My Approach

Welcome!

I'm Dionne, a qualified counsellor and an accredited registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, based in Malvern, offering face-to-face and online sessions. Sessions are available on Wednesdays, or by arrangement on a Monday evening for working people. I currently have availability for a new client. (December 2024).

My approach

My approach, as a counsellor, is very relational which means much of what is achieved comes from our work together - how we collaborate and share honestly with one another. It's based on feeling safe with me and in the chilled out physical space I've created in my garden annex.

I use a variety of techniques, theories and approaches to help you to achieve your goals, based on what suits you, your needs and your preferences. How we work is very unique. However, I always aim to create in our time together a genuine, supportive relationship that helps you to explore your thoughts and feelings, at your own pace. I am not a 'nodding' counsellor who repeats what you say! I may do some of that but I am practical and active in the session and conversation with you, offering guiding questions aiming to reach insight and increase your awareness of self so you can feel empowered with new understanding.

I know starting counselling isn't always easy or straight forward. You may have some doubts and fears. To reassure you, my clients comment that after the first session, they always feel confident about coming back. They say I help them because I always approach them with a deep sense of compassion, insight, understanding and empathy - they feel listened to and understood - and that I am also real and not just nodding at them all session or full of 'psycho-babble' - two big dislikes of the clients who tend to find me.

I run my private practice from a comfortable and safe home environment. Clients tell me they appreciate coming to somewhere quiet and calm where they can feel safe to open up. My motto is: you are safe to spill your tea here...

Other than your generic work, do you specialise too?

As a trained counsellor and registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapist Society, I am trained to work with many different issues as you would expect. However, I do also specialise in bereavement and loss. I help clients who face difficult changes in their life resulting from a significant death, the end of a relationship, health changes, or identity crises. I also work extensively with anxiety, stress, and help people to move forward from traumatic or overwhelming experiences.

I am also qualified to offer tools that not only help manage overwhelming emotions but also foster long-term emotional resilience by teaching you mindfulness and EFT techniques (tapping) both of which are clinically researched to be effective tools for managing overwhelm of many kinds.

What it’s like working with me?

Down-to-earth: I avoid jargon and focus on making our sessions accessible and honest. I'm approachable and relaxed.
Flexible: I offer various techniques, from various types of talking therapy to body regulation techniques that can help calm the nervous system (e.g. mindfulness, breathing, EFT etc) to more creative strategies, depending on your preferences. Sessions are tailored to you and what works for you (minus the constant nodding!)
Safe and comfortable setting: My counselling space is in a peaceful garden annex—a non-clinical, soothing environment where you will receive a very personal service and a cup of tea is offered. I aim to help remove unnecessary discomfort so you can feel relaxed enough to be you and express what you are really feeling so we can address your concerns fully.

Getting started:
If you’d like to explore if we’re the right fit, I offer a free 15-minute consultation. Sessions are £50 per 50-minute session, with student/concession rates available. Contact me for more details.

I would love to support you.

Best wishes,

Dionne