About me
Hello, I am Vanessa (she/her). I strongly believe therapy provides a safe space for understanding and support. Clients come to me when feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, seeking a supportive space to understand their experiences. They may struggle with anxiety, grief, autism-related challenges, relationship issues, or caring responsibilities. They come to me for clarity, self-awareness, and relief from painful patterns. I help cultivate self-acceptance, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of groundedness. Working collaboratively, I help empower clients to find their voice, feel authentic, and move forward sustainably.
I offer Gestalt counselling with an emphasis on the present moment to increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, sensations, and relational dynamics. Using mindfulness, creative approaches, and compassion-oriented strategies, I support clients in exploring their current experiences, identifying patterns, and cultivating genuine and constructive responses
Starting therapy can be a big step, particularly after experiencing ongoing challenges. You may carry a heavy burden or find it hard to express your feelings. Whatever brings you here, you are welcome as you are. Therapy provides a space to feel heard, understood, and less alone, allowing you to gently begin making sense of your experiences at your own pace.
Training, qualifications & experience
2023 - 2025:
- DipHE Humanistic Counselling, University of Portsmouth, South Hampshire College Group
2023 - 2023:
- TQUK Level 2 Self-harm & Suicide Awareness & Prevention, The Skills Network
- Level 2 Understanding Domestic Abuse, The Skills Network
- Samaritans Core Development, Samaritans Southampton Branch
- TQUK Level 2 Principles of Dementia Care The Skills Network
- Learning Languages with Senior Learners Certificate, The Open University
2023 - 2024:
- CPCAB Counselling Skills & Studies Level 3, West Sussex Counselling Training
- CPCAB Counselling Skills & Studies Level 2, West Sussex Counselling Training.
2022 - 2023:
- People, Work & Society Access Module, The Open University
2022 -2022:
- Existential Well-Being: A Person-Centred Experiential Approach Certificate, KU Leuven X
2022 - 2023:
- Safeguarding Certificates, SSS CPD
2017 - 2018:
- Level 2 Understanding Autism, NCFE CACHE & Autism Hampshire
1998 - 2009:
- Training in Middle-Management, GTP Training, QTS Secondary Education, CILT, Department of Education
1997 -1998:
- MA French as a Second or Foreign Language, University of Metz
1997 - 1998:
- MA English Language & Literature, University of Metz
1995 - 1997:
- BA English and American Literature & Civilisation, University of Metz
1991 - 1995:
- English and American Literature and Civilisation DEUG, University of Strasbourg
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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.
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
Grief, bereavement & loss
Identity & self-exploration
Life transitions & changes
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
- Initial Consultation: Free 15' call.
- Reduced Fee: £45 per session.
Further information
I have experience supporting individuals with a wide range of challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Carers’ emotional labour
- Depression
- Grief, bereavement & loss
- Identity & self-exploration
- Isolation & loneliness
- Life transitions & changes
- Neurodiversity
- Relationship & family challenges
- Self-esteem
- Work-related burnout
