Our Counsellors
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Fiona Barratt
Fiona is a qualified psychodynamic counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore any issues that are affecting your life. These can include general feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as more specific issues such as bereavement, sexual trauma, relationship breakdowns and support with addiction. She provides therapy in person, online or by telephone.
Fiona will work with you to try to understand how unhelpful past behaviours may be causing difficulties for you in the present, and to help you work through intrusive or unwelcome thoughts. Using the psychodynamic principles around the power of the unconscious mind and the impact of our early years on later life, she can help you find a deeper understanding of yourself and your feelings.
Making a decision to start counselling can be daunting and Fiona provides a warm and empathic approach to support you on your therapeutic journey.
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Becky Brendling
Becky is a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Becky works creatively and compassionately with adolescents and adults and is experienced with a range of presenting issues such as Bereavement, Anxiety and Depression, Self-Harm, Body Dysmorphia and relational issues and has extensive experience working in schools and charities.
Becky understands the importance of building a relationship of trust with clients and to walk alongside them to support and empower clients in difficult times.
Talking in a safe space can enable the client to explore their internal world and better understand thoughts and feelings in order to gain insight into what is needed.
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Helen Carey
Helen is a qualified Integrative therapist and member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is trained in Creative, CBT, Person Centred, Psychodynamic and Existential methods working with clients to help them understand how childhood, past experience and habitual thinking may affect their attitudes and outlook on life. She has experience working as a tutor for facilitated group work, creatively targeting anxiety, low esteem, levels of autism, and poor mental health. Helen also has diverse experience of combining therapeutic creativity and self-awareness, to promote well-being and positive direction for individuals.
Helen has taken further training to support online work; adapting resources to allow clients to experience different therapeutic theories remotely from the privacy of their own home. Her work is committed to continual personal development for face to face and online sessions and works according to the BACP ethical framework. Helen offers face to face and online sessions by video or audio call.
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Natalie Cooper
Natalie holds a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She is a fully registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She is an integrative counsellor, meaning she draws upon a number of theories and styles to support clients in the best possible way to suit their needs. She firmly believes that people are the experts in their own life and counselling provides the opportunity for greater self-awareness. Natalie’s role is to support clients to find their way back to a happier path, trusting that when we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, we then have greater choice and freedom in our lives.
Natalie provides a warm, non-judgemental and empathic relationship, which is based upon trust and sensitivity, enabling clients to explore concerns from the past, present or future. She has experience supporting adult clients of all ages who have mild to moderate anxiety, stress, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, low self-confidence, work related stress and relationship concerns and clients who have experienced bereavement and loss. She offers clients one to one counselling sessions, on a short-term or open-ended basis, either in person, online or via the telephone.
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Diana Forsythe
Diana has a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person Centred) and is a registered BACP member. She feels passionately about helping people to become more self-aware and the very best version of themselves. She believes that counselling is a journey of self-discovery and finding the right counsellor can feel confusing and overwhelming. Whatever the reason for considering counselling, Diana will provide a safe, empathic, confidential and non-judgmental space. She has extensive experience in the effects of being involved in a narcissistic or abusive relationship. Diana believes that everyone has an inner resource to find the answers to their own problems but sometimes help and guidance is required to find the answers we need to enable us to move forward with improved emotional well-being and greater resilience.
She offers face-to-face, telephone or online services.
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Sarah Hopkins
Sarah is a qualified psychodynamic counsellor and a registered member of BACP. She has experience supporting adult clients who have mild to moderate anxiety, depression, generalised anxiety disorder, stress, work-related stress, loneliness, low confidence, low self-esteem, relationship issues and clients who have experienced bereavement and loss. Previously having worked for a charity offering counselling, Sarah was also a former Samaritans volunteer.
She offers the psychodynamic approach to counselling. This approach helps clients to become more aware of their emotions and bring the unconscious into consciousness and explores how current problems may be influenced by past experiences.
Sarah has an interest in meditation and mindfulness as she believes that being aware of the present moment, our thoughts and feelings can calm our minds and help us to be more self-aware. She offers face to face and online counselling.
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Rebecca Kelly
Rebecca is a qualified child and adolescent Creative Arts Counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE). She is registered with BACP and adheres to their code of ethics. Rebecca works with children and young people, aged 4 – 18 and is also able to offer guidance and support to parents. Her approach is tailored to the needs of each individual, with the option of using arts and play-based materials to explore and process difficult thoughts and feelings. Rebecca has experience of working with a range of issues including autism, anxiety, depression and anger management.
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Tracy Kinsella
Tracy is a BACP-accredited Humanistic Counsellor with a Level 4 qualification in Therapeutic Counselling and is also a CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) qualified Breathwork coach. She had worked for a mental health charity for 16 years prior to training as a counsellor.
