Marion Larcombe is a counsellor in Orpington and online


What attracted you to become a therapist? 

I had been working as a health and wellbeing consultant and wanted to be able to help people more through more in-depth issues.  

I was also keen to learn more about the complexity of the mind and the impact it has on everyone at so many different levels.


Where did you train? 

After achieving my initial qualification I have completed several additional courses online and in London.                                                                                                                                                                                             

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise? 

I practise counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I aim to gain a full understanding of the client’s needs and challenges and then use the appropriate method. Quite often I use a mixture of both as I find this works really well in getting to recognise triggers, understanding traumas and then taking small steps to resolve and move forward.  

With CBT, clients are given homework to do which helps them in-between sessions and at the next session we discuss this in more detail and work through any challenges they experienced. 

The mind is so powerful. I work with clients so they understand why they have the feelings and challenges they do, and to help them see that there is light at the end of what can be a very dark tunnel. 


What does your therapy help with?

My therapy helps with many different symptoms including but not limited to phobias, relationship issues, anxiety (of which there are many different areas), depression, divorce, body image and trauma.


What sort of people do you usually see?

My client base is very mixed and varying in degrees of issues and challenges, but they are all looking to have a happier life with less anxiety, having resolved challenges they've been struggling to move on from.


Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

It is great that mental health is more recognised and talked about in society. However, there is still a way to go and it can be very difficult and a long process for some people to be able to get the help they need.


What do you like about being a therapist? 

I love seeing people get back the life they want. Seeing them do things they never thought they could and being happier in themselves.


What is less pleasant?

Seeing the struggle people have and how their lives have been affected.


What you do for your own mental health? 

I practise mindset work everyday. I am also a personal trainer, so I exercise and I love walking. Getting out is so good for my wellbeing.


You are a therapist in Orpington, Kent. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

I have face-to-face clients but also some clients on Zoom.


What’s your consultation room like? 

I have an office in my garden so my clients feel at ease talking. It is bright and airy with heating for winter and air con for summer.


What do you wish people knew about therapy? 

To me the key is finding a therapist you can open up to and I wish people realised that if you don’t gel then you can leave to find the right person for you. Some think all therapists are the same and give up if the first does not work out well.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy? 

Many things. I have learnt so much over the time I have been working. I have recognised traits I have and I continue to work on these and conduct my own CPD weekly. I review each session to ensure to see how I can improve or maybe try different angles. 


Contact Marion here

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