Janet Barragan

My name is Janet . I am a fully qualified person-centred counsellor using both person-centred and solution-focused techniques. I have a great deal of experience in supporting and counselling both young people and adults. I am a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). As such I work to the very high professional standards and ethical framework of the BACP.

I have worked as a youth counsellor for a number of years for Time to talk both in and outside of schools, and alongside adults with a varying amount of issues presented.

I have extensive experience of working with people on the Autistic spectrum both in schools and outside. I have lived experience of ASD and have attended many courses over the years run by the Autistic Society in order to have a deeper understanding of autism. Along the way I have gained an in-depth understanding of the problems and difficulties faced by children and adults who are on the ASD spectrum. I believe that every client is individual and unique in the way they perceive and experience the world. Many of the difficulties and problems associated with ASD are based around anxiety and feeling different to others which can result in a disconnect with the true authentic self.

With my lived family experience and extensive work that I have done, I would say I am able to gently walk in the world of my clients during the session and be a peaceful presence, to encourage them to self- reflect and guide them to see and value their unique individual qualities. I hope to empower my clients to get to the best of who they can be and to reach an internal place of self- acceptance. 

At times we all need to talk to someone who is trained to listen, confidentially and who is not a friend or family member so that we can talk freely and openly without fear of judgement. To be 'truly heard' and accepted can help us to let go of any shame or guilt that we are carrying and move forward with understanding, self-acceptance and happiness. 

For some people, one or two counselling sessions which offers enough time to tell your story and help you think about ways of moving forward will be enough. For other people, issues may be more deep seated and you may require longer term work and the work may be open ended. There is no pre-set length of treatment. I work alongside the client to discover what is best needed for them.

I have a warm, comfortable, safe counselling space for face to face sessions with calm countryside views .

Once you have made contact with me, we will agree a free up to 30 minute initial assessment session. This session will allow us both to decide if I am the right counsellor for you and if we are able to work effectively together.

This may be the first time you have been able to sit and talk honestly and openly with somebody. If we agree that counselling will help you, then we can arrange  sessions. I offer face to face sessions as well as telephone and online digital work. Short-term and Long-term face-to-face work.

If we are both happy to proceed I will draw up a working agreement of how we will work together within a safe environment.