Sian Fletcher-Patel

Hello, I'm Sian, and thank you for taking the time to visit my profile.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. You may be experiencing anxiety, stress or low mood, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or simply looking for a space where you can think, talk and make sense of what's happening in your life. Perhaps you've been managing everything on the outside while struggling underneath. Whatever has brought you here, you're welcome.

I'm a fully qualified, insured Person-Centred Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer counselling in a comfortable, private therapy room in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, as well as online counselling across the UK via Microsoft Teams.

A warm, person-centred approach

I believe meaningful therapy begins with a genuine human connection. My aim is to provide a calm, accepting and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly, at your own pace, about whatever is important to you. Rather than telling you what you should do, I work alongside you, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings so that you can better understand yourself and move towards the life you want.

People come to counselling for many different reasons. You might be experiencing:

Anxiety, excessive worry or racing thoughts
Stress, burnout or feeling overwhelmed
Depression, low mood or a loss of motivation
Low self-esteem or a lack of confidence
Relationship difficulties or challenges with boundaries
Bereavement, loss or significant life changes
Trauma or the impact of difficult life experiences
Feeling stuck, disconnected or unsure of what you want
A desire for personal growth and greater self-understanding
You don't need to have a specific problem or diagnosis to benefit from counselling. Sometimes it's simply about having the opportunity to stop, reflect and feel truly listened to.

My experience

Before retraining as a counsellor, I spent many years working in demanding corporate environments. This experience has given me an understanding of the pressures many people face — appearing to cope on the outside while quietly struggling underneath, juggling responsibilities, meeting expectations and losing sight of their own wellbeing.

Alongside my private practice, I have experience supporting people through my work with a drug and alcohol recovery charity and with Rape Crisis, working with survivors of sexual violence in a compassionate, trauma-informed way. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every person deserves to be heard with empathy, respect and without judgement.

I also have training in emotional literacy in ADHD and autism, which informs my understanding of some of the emotional experiences people may encounter.

Taking the next step

I know that choosing the right counsellor is a personal decision, which is why I offer a free 20-minute introductory consultation. This gives us the opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels like the right fit — with no obligation to continue.

If you decide to begin counselling, sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held weekly. There is no fixed commitment, and we can work together for as long as feels helpful for you.

Whatever you're facing, you don't have to face it alone.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm wishes,

Sian Fletcher-Patel MBACP
Understanding Therapies