About Me

I am a qualified and experienced counsellor, psychotherapist, supervisor and teacher. I have been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over thirty years. I aim to make your experience of coaching friendly, supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental.

I have trained in a variety of approaches, including: Adlerian, Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis. Our exploration will take place mainly through talking, and it will sometimes be helpful to draw upon other things such as: literature, art, drama, play, body awareness, mindfulness and yoga. Our meetings will involve being curious and open, bringing humour and seriousness, with opportunities to try things out and experiment in a safe environment. I believe in the value of what is sometimes called “psychological education”. As a result, I will encourage you to explore ideas about human development and, as we work, I will share my thinking and theories with you. Above all, we will work at your pace and in a way which suits you and helps you to resolve your difficulties.

I have worked in many settings including: private practice, employee assistance programmes, University, Further Education and Secondary Schools. I have also spent six years working in an therapeutic centre, with young people who experienced severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. 

I have extensive experience of working with clients of various ages and from many backgrounds and cultures. I have worked with many issues, including the following:

Relationships and family issues / Personal development and identity / Sex and sexuality / Confidence and self-esteem / Depression and anxiety / Stress and relaxation / Work and study issues / Time management & procrastination / Worries about the future / Bereavement and loss / Maximising performance / Spirituality / Decision making and dealing with change / Isolation and loneliness / Experiences of prejudice and discrimination / Anger management / Experiences of harassment and crime / Physical health concerns

Equality & Diversity

I recognise that many individuals and communities experience discrimination and oppression on the grounds of their gender (including transgender and transsexual people), relationship or marital status, race or ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation (because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual), age, health status, appearance, language, background, class, faith or religious belief, physical appearance and political opinions. I believe that equality for all is a basic human right and I actively oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. I welcome discussion of these issues in counselling and psychotherapy.

Ethical Practice / DBS Checks

I am a Senior Accredited member of the British Association For Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and subscribe to the BACP “Ethical Framework”. I hold recent (2018) “enhanced” DBS Checks for working with young people, adults and vulnerable adults.

Experience in a Supervisory Role

I have been supervising counsellors, psychotherapists and managers since 1989. I have over ten years experience in a management role. My supervision has taken a variety of forms, including: clinical, educational and managerial. I have supervised experienced staff as well as those in training. I have also participated in peer supervision groups. In line with the requirements of my Professional Association (BACP), I also  take part in regular supervision of my own work.

Training for Other Professionals

My work has provided me with many opportunities to facilitate training. I have taught on Certificate and Diploma level Counselling courses; providing training on such issues as: Change Management; Mindfulness; Stress and Relaxation; Stress Management; Mental Health Awareness; Trauma, Bereavement; Developmental Psychology; Race & Culture; Transactional Analysis. 

Further Information

For further information, please see my “Meet The Therapist” page: https://welldoing.org/article/meet-therapist-hugh-clarke