Counselling With Grace
How I Work
Hi, I'm Grace
Therapeutic Counsellor
Dip. Couns. MNCPS (Acc.)
I am a certified counsellor in the Ashford, Kent area and an accredited member with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. I offer a private counselling service for adults; including face-to-face sessions in Ashford, as well as online and telephone counselling (wherever you may be!)
I am a compassionate, empathic and patient person by nature. I appreciate that life can be difficult at times, and I can certainly relate to how overwhelming this can be. As a counsellor, I interact with people from different backgrounds, encountering a diverse range of problems and no two journeys are ever the same. However small or big the problem might seem, I am always honoured to share the journey with every client I work with, and feel privileged to be alongside a person as their world grows and changes. So, I am here for you; whether you need short or long term support through counselling.
I hope you can find all you need to know on this website but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor. 'Integrative' means that I combine different theories to inform my work with each client, because I believe that there are many ways to explore and understand human psychology. The main theories I follow are termed 'Person-Centred', 'Transactional Analysis (TA)' and 'Psychodynamic'. The value of this is that I can adapt the way I work depending on your individual needs, because there's no one size fits all in counselling.
Accessing a private counselling service offers you the advantage of a more personalised approach and affords the opportunity of greater flexibility. I always ask clients about their expectations from the start, and I appreciate that these can change and need to be approached with a certain level of fluidity to keep them realistic and achievable.
"The Curious Paradox Is That When I Accept Myself Just As I Am, Then I Can Change."
- Carl Rogers -
About Counselling
What is Counselling?
Counselling, or 'therapy', allows you to discuss, explore and process any problems you are currently navigating, or any past issues that keep resurfacing. Counselling can be a different experience for each individual but essentially creates a safe, secure and confidential space facilitated by a fully trained and qualified therapeutic counsellor.
Counselling is ideal for those of you seeking change in your life or looking to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in more depth.
It is important to mention that a counsellor cannot advise you how to 'fix' your problems, but instead will encourage you to find your own answers, developing a better understanding of yourself and empowering you to create your own ways of coping and strengthening your decision making processes.
How do I know if I need Counselling?
Well, I'm guessing you're visiting this page for a reason - sometimes something just feels off, or maybe someone has suggested you seek counselling. You might attend counselling because a particular issue, new or old, is feeling quite prominent. You may be feeling overwhelmed with everything. Some signs might include not being able to function in your normal way, being more tearful or unable enjoy or even do the things you used to do. Maybe you're quicker to anger or less patient.
You may want to attend counselling because you recognise that something needs to change in your life, perhaps you're unsure where to start. Maybe you're thinking about counselling because you have, or have had, mental health difficulties and you would like to focus on your mental well-being to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The truth is that the reasons to access therapy are not exhaustive. Whatever the reason, get in touch, if I think you'd be better suited to another service or professional then I would always let you know. Counselling is about finding what's best for you and I'm passionate about supporting people to do what's right for them.
What happens in a Counselling Session?
The first session allows some time for us to discuss what to expect from counselling. We will talk about a 'Therapeutic Contact' which importantly keeps us on the same page throughout the counselling process. The rest of the session is used to gather a bit of background information and to get to know you. From here, things tend to progress naturally and conversation tends to be quite organic. There is no pressure to discuss things you might not be ready to share. As we get to know each other a bit better, you may feel more comfortable to talk about difficulties in your life that you may not have told anyone else or might be hard to say out loud. Counselling affords the benefit of being able to share these things safely, without judgement.
Near the end of each session, I will prompt you to let you know how much time we have left. This allows us to close our discussion safely and decide if we need to pick up on it again next time. Before we finish, we'll arrange your next appointment. Overall, the session should last 50 minutes but I always ask clients to allow up to one hour.
How I Can Help You
Introductory Session
All clients are encouraged to book a 'meet and greet' telephone call or on-line session before starting counselling. This is an informal chat that gives you the opportunity to discuss your needs and ask any questions.
If you are unsure whether counselling would be right for you, suitability can be discussed at this point.
Introductory sessions are not currently offered in-person.
15 mins - Free
Face-To-Face Sessions
In-person sessions are subject to availability. I currently offer evening and weekend sessions only.
The counselling room is situated in a convenient location in the Ashford (Kent) town centre. There are multiple parking options and easy access by public transport.
Although the building has good accessibility, the room is based on the third floor which is not accessible by a lift.
50 mins - £ 50
Remote Sessions
Online therapy can be as effective as being face-to-face, and is often more convenient and accessible, but complex issues are best treated in-person.
On-line sessions are conducted on Microsoft Teams. You will therefore require an email address and fairly stable internet access.
Phone sessions are also available if preferred, at no extra cost to you, but good signal will be necessary.
50 mins - £ 45
Discounts
Concessions offered for counselling students - please ask for details
Pay upfront for your first three sessions and receive a 10% discount
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availabiity.
Get in Touch
Contact me to arrange an introductory session or for any queries. I look forward to hearing from you!
