Claire Healy

* I am happy to share that I'm currently available to take on new clients.

Hello there! I'm so happy that you're considering therapy and exploring your options. Finding the right person to work with is so important, but I also appreciate that it can feel a bit daunting. Well done for getting started!

So, to make things a little easier, I'd better introduce myself: I'm Claire, a counsellor who values empathy, compassion, curiosity, and authenticity at the core of my practice. I think one of the most important things you need to know about me and the way that I work can be summed up in one of my all-time favourite Carl Jung quotes: "It is the privilege of a lifetime to become who you truly are." I believe Jung really captured the essence of what we strive for in therapy in that one sentence.

My motivation in therapy will always be to help you find authenticity, from that, together we can build up your confidence so that you can start to truly live life the way that you want to.

If anything I've said resonates with how you're feeling, please book in an initial chat with me. It's completely free and usually lasts around 15-20 minutes. There's no pressure to book in a session at the end of the call, this is simply an opportunity to connect and see if my approach feels right for you. You can take your time, and if you think you would like us to work together, you can book in your first session whenever you feel ready to.

I choose to work with an integrative approach (meaning I use a few different theories in my work: Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, and Gestalt). I do this, because I believe each person is different and needs therapy that can tailor its approach to their needs. One size doesn't fit all.

Essentially, I work on the basis that everyone has the potential to live authentically and grow into the best version of themselves if given the chance. I see therapy as this chance. It's the opportunity to have a safe and non-judgmental space to figure out what parts of you are YOU, and what parts are your defences and adaptations to the harsh environment around you. Once you know, you can take responsibility and finally feel the change you've always wanted. We don't grow from shame and guilt, but we do from accountability and compassion.

I offer three ways you can access therapy with me:

1) Walk and Talk Therapy - is proven to aid in reducing stress, improving overall mood and wellbeing, and encourages a more relaxed and open dialogue. I offer this service in Cannon Hill Park, a beautiful setting with great transport links and plenty of parking, making it easily accessible. These sessions are available Mondays to Fridays, 10am-3pm.

2) Online Therapy - is a flexible and convenient way to access support from the comfort of your own home. It's ideal for people with busy schedules, or who feel more at ease in their own space. These sessions are available Mondays to Fridays, 11am-5pm.

3) In person (Digbeth) - this option offers a traditional and focused setting, providing you a dedicated space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. I do have limited availability for these sessions, which take place in a private therapy room in Digbeth, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

If you decide to go ahead with me, and book in your first session, you will receive a starter pack with all the practical information you need (like my cancellation policy, parking locations, and transport links), as well as some resources and reflective prompts to help you feel ready for our conversations. This is only in case you feel that it would help you to be prepared. It's not something you need to do, but it's there if it'll help you feel more comfortable.

I always use the first session to allow you the time and space to share with me why you feel as though now is the right time for you to start therapy, and what it is you're hoping to get out of the process. Then we will do our best together to come up with a bit of a plan moving forward.   

I hope you find the right person to work with for your therapeutic journey, and if you think that person might be me, I look forward to meeting you and getting started on a better future (even if that sounds a little 'cheesey', it's true).