Find your therapist

I am a UKCP-registered integrative existential psychotherapist with extensive experience in delivering long and short term psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I have 14 years’ experience of working therapeutically in higher education, the NHS and in private practice.

As an integrative existential psychotherapist, I am particularly interested in how we make meaning of the world and of our lives, and how this affects our day to day functioning. Experiencing a crisis of meaning can be a major source of stress and anxiety. If your life starts to feel meaningless, you may end up in a hopeless and depressed state. The therapist’s role is to support you to navigate the difficult feelings that can arise in the process and help you find renewed purpose in your life.

I combine elements from different schools in my approach to psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness. I have worked with clients experiencing many different issues, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, relationship issues and religious and spiritual matters. I am experienced in supporting team members and managers with work-based conflicts. Additionally, I have considerable experience in supporting clients with diagnosed mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, personality disorders and clinical depression.

Qualifications:

Professional Doctorate in Psychotherapy (2012)

Masters Degree in Psychotherapy (2008)

Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision (2008)

Post-Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling, (2004)

Research and Publications:

Conference Presentations:

Cassar, S. (2015). Existential spirituality: navigating the maze of spiritual thinking within existential psychotherapy. World Conference for Existential Therapy. London

Cassar, S. (2011). The Impact of Psychotherapists’ Spiritual Practice, Beliefs and Values on their Clinical Work: preliminary findings. Theology and Therapy 2011 Day Conference. Edinburgh University.

Publications:

Aceijas, C., Waldhäusl, S., Lambert, N., Cassar, S., Bello Corassa, R., (2016) Determinants of health-related lifestyles among university students. Perspectives in Public Health

Vahrmeyer, M and Cassar, S (2017) The paradox of finitude in the context of infinitude: Is death denial an essential aspect of being in the world? Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis. 28.1: 151-165

Cooper, M., Wild, C., van Rijn, B., Ward, T., McLeod, J., Cassar, S., Antoniou, P., Michael, C., Michalitis, M., Sreenath, S. (2015) Pluralistic Therapy for Depression: Acceptability, outcomes and helpful aspects in a multisite study. Counselling Psychology Review. 30(1): 6-20

Cassar, S. and P. Shinebourne (2012). “What does Spirituality Mean to You?: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Spirituality. Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis. 23(1): 133-148.

Finding the right counsellor is an important step, the fact that you are here means that you have already made the biggest step in recognising you would like some support. 

Counselling is a safe space to offload and explore what’s going on for you. Counselling is not about me telling you what to do.  It might be helpful to provide you with coping techniques and strategies to support you to find your own way forward.

I will provide with you my time, commitment and compassion to your needs in a safe and comfortable environment. In working together, this may ease your distress and worries, by breaking things down into sizeable chunks.

Counselling may include exploring your past or recognising where low feelings/emotions maybe coming from.  This can support you to evaluate your needs for now and the future.  When considering a way forward, it is natural to experience anxiety or worry about what may happen, I can provide you with ways to support this and encourage your personal development.

I know how difficult it must be searching through the profiles trying to find the right therapist/coach. Making the decision to enter into therapy is a brave one and sometimes it can be difficult. I have been told by clients that I am calm, warm, welcoming and approachable. I have also been told that I am able to put them at ease.

I offer a safe non judgemental space to work through your difficulties and offer strategies and tools to quickly reduce your symptoms and help you feel more in control. I specialise in anger, anxiety, depression, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, stress and trauma. Many of my clients self-report to feeling much better after 6-8 sessions.

As a psychotherapist,  I help you explore and understand patterns in your thinking and in relationships with others and with yourself  that may be causing you pain or making you feel stuck. I help you find your own solutions instead of giving you advice. I believe if you are given a safe space to be heard you will find your own healing.

As there is a strong connection between diet and mental health I am now a qualified Nutrition Health Coach so can help you choose foods that support your mental health. I offer help with disordered using eating psychology so you can understand why you do what you do and learn effective strategies to overcome problem eating.

I am passionate in taking the stigma and taboo away from mental health and therapy.  I strive to make therapy as accessible as possible and to ensure that my clients can get the support they need.  I acknowledge that many clients come to therapy when they are worried, stressed, overwhelmed and some times frightened.  I work to improve mental well being and resilience and to work with clients to support them to feel that they can cope with issues and concerns and can work towards their goals at their own personal pace.