Believing that people have the innate resources to heal, live and thrive in spite of adversity, she offers a person-centred, existential approach alongside Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, creative exercises and attachment-focused interventions throughout the counselling process. Tracy is interested in embodiment / somatic work -- using the body and breath to help trauma, anxiety and depressive states. Her main areas of experience are in mental health, addiction, trauma, bereavement and relationship issues.
Her main areas of expertise are in mental health, bereavement and loss, and living with long term health conditions.
Tracy offers face to face sessions with adults
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Kuljeet
With a deep commitment to creating a safe and non-judgmental space, I specialize in supporting individuals through their unique journeys and have worked with anxiety, self-harm, and depression. My approach is rooted in the person-centred approach, which means I place you—the client—at the heart of our work together. I believe that each person has an inherent capacity for self-healing and growth when provided with the right environment.
My experience as a counsellor has shown me the power of genuine empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard. These core values guide our sessions, allowing you to explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. I don’t believe in giving advice or directing your path; instead, I walk alongside you, helping you find your own answers and empowering you to make the changes you seek.
Every individual’s journey is unique, and I am honoured to be part of yours. Whether you’re seeking to understand yourself better, manage overwhelming feelings, or find a way forward from a difficult place, I’m here to support you with warmth, respect, and an unwavering belief in your potential.
I am able to work with adults, teenagers and children aged 12 years and over.
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Siobhan Madaras
I am a fully qualified, BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered counsellor. I offer my clients an uninterrupted and welcoming space where you can feel safe, accepted and truly heard. It is my role to walk alongside you while we explore whatever is on your mind or causing you distress, and help you connect with your inner insight and feelings.
I am an integrative counsellor qualified in Person-centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) modalities and can skillfully integrate these practices to provide a therapeutic experience that is individual to you and tailored to your needs. Being a registered member of BACP means I adhere to their code of ethics and standards of practice at all times.
I work one-to-one with adult clients and have experience of working with anxiety, depression, low mood, anger, abuse, stress, work-related issues, bereavement and loss, relationship problems, low self-esteem and other presenting issues. I offer sessions face to face or online.
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Vanicha Mamon
I am a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. I am dedicated and compassionate with a deep passion for helping individuals explore the intricacies of their emotional and psychological well -being. I am also committed to creating a safe and empathetic environment.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the principles of Psychodynamic therapy. I believe that understanding the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and the dynamics of one's relationships can provide valuable insights into current struggles. Through open dialogue and exploration, I assist clients in gaining a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
My areas of expertise are:
Anxiety and Depression, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress, Self-Esteem and Identity, Grief and Loss, Suicidal, Eating disorders, Addiction, Relationships, Domestic violence/abuse
My goal is to work collaboratively with clients to uncover underlying issues and facilitate personal growth and healing. I am dedicated to fostering self-awareness and empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives by empowering the inner you!
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Lynn McGill
Lynn is an integrative counsellor who works with couples and individuals. Her integrative approach is informed by the 'Person Centred' approach, which believes that every individual has the ability to heal and make the right choices for themselves given the right environment and encouragement for change and growth, blended with elements of Psychodynamic therapy, Transactional Analysis (TA) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps towards understanding your childhood experiences and how they impact on becoming the person you are today, how you relate and communicate in relationships, and how you can make changes by understanding and challenging your negative thought processes to lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Lynn offers warmth, empathy and understanding in a safe space working with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, relationship issues, bereavement and other presenting issues.
Couples – Lynn works therapeutically with couples, offering a space to explore relationship issues such as infidelity, communication and intimacy as well as separation.
Supervision – Lynn also offers Supervision to qualified counsellors and counsellors in training as well as group supervision to organisations such as schools and safeguarding leads, using the 7 eyed model and Cyclical Model of supervision. She works collaboratively to encourage self-reflection and growth both personally and professionally.
Walk and talk – Lynn offers Walk and Talk therapy from the Sadie Centre, which combines traditional talking therapy with walking in side-by-side in the natural surroundings of the centre. In walk and talk therapy, the natural world becomes integral to the healing process.
Lynn holds a current DBS, safeguarding certificate and professional insurance. She abides by the BACP ethical framework for good practice.
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Heather McKenna
Heather is an experienced and professional Psychodynamic counsellor working with adults. Qualifying with a BACP accredited Masters Degree in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling from The University of Hertfordshire, she works with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual abuse, bereavement and relationship problems. Heather provides a non-judgemental and supportive environment for her clients working in person, online and over the telephone. She is committed to continued professional development and adheres to the BACP Code of Ethics. Heather is also an experienced, collaborative supervisor having qualified with a Diploma in Supervision from Cambridge Supervision Training. She supervises qualified and trainee counsellors using the 7 Eyed Model to ensure quality, reflective and ethical practice.
