Damian Castello
Integrative therapistAbout Me
Hello and a warm welcome to my profile.
I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, which means that I bring together different elements of specific therapies, tailored to suit the individual needs and personal circumstances of my clients. I help individuals with low self-esteem, disruptive patterns of behaviour and relationship issues to start living a life of being true to themselves, to feel less anxious, to feel comfortable communicating their needs and to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
It can take a lot of courage to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with someone, particularly if you have had past experiences, where you did not feel heard or listened to; felt dismissed or your trust was broken. Trust is built over time and I want you to know that we can go at your own pace in therapy. You will have my undivided attention and I will accept you for who you are.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am working exclusively online via Zoom, a secure end-to-end encrypted video call platform and by telephone. The health and safety of my clients is imperative. I will return to face-to-face work as soon as it is practicable, alongside my online practice. Working online and by telephone has enabled me to be more flexible in my practice and offer more appointment times. I see clients during the daytime and evening from Monday – Thursday.
I offer short-term and longer-term open-ended therapy, with each session taking place on a weekly basis and for 50 minutes.
What next?
Contact me for a free 20-minute Consultation
Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, which is why I offer a free and informal 20-minute telephone call as an opportunity for you to talk through any questions you might have about therapy, prior to booking an initial session with me. It also gives you a chance to get to know me and understand how I work.
After your initial enquiry, by phone or email, we will schedule a time for our initial session. This session will take place online or by telephone, whichever method feels most comfortable for you.
Initial session (50-minutes)
The initial session is treated like a first counselling session, however, in that time we will discuss your need for counselling, goals and answer any questions you have about the process of therapy. If you feel you want to go ahead then we would arrange a regular time to meet.
There is no obligation after our initial session to go ahead with counselling, some people may change their mind or feel that therapy is not for them and that is fine. In order for counselling to be successful, you have to be ready and willing to fully engage in the process.
Starting your therapeutic journey
After we decide to work together, we will agree to meet at the same time on a weekly basis. Each session will last 50 minutes.
If you would like to find out more about how I work or would like to book a free 20-minute consultation, please contact me.
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
There is a discounted fee for the initial session:
• £50 (for online or telephone)
Each session after the initial one is:
• £70 (for online or telephone)
I offer a concession rate for counselling students. Please contact me for more details.
Training and qualifications
I have diplomas in therapeutic counselling and clinical supervision. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I have over 8 years’ experience of working therapeutically in varying roles, which have included:
• Volunteer listener with the Samaritans
• Providing group and 1-1 therapy for young people in mainstream secondary schools and pupil referral units
• Providing group and 1-1 therapy for adults in prisons.
• Management and supervision of a counselling service for a charity organisation.
• Private therapy and supervision practice face to face and online
It is my life’s passion to support people with living happy and healthy lives and to achieve their full potential.