I work well with clients who find it difficult to talk about how they feel, or ask for what they need.  I help clients to build self esteem, be more self compassionate and build the tools they need to maintain mental wellness and resilience.

Please note that  all of my sessions are currently delivered by telephone or Skype.
I firmly believe that it’s never too late to learn how to be happier in your personal life and relationships, or enjoy success and fulfillment in your career.
I wasn’t born a Psychologist/Counsellor and I know what it means to live and work in the real world: I am a creative therapist with a background in Law & Finance and a professional experience gained both in the public and private sectors, at different hierarchical levels, working with people from all walks of life.
I have trained with Albert Ellis, the creator of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and one of the most eminent psychologists of all times; with Deanne Jade, one of the UK’s leading experts in eating disorders; and with Prof. Stephen Palmer, the father of coaching in the UK.
Since the summer of 1991, I am a man with a mission: to help people lead healthier and happier lives.

I can help you if you are experiencing any of the following: Stress, Eating Disorders, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Self-harm, Abuse, Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Loss, Post-traumatic stress, Trauma, Health related issues, Cultural issues, Identity issues, Men’s issues, Self esteem, Sexuality, Spirituality, Relationships, Anger management, Redundancy, Work related issues. I also provide Career coaching, Life coaching and Development coaching.

If you are thinking about making some changes in your life, and if you feel you need a helping hand, I can help you find a way through. I know it’s a cliché but you really have made the first step already. Take a few minutes to read a little more, and if you think I can help, just let me know.

I have over 30 years experience within Addiction /Dependencies, and related fields, working with a wide variety of clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures.  I have developed and managed an integrated Hypnotherapy approach which includes aspects of Solution Focus and Motivational models, and elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In addition to Alcohol and Drug problems, many of my clients have been seeking help for Anxiety and Stress, Relationship difficulties, Phobias, Confidence issues, and Smoking Cessation.

All that might sound a bit complicated but, to be honest, it can be quite simple really. We talk things over for a bit, look at the changes you want to make, decide between us if Hypnotherapy might help, and we take it from there. There is no great mystery to Hypnotherapy. Nothing to be afraid of. No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do.  TV stunts are nothing to do with Hypnotherapy. In all these years I’ve never seen anyone cluck like a chicken but I’ve seen plenty make a positive difference in their life.

Please note that all sessions are via Zoom until further notice.

Welcome to my profile. My number one aim, passion and priority is to make a positive difference to your life. For me, counselling is a process that supports, empowers and facilitates well-being. A space that you can trust with no judgement or criticism for you to feel free to express and explore what’s important to you. I offer an empathic nurturing relationship so that you are supported to achieve your goals, whether it would be personal development and self-actualisation or to overcome distressing/traumatic events, thoughts or feelings. Attentively, I actively listen to you so I understand deeply, you and your lived experiences. I highly value your internal natural tendency for growth and development which is important to help resolve many issues such as depression and anxiety. Ultimately, I work in a way that is tailored and bespoke to you. Therefore my practice highly respects and welcomes your autonomy.

I suffer from a neuromuscular condition called SMA type II. I believe that my disability has allowed me to connect deeply with clients who have experienced injustice, judgment, and oppression in their lives. Also, to empathise with clients who have experience of being subjected to negative attitudes or stereotyping from others or society.

The most important thing to me is that you are comfortable when you are talking about personal and sensitive topics so that you are able to share without any felt consequences or regrets. If you feel that you would like to contact me to arrange a session then please do not hesitate to get in touch and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

I have full indemnity insurance and have a current valid DBS enhanced certificate. (Used to be known as CRB check)

I offer online counselling to children, young adults, adults and older adults.

I offer telephone counselling to children, young adults, adults and older adults.

I do not currently offer face to face counselling.

Being heard, understood, believed in and supported. We all need this kind of support at some point in our lives. This is my offer to you.

I stand for a confidential, ethical and professional therapeutic experience with you at the centre. I would hope our session might feel warm, compassionate, non-judgemental with an empathetic relationship being felt between us. I believe that if we can achieve this in our sessions then you will have everything you need to live effectively with what you bring.

I practise in person at the following locations (subject to pandemic restrictions and client risk assessment):

Cheltenham:  GL50 3QH – See above
Gloucester: Suite 16, Westgate House, Gloucester GL1 2RU

I can sign in British Sign Language to a very basic level (Level 1 or below) in the hope that it might increase accessibility to clients who are hearing impaired.

