Empowering you to move forward

THERAPY

I am a qualified Person-centred Counsellor, registered member of BACP. Person-centred therapy is a non-directive approach where the client brings to the room what is to be shared and find their own answers within. Whilst Person-centred therapy is the core of my approach, I do have an eclectic style to meet the needs of the individual, so where needed will bring other models of counselling into our sessions. By offering a safe space, warmth, empathy, and no judgement, I can support clients to explore their thoughts and feelings confidentially, empowering them to move forward in a positive way.

My clients are at the centre of my approach, meeting their needs and supporting them on their own journey of self-discovery. Together we will learn the tools needed for you to be more self-aware and move forward positively in a therapeutic way.

My own journey of self-discovery through counselling and self-help has played a major part in my decision to become a counsellor myself. We all have hardships in life and struggles we don’t fully understand and talking therapy can play a major part in helping us learn to understand where this conflict within comes from and how we can become more self-aware and be more in line with our organismic self.

Throughout life, particularly childhood, we will have several influences in our life that make us lose touch with who we truly are and this can manifest into anxiety, conflict, anger, depression, addictions and many other negative thoughts and feelings.

You may feel lost or helpless, but I can help. Sometimes just feeling heard and understood in a safe space without judgement goes a long way towards a positive step of self-discovery.

We can book an initial consultation on the phone where we can talk about what you’re looking for in counselling, any issues you may have and wish to resolve and more importantly, whether we are a good match. Counselling is such an important journey, and it is important that you, as the client, feels comfortable with your choice of counsellor before taking the journey together.

Sessions can be both short term (3-12 weeks), and longer term if that’s needed. These can either take place face to face, on Zoom / Teams, or via telephone.

My Inspiration

Why I feature elephants in my work.

I have always had an endearment to elephants and the magical creatures that they are and what they represent.

In many cultures the Elephant symbolizes good luck, power and wisdom as well as fertility. However my fascination stems from their intelligence, close family ties and their social complexity.

Much like humans, elephants have strong individual personalities that affect how they interact with others, how they perceive others and how they are able to influence others in their group.

Like humans, elephants are popular and some are not, some have strong leadership skills and others do not. Some could be described as highly extroverted and social while others are introverted and withdrawn. Their personalities are complex and influence how they bond relationships with others, traits relatable to ourselves as human beings.

Feedback

Testimonials

“Frances came to work at one of the homes that I am Head of Care and Responsible Individual for.

She immediately sent a presence of being a safe and caring staff member to the young people that reside at the home. One young person in particular who has ASD and other mental health issues, gravitated to her due to how she spoke to him, and the terminology used. She had a great understanding of his needs and due to this could share with the team around him of how to best support him. She often took him out on activities and on one occasion organised a trip away to Anglesey whereby she and another staff member spent the weekend with this young person looking for seals, dolphins and other sea creatures in rock pools. He enjoyed this trip immensely and will carry the memories of that weekend for some time.”

AH

“I have been able to share some of my deepest worries and concerns with Frances over the course of the last few months. Her compassion, wisdom and insights have been invaluable.”

RH

“Frances helped me to understand myself better and made me feel seen. She gave me great techniques to better my mental health and self esteem. Thank you for everything you do.”

ZR

“When I met Frances I said to her that I feel I will leave this earth one day without feeling truly happy. Life was a compromise that I had allowed to exist. Frances gave me tools. The armoury to challenge and to enforce boundaries that have for much of my life not been in place. At 60 change is difficult and is painful at times. She has given me the ability to change, the desire to reward myself with a better life balance. There is no judgement just conversation and tools. I am not quite there yet. 40+ years of adulthood and excessive compromise has left much to repair. I would wholeheartedly recommend Frances to walk with you on your journey.” – P

Contact Frances

You can send a short message using this form, or phone/text/email Frances directly and she will respond as quickly as she can.

Phone: 07466 104598

Email: francesreadcounselling@gmail.com

Faqs

Common Questions Answered

Counselling can be used by anyone who is struggling with any emotional issue or going through a bad time and needs help with it. Counselling helps people work through these issues and can be a vital part of healing. My approach is humanistic because I believe every individual can take responsibility, change, and grow to their full potential. Other models of counselling may be used when appropriate, but all models are person-centred where the client is at the centre of the counselling and their needs are met.

Is the service confidential?

Yes. All conversations are completely confidential following the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical guidelines on disclosure. I would not discuss or disclose any of your details, or our conversations, unless there were compelling reasons to believe that you were in physical danger or a danger to others.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is no charge cancellations more than 48 hours before the appointment time. Cancellations after this are charged in full unless there is an emergency, Please get in touch as soon as you can if you need to move or cancel an appointment.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of sessions?

No minimum number of sessions is required but you can you commit to weekly/bi-weekly appointments for continuity and to see best results. Sessions are open ended and can be discussed and agreed between us. There is no time limit on healing, and this varies with everyone.

Are you qualified and supervised?

I’m a qualified counsellor and accredited member of the BACP. I regularly attend professional supervision to ensure the counselling that is being provided is both effective and supportive. This is confidential and the clients’ identities are never revealed. I also undertake regular training throughout the year as part of my continuing professional development (CPD).

Are you insured?

I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance which is required for my BACP accreditation.