Anthony Welsh
Person-centred/humanistic counsellorAbout Me
** COVID-19 Update - 2 Different Pay Schemes currently available **
Hello, and welcome to my profile.
My name is Anthony, and my goal is simple - to help you take back control, when it comes to your own mental health.
So, if you seek the presence of empathy and a deep understanding, alongside a genuine manner that will never judge, please feel free to get in touch. In a similar way, if your goal in life is simply to grow on your terms - in the process, potentially finding more space to unleash that inner voice - again, I would love to hear from you. I also have an interest in working with/alongside the business and education sectors, where the same principles will apply.
How will Counselling help?
I offer a uniquely creative, person-centered approach, where I will always try to see past any labels that may come up ... albeit, in a respectful, mindful and ethical way. Having said that, I do have experience with a variety of issues e.g. anxiety and depression, relationship issues, and long-term illness. Ultimately, though, I will see you as unique, as we work together to build a trustworthy, healthy therapeutic relationship, where openness and consistency will always be key.
Getting Started
Step 1 - Initial contact, followed by a free 20 min conversation on the telephone, where I can find out more about you and what you hope to gain from your counselling experience, while also touching on certain elements e.g. Contracting.
Step 2 - 1st session/initial consultation via Zoom (preferable), or alternatively, on the phone - and possibly via e-mail as we go along.
Step 3 - Assuming all goes well, more will obviously follow, and ideally, on a weekly basis (at least, early on).
Testimonials
'After years of battling depression and anxiety, and a period where I hit rock bottom, I decided I couldn't carry on like this, so I searched for a Counselor and after looking through a list I found Anthony. I messaged him and he was very responsive. I didn't know what to expect, but I arrived to lovely surroundings and immediately burst into tears; after telling him about my issues, he was great, non-judgmental, and he really listened - just what I needed. I have been seeing him every week since, and he is really helping me deal with things. I would highly recommend Anthony, as he knows his stuff.'
'I just wanted to say a very big THANK YOU! I appreciate all of our time together and will continue to strive in getting myself better. Thank you for being part of my journey, I won't forget you!'
'Thank you for being there to listen to my troubled life, and for helping me through it.'
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
To begin with, I offer all clients a free 20-min consultation on the telephone.
Payment
Via bank transfer or PayPal - ideally the day before, or failing that, on the day itself prior to the session.
Assuming face-to-face work does return at some point, I may also go back to accepting cash.
(Two Options)
£40 per session (50 mins)
OR
£100 for a 'block of 3' (a saving of £20)
(Please Note: Over time, you will be free to switch back and forth between the two, as and when your circumstances demand it.)
Training and qualifications
I qualified with a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, where I also completed my client hours via CICS (the Colchester Institute Counselling Service), which is accessed by a wide range of people. Other qualifications include a degree in Humanities & Philosophy, an advanced GNVQ in Business, and an Introduction to Screenwriting certificate; hence, a keen interest in potentially using creativity in my work with clients.
Experience, and what drives me as a Counselor
In the past, I have worked as a courier, in the hospitality sector, and I was also involved in an internet start-up, however, I decided to become a Counselor because I felt this was the best way to utilize my talents, where the core conditions held onto by the person-centered approach - namely, empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence (or being genuine) - have always felt close to home, and happily, a natural fit.
M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Finally, it is worth mentioning my own experience with M.E. - a condition that often involves many additional pressures, and over a long period of time; all of which provides a certain 'know-how', and a strong basis for working with a variety of issues.
Verified professional membership
Anthony Welsh