Susan Shortt

On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays I offer face to face and remote sessions (Zoom or telephone).

On Tuesdays I offer remote sessions only.

Life can feel difficult or overwhelming at times and taking the step to contact a counsellor can feel daunting - it takes courage to ask for help. A warm, empathic therapist with a decade of experience I provide the opportunity for clients to be heard in a welcoming, non-judgemental, calm environment. I offer both face to face counselling appointments in a comfortable room in Chester City Centre, and remote sessions via telephone or video (Zoom). Counselling can offer the space to reflect and explore issues that are troubling you, and  talking with someone who is independent of your situation can help to clarify and make sense of your thoughts and feelings and make choices about how you would like to move forward.

I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor, accredited by the BACP and hold a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling (Distinction) from the University of Chester.

My practice is very much grounded in the person-centred model. I have also completed many additional short courses and workshops which I integrate into my work as appropriate. These include Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  My practice is also trauma-informed having undertaken a series of workshops in this area.  I have also undertaken training in online and telephone counselling.  

Alongside my private practice, for a number of years I worked in a hospice with bereaved clients and with palliative patients and their families and carers.  I have also worked for a breast cancer charity supporting women with both primary and secondary diagnoses.

Other counselling experience includes an inner city charity in Liverpool and a GP surgery in Cheshire.

I am registered with EAP providers including BUPA, AXA, Aviva and WPA.

I offer an initial 50 minute appointment at a reduced rate of £25. This session provides the opportunity to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you would like from it.  During this time we will also discuss the counselling process and talk about confidentiality and other practical matters. You will have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have.  In counselling, the relationship between counsellor and client is very important and this first meeting enables us to see whether we would like to work together. If I feel that another type of help would be more appropriate for you we will explore this.

Subsequent sessions are charged at £50.

I offer a reduced rate of £45 for trainee counsellors.

Fees for EAP/health insurance work available on request.

Online - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Face to Face - Monday, Thursday and Friday

I am a qualified supervisor, having successfully completed a CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Counselling Supervision. During my training and since, my practice has been underpinned by Hawkins and Shohet’s seven- eyed model. As a counsellor, I work from a person-centred foundation. This is also at the heart of my supervision where I aim to promote a collaborative, supportive and safe environment from which to explore your client work and reflect on and develop your practice. In my experience an honest supervision relationship where you can feel comfortable to bring all of yourself is an integral part of working as a confident and ethical counsellor.

Our first session is a chance to get to know one another and to explore what you are looking for from supervision and what I can offer.  From here we can see whether we are the right fit; as with counselling, the relationship is key to working successfully together.