Shahna Thurston

I would like to warmly welcome and thank you for taking the time to read my profile.

I would like to introduce myself as a compassionate and qualified counsellor, having acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective counselling and therapy services to those seeking support with their emotional and mental health.

My passion for helping people navigate their way through difficult times, and achieve their full potential, has been the driving force behind my decision to become a therapist. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients can express themselves freely, work towards their goals and explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace, and in their own way.

My therapeutic approach is Person-Centred and Experiential. This means I prioritise your needs and concerns throughout the therapeutic process whilst remaining present, attuned and focused on your emotions and experiences in the here and now. It is non-directive and rooted in the belief that every individual has within them the capacity for growth, healing and change.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process and the foundation for effective therapy. I strive to establish a relationship based on trust, respect and empathy, where clients can feel heard, understood, valued and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. I tailor my approach to meet the individual needs of my clients and draw on other various therapeutic modalities including art therapy, expressive writing, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and journalling. These techniques can help to promote self-discovery, facilitate personal insight and support clients in making meaningful changes in their life.

I currently work in private practice and as a Social Prescriber and Recovery Worker in the NHS. I work with those affected by anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, isolation, loneliness, self-harm, chronic illness, bereavement, relationship problems, abuse, trauma, PTSD and alcohol, substance misuse and dependence forming medications. I also work as a counsellor at the Kenwood Rehabilitation Centre for alcohol and drug addiction, where I provide therapeutic support to those in recovery.

My interest in addictive behaviours stems from witnessing first hand the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. My experience has taught me that addiction issues are extremely complex and require a highly compassionate and non-judgemental approach. 

I am able to deliver counselling sessions both on a short or long term basis, online via video link,  face-to-face and telephone.

With me as your therapist, you can expect a non-judgemental and empathic ally who will actively listen to your concerns, respect your autonomy and provide an empathic, tailored approach to your unique needs. I also draw on other modalities when a more solution focused approach is needed in order to help clients escape perpetual patterns, emotions and behaviours.

Whether you are seeking support for personal growth, mental health and emotional challenges, behavioural issues or feeling stuck in your life, I am here to accompany you on your journey towards healing, self-discovery and a more fulfilling life.

I believe paying for therapy should not be an added stress and therefore I am flexible with my fee and am open to discuss your fee before or during the initial session. I strongly believe it should be affordable and accessible for all and I use a sliding scale depending on people's financial situation as a guide.