Counselling and Psychotherapy in Surrey

Why try Counselling?

At times we all struggle

People suffer in different ways at different moments in life. We can all have difficulties in our relationships, feel very low, confused, sad, angry or fearful. As humans it is not unusual to feel depressed, lonely or anxious, and on occasion we can experience a whole range of difficult emotions and situations.

And we can get stuck in them.

If you're struggling, wanting to understand more about yourself, or make sense of your feelings and experiences, or wanting changes, whatever it is that brings you to this place, counselling could help you.

Welcome to my counselling practice

I'm Penny and I'm here to offer you a warm and welcoming space to help you with whatever you're going through. I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and a fully qualified therapist, having worked in a local community counselling service and in the NHS, as well as in private practice. My earlier background was in education, teaching and business and I'm a parent of adult children.

I provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and young adults at my private practice in Ashtead where we meet face to face. I also offer online and telephone therapy for clients throughout the UK. If you prefer, we can have 'walk and talk' therapy sessions where we are outside walking together in the natural landscape.

How does it work?

My aim is to work alongside you, take your journey with you. I offer a warm, supportive and safe place; no judgement, only understanding.

I work integratively, which means I use a range of psychotherapy and counselling techniques and therapeutic skills in order to tailor the therapy to your unique needs.

At the core of my therapeutic work is a humanistic or person-centred approach; I combine this with elements of psychodynamic theory and aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy, as appropriate to you. The important point is that just as you are a unique person, the exact ingredients for therapy are also unique, integrated in slightly different ways. I can explain more about the potential therapeutic approaches either before or during a session.

Everyone is different

Turmoil comes along in many forms and everyone experiences pain in their own way. Sometimes we behave and react in unhealthy ways, hurting others as well as ourselves, and the suffering continues, until we figure out how to break the repetitive patterns. We can stay stuck and lonely.

Realising that you want to stop the cycle, break the old patterns, try something new, is your first step towards change. Psychological change, from within yourself. I’m here to gently help you take that step, at whatever pace feels right for you.

Coming to therapy isn't easy. It’s not easy to share our deepest selves and be vulnerable, to talk about our fears and our worries, especially if you've had a life of judgement and low self-worth.

The client/therapist relationship is quite special. It can be transformative on several levels; healing, nurturing, empowering. My aim is to help you help yourself, challenge yourself, lift yourself, discover your inner spirit and strength, to learn who you really are, know yourself better and deeper and take courage in making the changes you choose to make - for you.

Life changing

Exploring together why you feel the way you do, how you react and respond as you do, understanding yourself and how you relate to those around you, can open up a whole world of awareness and growth. A world where you can learn who you are at your core and start to make healthier choices. Live a life directed by you, authentically and positively.

My aim is to help you navigate your issues, understand what's working and what's not working for you, and to empower you to choose where you want to make changes. These might be changes in the way you want to feel, respond, behave in certain situations, or changes in how you relate to certain people, or certain habits you've adopted over time.

Next steps

Choosing a counselling therapist can sometimes feel a bit daunting; sharing your deeper self with someone isn't always easy. I offer a free15 minute initial phone consultation for you to take that first brave step and explore further.

If after talking together you'd like to book a therapy session with me we can arrange an initial appointment. There is no obligation to take it further than our phone conversation or our first session; it's important for there to be a comfortable "fit" between client and therapist.

You can contact me by calling or texting on 07768 468103 or emailing to penny@counsellinginsurrey.co.uk. I will respond to you as soon as possible and within 24 hrs.