I’m a UKCP registered Psychotherapist with a body oriented approach. More than 20 years of experience have given me time to acquire a variety of tools and insight into many approaches to meet the needs of each client in an individual way that respects each person’s own wisdom towards healing.

Main specialities are trauma, depression, anxiety, spiritual development, anger management, berievement among many others.

I work online and face to face and the body oriented aspect can be practised surprisingly well via video links – I’m myself receiving support and supervision in this way.

I’m a psychodynamic and body oriented psychotherapist with my a practice in Penzance, Cornwall. Genuine compassion, kindness, mindfulness, contact, depth, kind confrontation and humour are some keys to describe the way I work. The aim is to build a trusting relationship that creates a sense of deep safety and can also withstand a challenge if that might be needed.

Sometimes words are not enough or cannot reach the place that wants to be reached. The way I integrate talking therapy and the body oriented approach depends on each individual client and their specific needs. With some clients I ‘only’ talk, but I will alwyas encourage mindfulness of breath and body.

Body oriented psychotherapy has proven most helpful for trauma, anxiety and panic disorders and depression. If you are feeling sad, experiencing relationship issues or just having a hard time feeling overwhelmed with life, your children or an illness, there will be a way forward.

Is it for you?

If you have been in therapy and found that just talking didn’t get you to the place you needed to go …
If you have ever craved for a therapy that gives you the space and the guidance to go deep and express, what feels unexpressable…
If you have noticed that when you feel depressed or anxious your body also seems to be suffering like IBS, being tense or aching

…then a body oriented approach might just be what you have been looking for. Our body is a miracle. It houses our personality, our spirit and our soul. Whatever we do or whatever happens to one of these aspects is intrinsically linked with the others.

What happens during treatment?

Talking is still a main tool in my therapy practice. But alongside the mind with its capacity to articulate and analyse, I will invite the whole of your Being to be present. We will work with body awareness, learning how to sense what your body feels like and to notice its messages. In order to do that I might invite you to close your eyes, deepen your breath or if appropriate to lie down. We might do specific exercises to support your grounding or the way you set boundaries. It is absolutely possible to do this via video link.

The only think we cannot do via video link is this: Sometimes I use touch (only in agreement with the client)  and I might use a particular massage: Biodynamic Massage, also called Gerda Boyesen Method. It is a  very therapeutic massage, that has been especially developed to work with the mind/body connection.

Essence – Simply Being – or: who are we really?

When we embark in deep psychotherapy, sometimes we find ourselves on the path of spiritual growth and a search for our true self. Metaphysical questions might open up and the journey becomes its own purpose. Spiritual development and coaching can be part of a treatment agreement. Mindfulness techniques and Meditation are both very nourishing for the soul and the nervous system and can take us beyond the realm of the thinking mind into Simply Being.

About myself

Born in 1960 I grew up in Germany near the French border. In 2002 I came to Cornwall. I work in private practice in Penzance and for Occupational Health, RCHT Truro. I have over 20years experience and still love it.
I’m passionate about spiritual development. I’m a Buddhist and a student of the Ridhwan school. I’m a  trained Yoga teacher and I have a degree in Social Anthropology, I care for the planet and I support  multiculturalism. I love humour, nature and the arts. Walking, painting and dancing are favorites. All the ‘hard facts’ like membership bodies and training you will find further down in my profile.

Thank you for reading this. I appreciate that you are taking the time.

When it comes to relationships, do you • Find it hard to say no to people?  • Find yourself doing all the heavy lifting, but feel people often take you for granted? • Feel left out, lonely and resentful?

NOW IMAGE YOURSELF

• Saying no to people without feeling guilty

• Genuinely looking forward to spending quality time with others

• Being clear and firm with other people about how you feel

• Being open and honest about how you feel, without worrying about the other person’s response.

I am Wenna, and I help people to build healthier relationships

We are often told ‘you need to be nice to be liked’

So, you put yourself last

You accommodate other peoples’ needs before your own; you are always the one who listens and supports others,

But who is there for you?

