Hello, I'm Clare, An Experienced Counsellor Offering Counselling Therapy In Surbiton, Surrey. Face To Face, Or Video Calls.
If you feel you might benefit from talking confidentially to a professional counsellor in a private, safe space then maybe I can help?
I follow a strict code of ethics and your dignity and well-being are my priority. I entirely respect your autonomy.
Life can leave us feeling 'bruised'. You don't need me to tell you that.
Things can sometimes feel confusing, difficult, painful, sad and so much more, and sometimes we just need to talk and not be judged however impossible it may seem to find the words. Together we can try.
I offer a grounded, unshockable and most importantly - empathic approach to our sessions. I am warm and down to earth and work easily with young adults, elderly people and everyone in-between.
Urgent appointments are possible.
If you prefer face to face sessions, my practice is very close to Surbiton train station, Kingston train station and is easily accessible by car with parking directly outside my work place. There is also a bus stop very close by.
I encourage us to have 20/30 minutes talking on the phone or video call - free of charge - before arranging our first session together.
This may help you get a sense of whether you feel I could be a good match for you. Please email, text or call me to arrange.
email: info@claregyde.com
mobile: 0770 8888 270
You do not need to struggle alone or in silence.
How do I work?
I work face to face and online (Zoom, Whattsapp video), I also offer telephone counselling and talking while walking.
By trying to express our deepest thoughts, feelings and concerns without being judged often helps ease the emotional weight that may be holding us back.
We will go at your pace. I will not push you to talk about anything you are not ready for. However, I will tentatively encourage you to go deeper and perhaps consider the origins of the feelings you are experiencing.
Together we can try and work it out.
From the moment we meet and begin our first session - I suggest to you to consider everything that has come before as history.
I would strongly suggest that we look at your past - but not stare at it.
My wish for you is that our first session together is the beginning of something new; some positive hope for your future.
I very much encourage a no-shame zone
I will remind you (constantly, if needs be) when I notice there is some awkwardness or embarrassment regarding whatever you are trying to express, that you are safe to tell me anything.
Sadly, shame/embarassment/self-blame/ resentment towards others can be such powerful debilitating experiences they can hold us back from moving forwards with our own life.
I do not judge. I cannot emphasise that enough.
I am here to support you and be by your side.
Whatever your wishes are from therapy, I will endeavour to help you get to where you want to be.
Understanding
By sharing your most intimate experiences, concerns and thoughts with a non -judgmental professional can really help you gain further understanding of why we are as we are and react as we do.
Empowerment
I believe therapy is about empowering ourselves with understanding, so we can better comprehend our feelings and behaviours and therefore change or adapt those that have been causing us difficulties.
Empathy
I do not sit with you only from an academic viewpoint.
I, too, have lived through many of life's challenges and entirely understand these can be varied and vast from my professional and personal experiences.
Having doubts?
If you have any queries about counselling - please do get in touch. I will be happy to answer any questions or doubts you may have.
You Matter
I offer one-off sessions, short-term, or ongoing therapy.
I start sessions at 7am on Thursdays and Fridays and work late on a Wednesday and Thursday.
I also work on Saturdays, since I'm aware that sometimes it's difficult to find time for yourself during the week.
Once you have taken the huge steps to find a counsellor - it is essential you find someone that fits you and your personality. someone who you really feel you may be able to trust and open up to.
"The therapeutic relationship is as powerful, if not more powerful than the particular treatment method the therapist is using."
(i.e. the modality of counselling) Professor John C. Norcross, Society of counselling psychology.
What do I offer?
My offer to you is years of professional training and experience. I offer you authenticity, emotional warmth, kindness, and my full attention.
Also, why not laugh together occasionally if it feels right?
Life is a serious business - but at times we all know the irony of certain situations seems so contradictory or bizarre, they almost become humorous.
Our working relationship is co-created and I will invite you to be as open with me in the moment as you possibly can be. I will regularly check-in with you during our sessions about what you are feeling and thinking and I will express the same to you.
Through counselling you will get time to focus entirely on yourself.
Often clients tell me that they do not want the pressure of thinking they might be ‘burdening' their loved ones with their situation. I am here for that.
What do I specialise in?
I get asked that many times and the answer is emotional pain has many faces.
I see people living with the repercussions of,
Trauma,
Depression,
Relationships difficulties,
Domestic abuse.
Abandonment issues,
Anxiety,
Postnatal depression,
Infertility,
Bereavement,
Health anxiety,
Identity issues,
Sexual issues,
Difficult family dynamics,
Low self-esteem,
Confusion, about why life is as it currently is.
I will support you closely while you look inward.
Anything you share with me stays confidential.
Confidentiality is one of the main pillars of the therapeutic relationship.
Experience.
For four years, I attended the renowned Metanoia Institute for training in counselling and psychotherapy on an accredited course. This was tutor-led.
Part of my rigourous training consisted of 480 hours of client-facing work which was supervised. This means an experienced counsellor that follows the same code of ethics as I do oversaw my counselling work.
For one year I worked as a counsellor at an organisation in Ealing offering subsidised counselling.
Also for four years I've worked at Kingston Bereavement Service.
It is my professional as well as personal duty to do what is called CPD, Continued Personal Development.
This means I keep up to date with the latest research for my counselling modality and psychotherapy as a whole.
However difficult things may feel at this time, positive change is always possible.
Testimonials
'Clare is warm and easy to talk to. I feel supported and in safe hands with her. She's helping me so much and I can't recommend her enough.'
- Melanie Gross
If you would like to read other testimonials please click the link. These clients wavered their anonymity of their own volition to write these. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=clare+gyde+google+maps&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiku87kpoz3AhXQQEEAHU-LAosQBSgAegQIARAy&biw=1440&bih=848&dpr=1#lrd=0x651c3a52d3d95a27:0x99ce88b87d25d673,1,,,
Price / sessions
I charge £55 for a 50 minute session.
Having said that, I am willing to offer a reduced rate to students or people that are currently struggling financially. Please let me know if this applies to you.
" When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified - or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for.
The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance... provides illumination and healing.
In such situations, deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another. "
Carl Rogers
