Hayley Allen
Integrative counsellorAbout Me
Hello, I am a full-time counsellor passionate about therapy and genuine human experience - everyone deserves to be seen, listened to and understood.
I work in person from comfortable, accessible rooms at Matford in Exeter. I also offer online and telephone therapy, and local walk-and-talk sessions.
I specialise in (but am not limited to) working with bereavement (including complex grief and traumatic loss) and I have a passion and experience in supporting individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating. I can also help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate your journey with issues such as body image, bullying, emotional regulation, family difficulties, friendship issues, lack of confidence, loneliness, low self-esteem, military family issues, OCD, self-harm, suicide, and trauma. Your counselling experience can be brief or extended, depending on your personal needs.
Seeking therapy is courageous, and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is the first step. I offer acceptance, warmth, and care, welcoming you into a confidential therapy space to explore your individual needs. Your counselling experience will be unique, helping you to embrace what cannot be altered, deepen your understanding of your life, or find your way through challenging choices.
Whether you want to work on understanding yourself and your relationships better, or you have a clear focus on where you need support, I can help you progress through your challenges. You will enter a safe environment enabling you to express as much or as little as you wish, at your own pace.
Therapy is a unique journey and my approach is rooted in humanistic values, meaning that you are the centre of our work together. I prioritise your total well-being by taking into account your past experiences, current situation, and future aspirations to gain a deeper insight into your emotional needs.
I practice as an Integrative Counsellor. This approach enables me to draw from many counselling methods and theories with flexibility that helps me adapt to your needs, work at a comfortable pace, and discover a unique journey that resonates with you. In our sessions, we can incorporate various creative techniques alongside talking therapy to help you process and articulate your emotions.
I work from my heart, to put you first in your therapy, and to provide a safe and caring environment for you to gently explore and reflect, to heal and to grow. My goal is to assist you in moving in the direction you desire.
I believe that with the right support, anyone can transform their perspective on their situation, discovering acceptance, clarity, and optimism for the future.
My journey to counselling has been enriched by diverse experiences, including working with learning-disabled and homeless adults, working for the NHS and being a military wife.
What is your next step?
Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is a crucial step in your counselling journey. If you’re curious about whether we might be a good match, I would love to chat with you! We can have a casual 20-minute phone call at no cost to you, where I can address any questions you might have.
Issues often worked with
Types of therapy
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
Sessions are £50 per one-hour session.
Training and qualifications
I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor, with additional qualifications in Eating Disorders and Creative Arts Therapies. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Adv. Dip. Int Counselling.
PQ Dip. Eating Disorders.
Dip Creative Arts Therapies.
Enhanced DBS.