About me
Thinking about counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you've never done it before. Maybe you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. Perhaps you're struggling with your self-worth, relationships or a major life change, or you simply know that things don't feel quite right at the moment. Whatever's brought you here, you don't need to have it all figured out before we talk.
I'm Shelley, an integrative counsellor based in Exeter, and I offer sessions both in person and online.
I don't believe counselling should look the same for everyone, because none of us are the same. Being an integrative counsellor means I don't work from just one model or method. Instead, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches and bring together whatever's likely to be most helpful for you, so that what we do together can be shaped around you rather than the other way round. Some people want to talk everything through from the very first session, while others need a little time to find their feet. Some think best out loud, while others need some quiet to reflect. I'm open to finding ways of working that help you feel comfortable and able to be yourself, whether that's sitting together, having some space to think, or getting outside.
For me, the relationship between us is really important. When you feel genuinely heard and accepted, that's often where change can begin. All parts of you are welcome here the parts that feel ready to talk, the parts that are hesitant, and the parts you're not sure how to explain yet.
I'm not here to tell you what to do or hand you all the answers. I'm here to sit alongside you and help make sense of things together.
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties and life experiences, including anxiety, low self-esteem, shame, relationship difficulties, grief, identity, LGBTQ+ experiences and life transitions. My approach is neurodivergent-affirming I won't expect you to mask, make eye contact, or communicate in any particular way to be understood. If you're wondering whether counselling might be right for what you're going through, please feel free to get in touch and we can talk about whether I might be the right person to support you.
You don't need a diagnosis, and you don't need to know where to begin.
People tend to describe me as warm, down to earth, and easy to talk to. I know that reaching out isn't always easy, so I want this to be a space where you can simply be yourself, without needing to perform or get it "right."
If you think we might be a good fit, I'd love to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
I am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in accordance with their Code of Ethics.
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling.
Additional Training
Level 2 Certificate in Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Recent continuing professional development includes:
- Trauma-informed and somatic approaches to counselling and healing
- Long-term and chronic illness
- Neurodivergence
- Compassion-focused approaches to healing
- In-depth study and personal experience of Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- CPD Certificate in Walk and Talk - Therapy in the Outdoors
Experience
I've worked within several low-cost mental health charity settings, supporting clients experiencing relationship difficulties, low self-worth, abusive relationships, anxiety and childhood trauma.
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.
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I offer in-person counselling sessions at The Good Life Centre, Exeter and Online sessions throughout the UK.
I have evening and weekend appointments available.
Therapy can be either short term, or a more open ended long term approach, depending on what suits your needs and goals.
