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, feel free to get in touch. I provide affordable counselling (both online and in-person), and have experience with a wide variety of issues e.g. anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and long-term illness. I also have an artistic side (where I am always happy to bring creativity into the room), and a keen interest in working with the business and education sectors.
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. 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, preferably via Zoom, or alternatively, in-person or 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
'Very pleased with the service. My issue was resolved quickly and professionally. Anthony is a great person - very professional, attentive, and caring. I knew I had an issue but wasn't sure what it was. He helped me to discover and deal with it in a relatively short time. My confidence has been unlocked and I am happier and less anxious as a result. I can't thank him enough.'
'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 cash, bank transfer or PayPal - ideally the day before, or failing that, on the day itself prior to the session.
(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 (Colchester Institute Counselling Service) - this 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, that keen interest in potentially using creativity in my work with clients.
Experience, and what drives me as a Counselor
I have worked as a courier, in the hospitality sector, and also, for an internet start-up. However, I decided to become a counsellor because I honestly felt this was the best way to utilise my talents, where the core conditions held onto by the person-centred approach - 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 provide a certain 'know-how', and a strong basis for working with a variety of issues.
Anthony Welsh