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Chrissy Norwich
Chrissy is a psychodynamic and person-centred Counsellor and registered member of the BACP, providing in-person, video or phone counselling for both adults and young people (aged 9 upward). She is qualified to work with a variety of difficulties, including (but not exclusive to) anxiety, depression, loss, bereavement, stress, addiction, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and loneliness.
Psychodynamic Counselling is a talking therapy which can enable a person to get to the root of a problem for long-lasting change. This form of Counselling can bring about a conscious awareness of unconscious/repressed life circumstances and lead to understanding, empowerment and healing in the present. It can provide a safe and therapeutic space that is focussed on the individual's needs. Her person-centred training focuses on children and young people, and she has some understanding of neurodiversity.
Chrissy also delivers Mindfulness within schools.
Chrissy's training in personal development work spans 20 years and also includes qualifications in Life Coaching, NLP, Reiki (as teacher and practitioner) and Psychology. She considers the whole person [mind, body, emotions] in her work with individuals. She has a background working for a number of professional organisations and has an understanding of the corporate world. She also maintains a part-time role working for Anna Freud – a child mental health research, training and treatment centre, with a passion for the importance of childhood development.
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Lisa Naughton
Lisa is an Integrative Counsellor and BACP member. She is trained in various therapeutic approaches so tailors her sessions to meet individual’s needs. Her extensive background working with trauma (neglect, domestic/sexual abuse, addiction, suicide) has given her a deeper understanding of the impact it has on physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Lisa provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment for clients to explore current or past difficulties including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship challenges, identity, bereavement, life transitions/adjustments and unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behaviours. Lisa’s passion is helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves. She also specialises in working with emergency service personnel and is qualified to provide online and telephone counselling in addition to in-person sessions.
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Emma-Claire Phillips
Emma-Claire is passionate about providing an empathetic, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to discover how you can fulfil your potential, overcome any obstacles in your path and ultimately lead a happier and more meaningful life.
Emma-Claire’s style of therapy is integrative and person-centred, meaning that she listens carefully to the needs of each individual and uses a variety of techniques and approaches depending on what may be the most beneficial at any particular time.
Emma-Claire has a BA (Hons) degree in Philosophy and a BACP accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works face-to-face and online.
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Natalie Sayer
Natalie is a very experienced and professional counsellor working with individual adults. She provides a confidential, high quality service in a safe environment and is a registered member of the BACP. She trained at the University of Hertfordshire to Masters degree level and has worked at The Sadie Centre for 10 years alongside her successful private practice.
Warm, empathetic and non-judgmental, Natalie works together with clients at their own pace to explore and understand feelings and behaviour. She looks at how their difficulties may have unconscious or unresolved issues from the past at their core. Her psychoanalytic approach strives to find meaning to earlier, perhaps unprocessed experiences, and how they might be revealing themselves now as anxiety, depression, anger, in psychological disorders or in physical symptoms or relational problems. Natalie works face to face, online or on the phone.
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Rachel Shephard
Rachel is a qualified integrative therapist and a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. She is trained in person-centred, psychodynamic, existentialism and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies as well as in on-line and telephone counselling. In addition, Rachel holds a foundation certificate in Bereavement Counselling.
Rachel has experience of working with both young people and adults with co-dependency, self-esteem, loss, anxiety, depression, relational issues and a variety of addictions.Having worked in health and social care for the last 16 years, Rachel has an experiential understanding of the relationship between mental and physical health. This twinned with her counselling qualification means she is able to build the most appropriate strategies to help clients work towards their goal/s. Rachel’s work is instinctive, enabling a bespoke approach and working as creatively as necessary to develop the client’s self-awareness.
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Maina Warraich
Whether you lie in bed worrying about things, have anxiety, panic attacks and keep overthinking, or you often feel numb or completely overwhelmed, I am here to help you live a life where you can feel more at peace and confident.
I’m passionate about supporting adults with anxiety and depression, and get how isolating and debilitating it can be.
People can say things like “just be positive” or “don’t worry about it”. It can be hard for them to understand that it isn’t as simple as just focusing on something else. I get it. It’s not something you can easily change.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I believe in order to be able to create long-term changes, it is essential to identify the root causes of your struggles. This will give you a chance to explore and process painful emotions and help you to become unstuck from your current situation.
The counselling sessions will be tailored to your needs and if it’s right for you I can incorporate mindfulness, breathing techniques and EFT Therapy. These tools can help you to better understand and managed your emotions. EFT Therapy is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, pressure points are gently tapped on whilst focusing on the distressing issue. EFT can be incorporated into counselling sessions or done as a separate approach. I work face to face and online.
