Shelly Walker
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist (PGDip) and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer one-to-one, face to face or online therapy sessions from my private practice room at home in Darley Abbey, Derby.
I have worked with people over 16 years old that have experienced many, many different issues including anxiety disorders, behavioural issues, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem and high levels of self-criticism and shame. I believe that we all deserve help, no matter how big or small we think our problems may be.
How therapy can help
Throughout our therapeutic journey together, it’s my aim to help you get to know yourself more intimately, revealing any thoughts, feelings or behaviour patterns that may be affecting you. We will look at the relationship you have with yourself, others, and in life generally. We might also explore the history of these patterns, and carefully, empathically, and tentatively delve deeper into your past experiences and memories formed in childhood or adolescence to understand how these experiences may have affected your current views, assumptions, moods, fears, fantasies and desires and unhelpful behaviours. However, for therapy to truly work, it is vital that you feel a certain level of trust as you share such challenging and often terrifying thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is my job, as your therapist to build this trust with you, always show compassion, and listen in a way that helps you feel no judgement ever towards you or anything that you share. I will be open, receptive and validate your emotions and thoughts, and take you on your therapeutic journey that is at your pace. In time, as the relationship strengthens, I will help you by challenging your thoughts, views, and beliefs, and help you see things from different perspectives. I will always be open, frank, and honest with you, whilst always showing respect and compassion.
My approach
My approach to therapy is to offer a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your life and any problems or concerns you may be experiencing. I provide a warm, positive, and respectful environment and understand that everyone is unique and therefore no two clients will have the same experience of therapy. I tailor each session according to your individual issues, fears, desires, needs and goals and will support you in resolving or achieving them.
As an integrative therapist, I use different forms of evidence-based talking therapies – their theories, methods, interventions, and tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person Centred Therapy, and Attachment Theory. I also use a ‘client-led’ approach, whereby I believe that you are the expert of yourself and believe that having a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship is the key to positive and lasting change. Over time, as we develop a deeper insight and understanding of your life experiences, alongside my professional knowledge and experience, therapy can help the brain rewire circuits and pathways to unlock your true potential, whilst assisting the nervous system to release fear and anxiety, creating an overall sense of wellbeing – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therapy is not always comfortable, but it’s worth it.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy Principles and Practices
- Post Graduate Certificate in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP Accredited)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP Accredited)
- BACP Registered Member*
* As a member of the UK professional body, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I always abide by their ethical framework, providing a safe, confidential, ethical, and non-judgemental approach. I also undertake regular hours of continuous professional development training to maintain my skills and knowledge required for good, ethical practice and attend regular clinical supervision as is required for my profession with an experienced, integrative BACP qualified supervisor.
My counselling experience has been enriched by my background in the corporate world. Prior to working as a therapist, I was a senior regional marketing manager for a leading global accountancy firm. I then became a full-time stay-at-home mum to my three children.
I therefore bring to my work first-hand knowledge of the challenges and stresses one can face in both the workplace and at home, with particular insight into the struggle to balance all aspects of our lives, both personal and professional, and recognise the fundamental importance of good relationships – and the challenges that we all face in building and maintaining these throughout our lives.
Member organisations
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
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
- I offer a free 15-minute chat by telephone to discuss whether therapy is for you.
- I will then invite to you undertake a more detailed, pre-arranged 30 minute assessment, during which we will discuss, in confidence more details around your reasons for seeking therapy. This is charged at £25.00.
- Following this, weekly sessions will begin the following week and are charged at £50. Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
- Payment is required in advance of booked sessions by bank transfer or upon completion of each session.
When I work
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Further information
My therapy practice is located from home in Darley Abbey, just off Church Lane, Darley Abbey conveniently located just 2 ½ miles from Derby city centre. Free parking is located on the premises. Just ring the doorbell a few minutes prior to your session and I will be with you shortly.
If you need to re-arrange or cancel a session, I ask that you provide 24 hours’ notice. Appointments cancelled in less than 24 hours prior to your session will be charged in full.
