The Old Surgery Counselling & Therapy

About us

The Old Surgery is a counselling and psychotherapy practice based in Church Square, Leighton Buzzard. Since 2006 we have been offering a caring, confidential and professional service helping people with relationship problems, anxiety, bereavement, depression, and drug and alcohol problems amongst other issues. Fees start at £30, low cost scheme available, ask for details.

Our Associate counsellors are all Registered and fully qualified in counselling, and members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Student counsellors are qualified to at least Level 3, under professional supervision and members of BACP. All counsellors are fully insured.

As well as working with individuals and couples, we provide counselling, therapy and supervision on behalf of several organisations including Central Bedfordshire Social Services, Carers in Bedfordshire and Victim Support.

Registered Counsellor Emma Alabaster holds a Degree in Counselling from the University of Greenwich (Level 6) Emma has worked with organisations including Victim Support, Brook, Mind, Bedford Open Door, Youth Information Service and in many schools across Bucks and Beds. Her private practice is based at the Old Surgery and also in Stony Stratford, and her session rate is £40, low cost spaces available.

Registered Counsellor Sonia George holds a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and is presently studying for Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. As well as working at the Old Surgery, Sonia is also a Counsellor with BLMK Mind. Sonia has daytime, evening and weekend appointments. Her session rate is £40, low cost spaces available.

BACP Accredited Counsellor Jean Harding holds a Diploma in Gestalt Counselling. Jean has more than fifteen years experience including EAPs, based in Leighton Buzzard and Stony Stratford. Jean is a highly experienced Senior Counsellor and her session rate is £50 for individuals, £55 for couples.

BACP Accredited Counsellor/ Psychotherapist Kate Hardy has a BA in Counselling from the University of Middlesex, a Postgraduate Diploma in Supervision (Level 7) from the Sherwood Psychotherapy Institute and is in advanced clinical training in Transactional Analysis psychotherapy at the Berne Institute. Kate is also a lecturer and tutor on the Open University/ CPCAB Foundation Degree in Counselling. Her session rate is £50 for individuals, £55 for couples.

Registered Counsellor Dawn Hodge has an Edxcel Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Counselling from Bedford College. Dawn has been practicing since 2013, within a sexual health clinic and schools. She works as a School Counsellor as well as at the Old Surgery. Dawn is a Registered Counsellor and her session rate is £40 for individuals, £45 for couples.

Registered Counsellor Lubna Hussain holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology from Keele University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity CBT. Lubna also works as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for the NHS. Lubna is a Registered Counsellor and her session rate is £40.

Registered Counsellor Jackie Howell holds a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and also holds a Diploma as a Fusion Therapeutic Life Coach. She has undertaken Couples counselling training at Counselling Works and is presently undertaking Level 6 training as a Supervisor. Jackie is an experienced tutor, key worker and work skills coordinator with children and young adults. Her session rate is £40.

Registered Counsellor Simonetta Juniper holds a BSc (hons) in Psychology and a CPCAB Level 4 in Counselling. Simonetta has been practising since 2014 and has a background in social care. Simonetta has daytime and evening appointments and her session rate is £40.

Registered Counsellor Judy Knight qualified in 2014 with a degree-equivalent Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Temenos in Sheffield. She has been involved in the field of therapy and personal growth for 25 years. She has daytime appointments on a Tuesday and a Wednesday, and her session rate is £40.

Registered Counsellor Agata Turney has a level 5 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling and qualified in 2015. She is a bilingual counsellor working in Italian and English. As well as working at the Old Surgery, Agata is a counsellor with BLMK Mind. She has attended additional training on CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and is able to utilise this in her practice. Agata’s session rate is £40, low cost spaces available.

Registered Counsellor Johanna White holds a BA in Psychology and Drama and a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person Centred). Her specialist interest is in addictions (drugs, alcohol, gambling, sexual etc) and she works with Eclipse addictions agency in Newport Pagnell as well as at the Old Surgery. Johanna’s session rate is £40, low cost spaces available.