The Old Surgery Counselling & Therapy

About us

The Old Surgery is a growing counselling and psychotherapy practice based on two sites in central 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.

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, RAPT and Victim Support. We get regular referrals from GPs and Crombie House, and provide a low cost service when needed.

BACP 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.

BACP 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, £60 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 at the Berne Institute. Kate is also a lecturer and tutor on the Open University/ CPCAB Foundation Degree in Counselling. Kate is a Senior Counsellor with over fifteen years’ experience, and her session rate is £50 for individuals, £60 for couples.

BACP 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, £50 for couples.

BACP 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, £50 for couples

UKCP Registered Psychotherapist Janet Joosten holds Post Graduate diplomas in Existential Psychotherapy and Integrative Counselling from Regents College, and a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT. Janet is highly experienced and her rate is £50.

BACP 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.

Student Counsellor Wes Kapon holds a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling from CPPD Counselling School and is studying for a Diploma with CPPD. His session rate is £30. Wes has daytime and evening appointments and his rate is £30.

BACP 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 £45.

BACP Registered Counsellor Agata Turney has a level 5 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling and qualified in 2015. 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, daytime and evening appointments availalble.

BACP 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 has daytime (school hours) appointments.