Will Farmer

Welcome to my counselling profile. If you are reading this then I imagine you are looking for positive change in your life and you have decided it is time to act. Well done for taking what can be a difficult step, and I hope what you read here will encourage you.

The key to good therapy is a good relationship, filled with compassion and caring, and this is what I work hardest at bringing to my clients. It is true that many of the things that bring people to counselling were created in complicated relationships, so it seems fitting that they should be healed in one that is wholesome and straightforward.

I like to work with people who want to make deep, lasting change in their lives. I work with clients who have issues with depression and anxiety, health anxiety, bereavement, suicidality, low self esteem, difficult relationships, sexuality, trauma, autism and adoption. This list is not exhaustive, and each client brings something unique. I am always reading more and undertaking more training to help me improve as a therapist.

Some clients are not even quite sure what they are looking for; they just know that something is not right. I always start with a free introductory session so that we can explore what it is that counselling might do for you. This will give you a chance to experience the space I provide so that you can make the right decision for you.

I will be able to help you gain a clearer perspective on your situation, to unmuddle confusing thoughts and feelings. In this way you will come to know yourself in a deeper way, and the unhelpful patterns in your life will start to lose their power over you. Throughout this exploration I will be there to accept what you have to say, and to be a supportive companion when you are experiencing difficult emotions.

In order to make this work I rely heavily on person-centred counselling, which puts your experiences of the world at the centre of the work. Given the right conditions, living beings all have the capacity for positive growth and healing. Person-centred counselling provides these conditions in the form of unconditional positive regard (non-judgement), empathy (understanding your perspective), and congruence (I will be honest and genuine).

I also draw on other types of therapy including gestalt, which looks at patterns of being, and uses lively, experimental interventions. I use mindfulness to develop greater self-awareness, compassion and acceptance. I sometimes use cognitive behavioural therapy once an action has been decided on, or to help regulate disruptive thoughts.

I see my clients in my own room in Exeter city centre. I also work with clients online and by phone if that is preferred. At the moment I do not work with under 18’s although I hope to be able to provide this in the future.

I would love to hear from you if you are considering having counselling. Call me on 07551 949668 or send an email to will@willfarmercounselling.co.uk and I will do my best to respond quickly. You can also check out my website (willfarmercounselling.co.uk) where you can find out a bit more about me, and read the occasional blog posts that I write.

The first time we meet will be to get to know each other. We can discuss your goals if you know them, and I can answer any questions you might have about counselling. This will be free of charge and lasts up to 1 hour.

Subsequent sessions cost £50 for 1 hour. I offer a limited number of low cost spaces at a fee we can negotiate on an ongoing basis.