Clare Gyde
Person-centred/humanistic counsellorAbout Me
Hello, I'm Clare,
I am an accredited counselling therapist based in Surbiton, Surrey.
The idea of seeing a counsellor might feel uncomfortable to you. I totally understand that. It's a huge thing to decide to do.
After all, you are about to talk with someone whom you don't know about some of your most private, intimate thoughts and feelings.
You may feel that somehow you have 'failed' at something because you feel you need some assistance with life right now. On the contrary - surely being proactive about your own well being is a strength?
If this is your first time seeking counselling, you may think of a counsellor as very serious, conservative, almost 'dull'. I can assure you many of us are none of those things - I'm certainly not. I am very happy for us to laugh together and it's important that we bring our own personalities in our sessions.
The relationship between counsellor and client is of paramount importance for you to get the very most out of this process.
If you meet a counsellor who you feel uncomfortable with or unsure of for some reason - I encourage you to find one that feel a better 'fit' for your personality.
If you feel you might benefit by talking to a qualified counsellor in a private, safe space then maybe I could help. I offer a grounded, unshockable and most importantly empathic approach to our sessions.
Your dignity, privacy and well-being are my priority and your autonomy is entirely respected.
I work face to face, online ( Zoom, or Whattsap video) telephone or walking and talking.
You deserve to be truly heard.
Issues often worked with
Types of therapy
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
I charge £55 for a 50 minute session.
Having said that, I offer reduced rates to students and people currently struggling financially.
I encourage us to have a 20 minute chat - free of charge - either on the phone, Zoom or Whattsap video, prior to you booking your first session. This gives you an opportunity to get a sense of whether you'd like to proceed.
Together maybe we can work things out?
Training and qualifications
I attended a counselling and psychotherapy institute in south west London for four years to be fully trained and accredited as a counsellor. This was tutor-led.
Part of my rigorous training consisted of 480 hours of client-facing work which was supervised. This means an experienced counsellor that follows the same code of ethics as I do oversaw my counselling work.
For one year I worked as a counsellor at an organisation in Ealing offering subsidised counselling. Also for nearly four years I've worked at a bereavement service in Kingston on Thames.
Life throws all sorts at us, but I believe there is always hope.
Even if it's just a little bit of hope, I will help you to hang on to that nugget. And if you can't even find that small morsel - maybe together we can?
I'm here to support you while you go through whatever difficulties have arisen. Many clients tell me they do not want to 'burden' their families with their personal struggles...
I am here for that.