Tim Ellis


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I offer a calm and containing space in Cambridge for you to work through any issue that is important to you. I typically work longer term, but I am also happy to work short term. An introductory session can help you get a sense of whether you would like to continue working with me.
I see adults over 18. I usually see people once a week, sometimes more or less frequently as the therapy develops. I work in person, as I think this is better, but I also offer online sessions to existing clients.
I've been working full-time since qualifying in 2007. As well as working privately, I'm the Counsellor at Emmanuel College having previously worked for the University Counselling Service. I also work for the NHS as a clinical supervisor.
I bring warmth, professionalism and dedication to my work.
Training, qualifications & experience
I combine a core Psychodynamic training with Compassion Focused Therapy and draw on recent training. Therapy is an emotional and intellectual process that also draws on our embodied experience.
Continuing Professional Development (2008 - present) in a wide range of areas. Recent training has been in the areas of eating disorders, the menstrual cycle, sex and intimacy, childhood sexual abuse, anti-racism, trauma.
Compassion Focussed Therapy (2013-present) Courses, workshops, conferences and supervision organised by the Compassionate Mind Foundation, whose President, Paul Gilbert originated CFT. CFT uses an evolutionary model of how our brains work and draws on Buddhist ideas to address suffering in a practical way. It is an evidence-based therapy developed from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has gained wide acceptance internationally.
Psychodynamic Counselling (2002-2007) Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma at the University of Cambridge. Both courses were BACP Accredited. A Psychodynamic approach explores the longer term causes of current distress including our unconscious, which can unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Work experience:
- 2021- present: Counsellor & Mental Health Coordinator, Emmanuel College, Cambridge
- 2018 - 2021: Counsellor, Churchill College, Cambridge
- 2017 - present: Psychotherapist in private practice
- 2017 - present: Clinical Supervisor, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke's)
- 2012-2018: Counsellor, Cambridge University Counselling Service
- 2007-11: Counsellor, Anglia Ruskin University
Professional registration: Registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/
Other work experience: radio producer, media training and the charitable sector.
Member organisations
school 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.

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.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I will work with you on any personal issue.
Therapies offered
Fees
£75.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a free initial telephone call to provide more information and answer any questions you may have.
The first session is £50 as I understand you may be initially contacting more than one therapist. The normal session fee is £75.
I offer a reduced rate for trainee therapists.
When I work
I work Monday - Friday. I will try to offer a convenient appointment time based on your availability.
Further information
Counselling or therapy starts from you wanting support to change something important in your life. You may want to reduce immediate or long-standing distress. You may want to gain perspective and a deeper understanding of yourself. You may want to tackle a particular problem and clarify your options. You may feel lost and not know exactly what you want.
I will work with you on any personal issue that is important to you. I have nearly 20 years' experience working both long term and short term. I work with compassion, warmth, flexibility, dedication and, where appropriate, humour.
Since starting to work full time some two decades ago, I have seen thousands of clients, covering a very wide range of issues. I still have a passion for the work. It is a privilege to work with clients who want positive change in their lives. Therapy is not cheap, but it can be of tremendous value.