Tracy Paine

I am an experienced counsellor, having worked full time in my own private practice, since July 2019.

I am also a qualified supervisor, with competencies to provide this for face to face and/or online work.

I am able to work with individual adults (18+) and couples, based in the UK.

I can provide counselling in person on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings in Letchworth. The rest of the week is where I provide online counselling between 8am and 8pm Mondays, Thursdays and between 8am and 5pm on Fridays.

I have continued to add to my initial qualification and have taken courses in bereavement, relationships (couples and psychosexual issues), trauma, anxiety and depression. 

Online counselling has some key advantages; such as:

• Where you feel booking regular slots is difficult; maybe due to a busy life and possibly a varied work pattern.
• If you have a disability which makes travel challenging, then online may be easier.
• If you don't drive, then travelling to a venue for counselling, can feel like an additional challenge; so online counselling is helpful here, as it can be carried out from your home; making better use of your time.
• Maybe you travel a lot on business, maybe you are away at university.... you want to start counselling; but don't want to have to change counsellor or have breaks in between. With Online Counselling this isn't an issue and we can adjust the medium we use if needed, to suit the place you are at.

If you are interested in working with me and want more information; you can access my website https://tracyscounsellingservice.co.uk or call me for a chat.

My values and passion for counselling:

I believe that counselling can be a very powerful tool to support all of us; when faced with life's challenges.

For the counselling process to be effective; I strongly believe the most important thing, within counselling; is the relationship between us.

The building of trust between us is really important, so that you feel safe to explore your feelings and emotions freely. 

It is important to recognise, that this cannot be rushed; as building relationships often takes time. With this in mind, the first few sessions are likely to be a time where you will be assessing our relationship, looking to see if it feels comfortable or not.

About me:

I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor; having studied 3 main approaches to counselling work. These were person-centred/humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies. 

Before I became a counsellor, I had a 20 year career in general nursing, where I worked with people in distress, due to a range of health conditions. I therefore have a good understanding of the impact physical health issues can have on a persons life and the lives of friends and families.

In between nursing and this role as a counsellor, I worked in a further education college supporting students on Health and Social Care Courses. In this role I supported students managing issues such as stress and anxiety; as well as supporting their educational achievements. I also acted as a coach for students on a leadership course.

Approaches I use within counselling:

The main approach I use is the person-centred approach. This places the emphasis on enabling you, the client, to find the resources within yourself. This process of discovery is supported by me, in the counselling process. I appreciate that this approach doesn't suit everyone, but as an integrative counsellor, I can use other approaches that can help us look at the issues you are experiencing. We can sometimes need a little more focus on specific issues and using some of the CBT techniques can be helpful. Alternatively, an exploration of the past using the psychodynamic approach can be very useful and can help you see how the past is affecting your present life. I also have a good understanding of coaching models that can be helpful and these can be used alongside counselling to support the activity of goal setting and can help with motivation and organisation.

Issues I have or can work with:

I have worked and can work with, adults with a range of issues such as: generalised anxiety, health anxieties, social anxiety, stress (with and without anxiety), depression, low self-esteem, low self-worth, suicidal thoughts, identity issues, family issues, relationship issues, divorce, abusive and coercive relationships, homelessness, loss and bereavement.

Loss and bereavement is one of my areas of interest and previous nursing experience is valuable here. I have completed additional training with Cruse Bereavement Care to expand my knowledge and skills in this area.

Health issues is another area I believe I can work with well, due to my nursing experience. This prior experience enables me to understand the impact of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, cancer, neurological conditions, to name only a few.

I am also interested in relationships and this has led me to undertake additional training in Couples Counselling to enable me to also offer this as part of my options for clients. More recently I have been able to add Certificate in Diversity in Contemporary Relationships and Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy. I focused on these issues, as these are areas that I find, often link to things individuals and couples bring to counselling.

How I work and what to expect:

When you contact me, we can, if needed have a 15min call, if you have questions you want to ask before booking in for a session. Once you confirm you want to start sessions and we are able to find a suitable arrangement; I will then send paperwork to you via WriteUpp which will then be stored there in my secure unique cloud. If I need to use email then I will use ProtonMail as this provides a secure encrypted service. 

The first session builds on the initial paperwork, so I can get a good feel of the issues you are wanting to explore and work through.

Significant life events that are challenging and involve loss in one way or another. If the issue you are feeling isn't listed, this doesn't mean I cannot provide a service to you, so do enquire if you feel I could be of help and we can discuss this together.

ONLINE COUNSELLING: For Online Counselling payment is requested 24hrs prior to the appointment, to secure your slot.

FACE TO FACE COUNSELLING: Once the room is booked then the venue requires cancellation of 1 week otherwise the rental fee will still be charged.

• Online individual counselling sessions cost £40 for an hours session.
• Online Couples sessions cost £55
• Online Supervision costs £45 for an hour £65 for 90mins
• Face to Face individual sessions cost £45
• Face to Face Couples sessions cost £60
• Face to Face supervision charged at £50 for an hour or £70 for 90mins

Payment can be made by bank transfer or PayPal.

Discounts for students and people on low incomes will be considered.

I have a valid DBS certificate which is checked regularly by the update service.

I take my professional development seriously and undertake regular training and learning activities to enhance my practice.