,BA (Hons)
'Counselling is the calm in the eye of the hurricane'


I value the uniqueness of each person in relation to their life story....
Welcome
A QUICK NOTE.....
Hello! Thank you for dropping by Colchester Therapy,
I recognise that finding the right counsellor can be overwhelming, so I aim to simplify this process for you. My goal is to facilitate a smooth introduction to person-centred counselling, from my private practice, on the first floor of No. 1 Church Street, Colchester. Below, you will find more information about my humanistic approach and what to expect from our counselling sessions.
As a qualified and highly experienced therapist with over two decades of working in various therapeutic settings I have successfully engaged with a diverse array of adults and young people, therefore I feel confident that I can meet your needs with assurance. I believe in being authentic so that you can be your true self as well. This candid authenticity is at the heart of person-centred counselling and is key to the successful outcomes of therapy.
The opportunity for personal growth and enhancement of life through counselling, with Colchester Therapy, is immense. A healthier mind naturally leads to a healthier body. It is good to see in relatively recent times that men, as well as women, are increasingly coming into therapy more comfortably than ever before. Personally, I see therapy as a strength because it makes people stronger and I am keen to assure my clients of this.
As your highly experienced counsellor, I will empathetically support and understand your unique experiences, so that you are able to progress in life. Rest assured, no matter how complex or challenging your situation may be, you will not face judgment from me.
I am a member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework and high professional standards.
Drop me a message or call and I will get back to you at my earliest availability.
Warm wishes,
SHAUN, Colchester Therapy.
How counselling and therapy works...
MY APPROACH.....
Trust is vital to the effectiveness and quality of the counselling we engage with. Building trust is important to me because it is key to the potency and success of counselling. I am aware that this can sometimes take time.
As a result of this I work with respect to your personal tolerances and at your pace. I believe this gives you control of your sessions to create the right environment for you, so that you can feel comfortable enough to engage freely.
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Primarily, My humanistic approach is grounded in person-centred theory and practice. This means that I receive each person subjectively, because I believe each person is unique and should be considered in context with their life experience,
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Sometimes insights from wider psychological perspectives can allow for a much deeper sense of understanding or a more comfortable way for you to engage, Therefore, I am able to work creatively and draw from the concepts and practices of other relative psychotherapies and developmental theories if needed.
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Over time the reflective and supportive process of counselling will reveal to you new perspectives and fresh understandings to old or on-going issues.
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The power of the person centred approach is that I support you to find, explore, and make sense of your life experiences within a confidential and safe space. The opportunity to reframe these experiences leads to profound moments of healing, self discovery and growth.
MY EXPERIENCE...
My past experience spanning over two decades includes holding contracts within The Priory Group, Mind, CAAMHS and Essex County Council providing one to one support working with a vast array teenagers and adults. Within this timeframe I have worked successfully with clients who have experienced trauma, including:
- sexual abuse
- childhood neglect
- relationship issues
- loss and bereavement
- divorce
- domestic abuse
- drug and alcohol misuse
- body dysmorphic disorder
- compulsive behaviours
- anxieties
- self-harm
- anger
- depression
- low self-esteem
- identity issues
- PTSD
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I have plenty of experience of working with clients from the LBGTQ+ community and I am KINK aware. I also have a long history of engaging successfully with clients presenting with ADHD or from within the autism spectrum.
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In addition, I developed a pioneering a creative music service that was endorsed by Essex County Council that went on to support many individuals county wide. I trained and supported all of the colleagues that worked with me on this.
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I worked within a Therapeutic Children's' home on the outskirts of Colchester, with some of the UK's most traumatised young people for over a decade.
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​In my own time I have worked within the music industry as a songwriter, musician and record producer.
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WHAT TO EXPECT...
Our first communication and brief consultation can be made by via email or telephone (see below) where you can Inform me of days and times you can be available. I shall reply via email to confirm a mutually agreeable time and day that we shall meet weekly for therapy. Brief and free of charge telephone consultations shall last no longer than 10 minutes.
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Upon our first session you will have the opportunity again to outline what has brought you to therapy, and express any needs, wishes, or goals that you may have. You will be presented with a standard working agreement at our first meeting which outlines all the terms and conditions and general expectations of your therapy for you to take away and return once signed, should you agree and wish to proceed, This ensures a professional standard and ethically lawful practice.
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As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I work in accordance with their professional standards out lined in their Ethical Framework. This explains the ethics, principles, values and professional standards that I adhere to so that you can proceed with full professional assurance.
On a personal level, I exude a warm, honest, and non-judgemental demeanour. I engage with my clients not only as a professional counsellor, but also as a true person. I believe that my candid and authentic nature encourages and permits others to be their genuine selves also. I call this total communication.
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Previous clients consistently report that with the counselling that I provide enables them to carry a much lighter load and live happier and more assured lives.
MY QUALIFICATIONS...
BA (Hons) in Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy.
​Registered Member No: 403559 MBACP
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
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I receive regular supervision and continue to expand my knowledge and skill set through CPD and my keen interest in neuroscience, progressive psychology and creative techniques within therapy.
FEE...
- In person or online
- £50 per session (Therapy lasts 50 minutes)
Location...
(Private room above)
Mind, Body and Soul.
No1. Church Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1NF
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Nearest parking: St, Mary's car park (2 minute walk away)
Close to The Mercury Theatre.
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CONTACT
If you are interested in learning more about my counselling or scheduling an appointment, please email or call me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
ADDRESS
(Private room above)
The Mind, Body & Soul
No.1 Church Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1NF