Vanessa Halliwell

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she/her
MBACP Registered Counsellor | Person-Centered Counselling
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Haslemere GU27 & Farnham GU9
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of life? Do you long for a moment to catch your breath without fearing that you'll drop the multitude of life's challenges you're juggling? 

I'm here to offer you a lifeline. I'm a dedicated and empathetic person-centered counsellor, specialising in helping adults navigate the complexities of life. Whether you're grappling with relationship woes, facing the heavy burden of terminal illness, battling depression, or being overwhelmed by work-related stress, anxiety, grief, anger, narcissistic abuse, or trauma, I'm here to guide you.

My approach is built on the belief that every individual possesses the power to grow and evolve. I'm committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, free from judgment or criticism. Together, we'll collaborate in a non-clinical manner to find the solutions you seek.

I work extensively with clients dealing with depression, trauma from relationships or family, and the challenges that come with them. In our initial sessions, we'll delve deep into your concerns and chart a path towards reclaiming your life. Many of my clients experience a gradual improvement within the first month, with continued progress thereafter.

To start this journey towards healing, I offer a complimentary 20-minute telephone consultation. It's a chance for us to get to know each other, ensuring we're the right fit. You can reach me at 07760 892231 or send an email. Additionally, you can schedule a callback at your convenience using this link here.

I serve clients in Haslemere, Farnham, Godalming, and Guildford. On Saturday mornings, I'm available in Farnham.

I eagerly anticipate our conversation, and I thank you for considering taking this step toward a brighter future.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (BACP-approved practitioner)
  • CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Studies Level 3
  • CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2
  • Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
  • Understanding Trauma
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Working with EFT (tapping)
  • AB Coaching

Volunteer counselling for The Fountain Centre (cancer charity) at the Royal Surrey Hospital.

Member organisations

BACP
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.

ACTO
The Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO)

The Association for Counselling and Therapy Online

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Counselling for adults over 18 years,

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£60.00 - £85.00
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

An initial telephone conversation is Free

Sessions face-to-face or online are from £60.00 per session 

Sometimes a client would prefer an initial rapid-response session I can offer this

If you require a bespoke service, this is by separate negotiation

I require payment for sessions in advance and operate a 48-hour cancellation policy 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

My day starts at 08:00 am for sessions online or face to face (08:00 face to face in Haslemere only). Evening sessions are online only

Further information

In your first counselling session with me, you can expect a supportive and collaborative atmosphere as we embark on our therapeutic journey together. This session is an essential step towards understanding your needs, establishing trust, and working towards your personal growth and well-being. Here's what you can anticipate:

1. **Mutual Contract**: We will begin by mutually establishing a working contract between us. This contract will outline the expectations, boundaries, and goals of our counselling relationship. It's designed to create a safe and structured environment for your growth and healing.

2. **Questionnaire**: You may be asked to complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire serves as a benchmark to understand your current emotional state, concerns, and goals. It provides valuable insights for tailoring our sessions to your specific needs.

3. **Nervousness or Anxiety**: It's completely normal to feel nervous or anxious before your first counseling session, especially if you've never experienced counseling before. I understand that opening up about your thoughts and emotions can be challenging, and I'm here to support you through this process. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

4. **Control Over the Narrative**: You have control over what you share during our sessions. You don't need to discuss everything in our first meeting. We'll go at your pace and focus on what feels most pressing and relevant to you. Counseling is a space where you can choose what to explore and when.

5. **No Set Time Scale**: The therapeutic relationship we build has no set time scale. It evolves at your pace, and the duration of our work together will depend on your unique goals and progress. We will regularly review our progress to ensure you are getting the support you need.

6. **Confidentiality**: Your privacy is of utmost importance. Everything you share in our sessions is confidential, except in situations where there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information for your safety or the safety of others.

7. **Caring and Non-Judgmental Environment**: You can expect a caring and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. I'm here to listen, support, and help you navigate your challenges.

8. **Empathetic Approach**: I will approach our sessions with empathy, understanding, and respect for your unique experiences. My goal is to help you gain insight, cope with difficulties, and develop effective strategies for personal growth.

9. **Homework and Assignments**: Depending on your goals, I may suggest homework assignments or exercises to facilitate your progress between sessions. These assignments are designed to reinforce what we discuss in therapy.

10. **Flexibility**: I understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule or have specific preferences for our sessions, please communicate them, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.

Overall, your first counseling session with me is the beginning of a collaborative journey towards improved well-being and personal growth. You are not alone in this process, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Eaves, 34-36 West Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2AB

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

My locations in Guildford and Haslemere have wheelchair access

Online platforms

Google Meet
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Social