Claire-Louise MBACP

Hi, my name is Claire and I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I have been practicing for 5 years, during which I have worked within a service that specialises in survivors of sexual abuse and within a college working with young adults.

Prior to my counselling career I have over 15 years experience of working within the early years in a variety of settings working with children and their families. Which has allowed me to understand the events and pressures children and adults go through as I worked closely with them. During this time it fuelled my passion for helping people and took my training to the next level to qualify as a Counsellor and psychotherapist.

During my training I covered numerous theories, including, Person Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic, Jungarian and Transactional Analysis. Having an Integrative background allows me to use various tools to help clients in a way which suits them, which means that the therapy is unique to the client. However I do believe that the therapeutic relationship between myself and the client, is the most important factor and by developing this quickly allows for therapeutic change to take place.

I have a great passion for the outdoors and so for my Master's thesis I researched into taking Psychotherapy outdoors, and how this impacts the therapeutic relationship. My research found that being in nature helped develop a stronger therapeutic relationship as the client and therapist are both at ease. This was a great way to combine my two passions.

I have worked with a wide variety is issues including, but not exclusive to, survivors of sexual abuse, self harm and suicidal ideation, anxiety, issues around gender identification and sexuality.

Through my understanding of the issues that can affect people throughout life, I can provide a safe and non-judgemental space for the client to explore and work through their issues.