session

The first session is an assessment session and this is just a conversation about what brings you to counselling at this time. The assessment session is also an opportunity for you to tell me a bit more about yourself and your history.  I will ask you some questions about your personal history and your current situation and this will help me to better understand your problem. This session will also allow you to ask me any questions about any aspect of the counselling process. Importantly it will give you a chance to see if you feel comfortable working with me and if it seems like a good match.

My background and experience

In terms of my background, I spent several years working in the criminal justice system and now enjoy helping others through therapy. I had a desire to work with people and to help people in some way from a very young age. It therefore seemed quite natural for me to train as a Counselling Psychologist. I view myself as an empathic, intuitive and patient therapist and these are qualities which I believe my previous clients have found helpful. I am reliable and able to offer you a safe, non-judgemental space in which to talk about your difficulties at your own pace. I fully appreciate that starting therapy can feel daunting and I will do my best to explain the process to you clearly and work through any difficult moments with you compassionately and sensitively.

If you would like any further information you can email me here.

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, a Masters in Health Psychology, an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and another undergraduate degree in Psychology. I also hold a postgraduate diploma in executive coaching and organisational management and can discuss with you any difficulties that you might be facing in the workplace.

I am fully registered as a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Care and Professionals Council (HCPC) and I am registered with the BPS.

Certificates

  • DBT - essential skills training
  • HCR20 Training
  • The Human Givens practical masterclass in couples therapy training

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

Fees

£90.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Fees – my fees start at £90 per session. The initial session will be an assessment session and will cost £70. All sessions thereafter will be £90. You can pay for your sessions by cash or bank transfer and I accept payment at the start of each. Please be aware that you are not under any obligation to continue sessions with me after your assessment session, if you decide that counselling is not for you.

I offer a reduced fee of £30 per session for counselling trainees.

When I work

I currently have limited availability.

Peterborough, PE6

76 Victoria Drive, London, Greater London, SW19

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults
Older adults
Couples

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

Dr Samantha Wren
Dr Samantha Wren