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Andreea Weisl-Shaw
Andreea is a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor and registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), who offers one-to-one counselling to adults and older teens. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to think about their past in order to understand how this has impacted upon their present thoughts, feelings and relationship patterns. Andreea has an academic background and holds a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling. She is a fluent speaker of Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian and Hebrew, and has extensive experience working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
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Liz Womwell
Do you feel anxious, depressed, or generally stressed? Whatever the reason, Liz warmly invites clients to share a calm, safe and non-judgemental space, in which they will be able to explore the issues and concerns that are important to them. Liz has a BSc hons Degree in Health and Social Care (includes Psychosexual Awareness module from Greenwich University); a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Person-Centred at Bedford College/Integrative at Stevenage College) and is a Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
She offers face to face, online or telephone counselling, with particular interests in bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, psychosexual, financial or health concerns. She is happy to explore the emotions around fertility issues, low self-esteem or feeling marginalised from society. According to the needs of the client, she will incorporate if appropriate, grounding/breathing exercises to help them in building the resilience to cope with their issues.
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Jaya Chingen
Jaya is a qualified integrative therapist and member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works with a core person-centred modality and uses elements of transactional analysis, psychodynamic theory and creativity as well in her practice.
She works with both adults and young people aged 11-17. Working with the charity Herts Mind Network, she runs a creative wellbeing group for young people, using art to encourage expression and inspire discussion around mental health awareness. She also supports young people in mental health crisis through the Herts Haven Cafe initiative.
Jaya recently completed an MA programme in Counselling and Psychotherapy where her main area of focus was young people’s mental health. Her final research project focussed on the perinatal experience of women and maternal mental health. She has completed numerous CPD courses in trauma, neurodiversity and working with the LGBTQ+ community.
She has worked with presenting issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, abusive relationships, neurodiversity, exam stress, depression, trauma, suicidality, self-harm and relationship issues. Her approach is gentle and nurturing, offering a safe space to explore at the client’s pace.
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Maria Payton
Maria is a qualified integrative therapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. As an integrative counsellor, Maria offers techniques from different types of therapies to tailor an approach specific to each individual and their needs. This may include elements of person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The therapy will give individuals a confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings, which may sometimes cause distress. She offers an empathic and supportive, non-judgmental environment, where the individual can feel heard and understood.
Maria holds a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and is currently studying for a Certificate in Child Counselling skills for Adult Counsellors. She has worked with adults and adolescents in schools, including sixth formers, teachers and teaching staff. She is also a qualified primary school teacher with experience of working with children with diverse needs. She has experience supporting adults and young people with a range of presenting issues, which include mild to moderate anxiety, stress (exam pressure and work related stress), depression, low self-confidence, low mood, relationship concerns, bereavement, identity issues and neurodiversity.
The sessions may be short term or open-ended and are available face-to-face, by telephone or online.
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Sarah Parkhouse
I am a person-centred Counsellor dedicated to placing the client at the heart of our work together. With warmth, empathy, and a non-judgemental approach, I offer a confidential and respectful space where clients can safely explore their thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs at their own pace.
I am passionate about helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of their situations, supporting them to deal with overpowering emotions and work through challenging times. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I adhere to the highest standards of professional practice.
With extensive experience in Children Services, I work with young people aged 12 and above, as well as adults, providing support for a wide range of issues including anxiety, self-harm and depression, relationship issues, stress, identity, and gender-related concerns.
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Joanne Wearne
I am a fully qualified counsellor trained in psychodynamic and person-centred therapies, and I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling Practitioners. I offer a non-judgemental space for you to be the real you, to talk frankly and honestly about what is, or has been, happening for you. I believe that counselling can only be effective when trust and unguarded openness are at its core, and it is these foundations that we can work to build together. For some, this can take time, and I am happy to work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
I believe that we are all experts in ourselves and that we all have the inner resources and strength to find the path that is right for us. I am not here to offer advice or share my opinions: my role is to hold you as you work through your thoughts, feelings, emotions and struggles, and to explore how past experiences may be impacting the present. I am here to actively listen, to gently challenge some of your ingrained thoughts and behaviours, and to offer an opportunity for you to consider how these may be impacting your life. A greater level of self-awareness can lead us to look deeper into the choices and decisions that we make (perhaps unconsciously) and lead us to question whether they are healthy or helpful.
I have experience of working with adults with a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, abuse, stress, trauma, bereavement and loss, relationship issues, and low self-esteem.
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Leanne Woo
Leanne Woo is a couples counsellor.