While it’s okay to be someone’s rock, it’s not okay, if doing so leaves you feeling resentful and dissatisfied

There is a ‘ win-win’ solution. This is to apply the same love that you give others to yourself

It sounds really easy, but this is difficult if you don’t know what your needs and wants are

There are ways of listening to yourself that help you clarify what is acceptable and what isn’t

LET ME SHOW YOU HOW

I am Wenna, and I help people to build healthier relationships

I remember how I used to feel deeply unhappy in my relationships.

I came to realise, a main contributing factor was that fundamentally, I didn’t approve of, or accept myself. I didn’t feel I was worthy of love.

I am happy with my relationships now, because, through therapy, I learnt how to listen to myself and accept me for who I am. I now help people with similar issues.

You can change and grow through this, you deserve peace and happiness just like anyone else

It’s my aim to work collaboratively with you, so that together we can explore how to move your life forward in a positive way.

I also work with couples to help improve communication and bring changes to their relationships.

I look forward to hearing from you

With love x

Wenna

These are some of my professional experience & qualifications

· I am an accredited and registered member of the BACP with over 1600hrs of practice experience

· I work in a local counselling agency & run my own private practice

· I am experienced in counselling a range of issues such as relationship difficulties, bereavement, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work & academic-related stress…

· Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

· MA Master in Marketing Communication

· OCST Online Counselling Diploma

· Expressive art therapy

· Couple Counselling

Hello! I am a psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society.I enjoy helping people in their desire to close the gap between where they are right now and where they want to be in the future.

I am passionate about counselling,I have experienced and witnessed the many benefits that talking to an experienced counsellor can bring.I have a foundation in different therapies but I work from a PERSON CENTERED approach.

I will help you to realise what resources and support are available to you that you can use to work through your own issues, build your self-confidence and appreciate that you always have options.I will treat you as the expert on yourself, as no-one else knows exactly what it’s like to be you.

I will not judge you, no matter what you bring to the session. This helps build a trustworthy relationship in which you can feel free and supported to disclose whatever is troubling you. Eventually it will lead you to discover your own abilities and autonomy, so that you can cope with current and future problems.

I am a humanistic therapeutic counsellor and I offer long and short-term therapy.

I have always been passionate about helping people and helping them reconnect with their true self. I decided to change my career and become a counsellor after my positive experience in therapy as a client. I believe that self-awareness is the foundation for personal growth and positive life changes.

We live in a challenging world. There are times in our lives when we must endure pain, stress and loss whilst holding our business and personal lives together. Some people choose to work through their issues alone, perhaps considering reaching for help is as a sign of weakness. Talking with someone who has no relationship to your daily life, willing to listen and understand your concerns can help.

I understand the pressures of difficult emotions and circumstances. I’m here to help you to address your challenges by encouraging you to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness.

I place importance on providing warmth and empathic attunement in a safe and confidential environment, which allow us to reach the heart of the issue sensitively and effectively.

I’m a Humanistic therapist which means that I integrated Person Centred, Gestalt Therapy and Transactional Analysis. I refrain from offering interpretations about my client’s behaviour. Instead, I choose to help you explore and become aware of unhelpful patterns, beliefs and behaviours whilst assisting you in gaining an awareness of your resilience, inner-resources and strengths. As part of my integrative diploma training, I have also synthesised the psychodynamic approach and CBT into my practice in order to provide tailor-made treatment for each client.

In my practice, I facilitate positive changes for my clients by encouraging them to get in touch with their own psychological strengths and to overcome those difficulties thus finding meaning.

From my earlier background in film and media I have imported an ability for creative thinking within the professional, ethical bounds of counselling. This is particularly productive for young individuals who may find comfort and ease in expressing themselves pictorially as opposed to articulating their life challenges.

I am a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP) who works in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical framework.

I began my academic training in the field of Psychology at London Guildhall University and after extensive research on Community Mental Health Care I progressed onto a 3yr BACP accredited Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling. I qualified in 2008 and set up in private practice.

I have worked extensively with the following:

Children & Adolescents
Childhood Trauma
Depression & Anxiety
Relationship struggles
Family Difficulties
Loss & Bereavement
Anger & aggression
Survivors of Abuse
Sexuality & sexual differences
Attachment Disorder

Cultural Identity
Suicidal Thoughts
Cultural Identity
Meaninglessness & futility of life
Work/life balance
Job loss
Illness
Dependency
Self Esteem

In 2013, I undertook a Diploma in Counselling Children & Adolescents Using The Arts which allowed to me to then go on and set up and run a Counselling Service at Lea Valley Primary School and The Complete Works Alternative Provision, working with vulnerable children and adolescents.

