About

Thank you for visiting my website and a very warm welcome to you.  I would like to introduce myself to you. my name is Hilary and I am passionate about helping people through the counselling process. I feel privileged to walk alongside people during times of difficulty, offering compassion, understanding and support. Sometimes, having someone to truly listen, in a safe, confidential setting, can bring relief and provide new insight into your situation. You bring your expertise about yourself and your inner resources, and I bring my professional knowledge, skills and experience of the counselling process. Together, in this relationship of trust, we can tackle problems as a team and gain a deeper understanding. Having someone understand us at a deep level can be a very healing experience.

How I work

I aim to provide a safe space for you to explore what you choose to bring to the sessions.  Past experiences can sometimes hold us back, creating unhelpful patterns that leave us feeling stuck.  By gently exploring our current difficulties, we can increase awareness of these patterns. With awareness comes choice—and with choice, new possibilities for moving forward and living more fully.

At the heart of this process is a relationship of trust, acceptance, and respect.

Qualifications:

    • BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling (Waverley Abbey College/ Roehampton University)
    • Co-founder and Lecturer at Counselling World 
    • Diploma in Counselling Supervision
    • B.Ed (Hons) Degree in education
    • Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People (passed with Distinction) Accredited  by the ABC exam board
    • Certificate in Telephone and Online Counselling (80 plus hours of CPD and accredited by ACTO)
    • Certificate in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
    • Certificate in Couples Counselling
    • Diploma in Counselling
    • BACP Registered and Accredited
    • Certificate of Qualification in Spiritual Accompaniment
    • I hold an enhanced DBS certificate

I am also qualified in Spiritual Accompaniment.   Please contact me if you would like to know more.

I am committed to ongoing learning in counselling and so attend regular workshops on various issues related to my work.  I also read avidly on the subject, thus keeping abreast of current research and treatment techniques.

Experience:

I have over 15 years of counselling experience, successfully supporting people with a wide range of issues including abuse (childhood and domestic), trauma (including PTSD), stress, anxiety, bullying, self-harm, rape, relationship problems, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement and loss and addiction problems. 

Alongside my counselling work:

  • My background as a primary school teacher and leader of parenting workshops deepened my understanding of child development, creativity in interventions, and how people make lasting change.

  • My management experience gave me valuable insight into work-related stress.

  • I have written and delivered counselling training up to diploma level, and I co-founded Counselling World, where we train counsellors and provide professional development courses.

  • I started and led a support group for people with Huntington’s Disease, giving me a deep understanding of the condition and the challenges of caring for loved ones.

  • I also lead Pastoral Skills courses (written by the Association of Christian Counsellors) and co-lead workshops on self-esteem.

  • I have worked for a well-known publisher, reviewing counselling book proposals and manuscripts, keeping me up to date with current developments in the field.

I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework.  This adds an extra level of accountability for myself, which gives peace of mind to clients.  The BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.  This can be verified by following this link:  Verify BACP website

I also meet regularly with independent counselling supervisors, who help ensure that I am working ethically and providing the best possible service for my clients.

Video Introduction

Areas of counselling I deal with

 
 

I

Theories which inform my work

I am an integrative counsellor, working with a Gestalt focus.  This means that my underlying philosophy aligns with Gestalt theory, but I incorporate other theories as appropriate.

Gestalt theory is holistic, experiential and creative.  I believe that we need to look at the whole of who you are.  I will not only notice the words that are said, but we will also notice voice tone, speed of speech, gestures, body language, etc.  I will encourage you to experience the links between body, mind and spirit.  We work with the here-and-now unfolding experiences which happen in the counselling room.  When the past becomes part of the here and now, it may be appropriate to explore unfinished business to gain a sense of acceptance or closure.  I will encourage you to develop an awareness of how you relate to yourself, others and your environment.

I believe that everyone has the capacity within them to live a rich and fulfilling life, but sometimes patterns of relating, which may have been helpful in the past, begin to cause difficulties in the present. I will help you gain awareness of any such patterns. With increased awareness comes new possibilities and you may choose to make changes.

Relationship is at the centre of all this work.  I aim to develop an accepting relationship of trust with you.  

 
 

Fees

I charge £55 for a 50-minute session. I only offer daytime, weekday sessions.

What to Expect:

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. It may be difficult to put your feelings into words or to know where to begin. I understand this from my own experience of being a client, and I want to reassure you that this is completely normal. Do feel free to email me for more information. 

At our first meeting, you will have the chance to:

  • Learn more about me, my approach, and my experience.

  • Share what has brought you to counselling—whether clearly or in a way that feels muddled or emotional (both are absolutely fine).

  • Talk about what you hope to gain from counselling.

  • Hear what I can offer and how I work.

Together, we can decide whether we are a good fit and whether you would like to continue. If so, we can discuss what might be most helpful for you, including how many sessions may be appropriate.

Where I work:

I offer a comfortable counselling room, in Chartham, close to an area of outstanding beauty, with easy, free parking. It is a 15-20 minute walk up a hill from the local train station, or just over a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. 

I also offer online and telephone counselling as well as outdoor therapy (see later on this website).

I look forward to hearing from you.