Sonal Thakrar
Verified Professional
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently
verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
MSc, BSc (Hons), Clin.Dip. UKCP (Reg). MBACP
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
About me
What I offer
A safe, non-judgmental and confidential space for us to explore things that are on your mind. Coming to counselling can sometimes feel like a big step to take and our initial focus would be to explore what you may need and how we can work together. I am an LGBT+ affirmative therapist and specialise in race and cultural issues.
One of the biggest contributors to successful therapy is trust and the relationship between us, so our first step would be to see if I am the right therapist for you. My aim is to support you, wherever you are on your journey.
How I work
I am a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist; Trained in a range of therapeutic schools and techniques, tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression or stress that is impacting your health and relationships, we can start the journey towards your well-being together.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have worked as a communications professional in the private sector for several years and began my journey in mental health by becoming a Samaritan in 2004 and subsequently training to become a counsellor and psychotherapist. I understand how stress can impact your mental and physical health and the challenges that we experience at different times in our lives in different settings; Whether at home, work, school, college and university. I combine my communication skills and training as a therapist to create a safe space in which we can explore and work through your difficulties together.
- MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy (Middlesex University)
- Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychodynamic Counselling (Metanoia Institute)
- Mental Health First Aid Certificate (MHFA England)
- Registered member of UKCP and BACP. I abide by the UKCP and BACP ethical guidelines
- My work is insured and supervised by an experienced UKCP registered psychotherapist
In addition to my private practice, I have experience in the charitable sector, working as a counsellor at Hillingdon Mind, Windsor, Slough & Maidenhead Counselling Service and at the Metanoia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service. I also volunteered as a Samaritan for four years.
Continuous Personal Development
- Assistant Tutor: Integrative Psychotherapy Programme with Metanoia Institute
- Guest Lecturer: Race, Intersectionality and Identity
- Writer and Contributor: UKCP
- Introduction to Deaf Awareness & British Sign Language
- Working with Core Beliefs of Never Good Enough and Shame
- Prevent and Safeguarding Training
- Working Therapeutically with Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
Member organisations
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.
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
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
Accredited Register Scheme
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I'm experienced in working with sexuality, race, identity, shame and social, cultural issues.
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
£35 consultation (50 minutes)
£65 per session (50 minutes)
When I work
*currently fully booked*