Therefore, in addition to my private practice I have also worked as a psychotherapist in community counselling agencies such as MIND, Barnet Community Counselling and Counselling Initiatives in Islington as well as with young people at Hornsey YMCA and Whitefields Secondary School. Hence, this has therefore provided me with experience in working with children and young people of all ages.

In addition to one to one counselling I can also offer bespoke well-being and pastoral programmes which can be developed for a variety of settings from primary and secondary schools to pupil referral units.

Using some of the key elements of counselling, I am able to work with individuals, groups and whole settings whereby I seek to develop working programmes that look at areas such as conflict resolution, working with others, listening and self esteem as well as addressing specific issues identified as being significant to that particular setting.
This may include areas such as friendship, eating disorders, bullying, collaboration, peer and family pressure, puberty and addiction.

I understand my work as a counsellor to be about providing you with a non-judgemental, safe, relational space, where my role is to facilitate you in addressing past experiences and how they impact on the present, the person you are today and support you in developing a deeper awareness of how you experience yourself privately, in relationships, in the world and in the present moment in the counselling relationship.

The counselling process can enable the possibility for exploring choices and change and can also lead to greater self-understanding, heightened self-acceptance, improved relationships with others and greater control over your life.

I am a Relate trained counsellor and sex therapist with over 18 years’ experience. I specialise in helping those with relationship difficulties, intimacy issues, and porn and sex addiction, providing a secure and non-judgmental space – somewhere that you can feel safe to communicate your feelings and identify problems you are facing.

My name is Kim Tapper ( Over 25 years experience)

I have been a fully qualified counsellor for over 25 years . Originally training at the :London school of counselling and Psychotherapy I am registered with the B.A.C.P and I am listed on their approved register. I mainly take a person centred approach, which is the belief that we can can all find the answers and solutions to our problems from within ourselves . However, I do use other approaches when required. including CBT. My job is to guide you gently through the counselling process helping you overcome the conflict and the issues you are facing .

I am integrative counsellor with an emphasis in humanistic approach but drawing from different therapeutic styles.

My focus is in creating a positive climate with the client of empathy and trust, to explore the issues that are interfering with your wellbeing. To understand the client’s circumstances and perspective and for the client to clarify how they feel/think. I then aim to intervene on the patterns that are causing the distress, to expand perspective and in collaboration bring new patterns that will improve the person’s distress and wellbeing.

I have studies and worked in Spain, USA and UK, therefore I also offer sessions and Spanish and therapy related to intercultural/expat difficulties.

Other areas of interest/experience include anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem and past trauma.

Difficult times with the right help and clarification are an opportunity for growth and newfound wellbeing. My aim is to make this process rewarding for you.

My name is Alva Spencer, I am the director of dearalva the Psychological therapy and counselling service. I am currently based in the ​​​​Greater Manchester area as a therapist, delivering face to face sessions, video calls and private phone calls.

I completed my Clinical and Pastoral Counselling Skills Level 6 course at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2007. I am also registered member of the BACP.​​​​​​​​​
 

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Phone or Zoom, etc.  £25-45/ session. 8am-10pm except Fridays.  Registered  BACP.  Clinical experience. Masters psychology degree.  Diploma in counselling.  Conducting a doctorate research thesis.

I am an eclectic professional with years of clinical experience: currently a Trainee Counselling Psychologist on a professional doctorate in counselling psychology, already with a Diploma in Human Relations & Counselling (Psychodynamic modality) and an MA Hons Psychology degree, as well as extensive and broad working and voluntary experience over four years.

I am intuitive and highly spiritual which underpins the way I work. I consider myself to be a wounded healer; having had the lived experience of trauma and healing from it.  My lived experience as well as my professional qualifications helps facilitate your healing process.  I provide a safe healing space that enables you to explore your reality, perceptions, behaviors and thoughts so you can gain clarity, greater purpose and increased passion in your life.

As an intuitive counselor I work on a deep soul level with sensitive souls helping you to tap into your true power, remember who you truly are and recognize that being sensitive is not a weakness but an absolute strength.  By feeling and connecting with you our work together is always for your highest good.

By working with me your life will be transformed; assisting you on your awakening, ascension and journey to enlightenment enabling you to walk on your unique path, in flow, harmony, passion, abundance, empowerment and magic.