Clare Benzikie

Hello, my name is Clare. I came to counselling as a second career, having previously worked in corporate communications and run my own business.

After qualifying as a counsellor (MBACP Accred), I undertook a further two years’ training (Intermediate Family Therapy and Systemic Practice) in association with Sussex Partnership NHS, Surrey Borders Partnership NHS, CAMHS and the Association of Family Therapy.

Since 2013, I have worked as a counsellor for a Surrey hospice, with the last seven years employed as their part-time community palliative care counsellor, working with patients dealing with life-limiting illnesses.

In addition to my hospice-based work, I also run a private practice from a discreet location in West Clandon, just off the A3 close to Guildford, Surrey. From this base, I work with clients in the UK and overseas, via face-to-face sessions, Zoom and telephone.

In recent times, clients have come to therapy with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and body dysphoria. Life events covered have included bereavement, work-related stress, financial pressures, relationship breakdowns, miscarriage, trauma and sexual dysfunction, and emotional distress, such as low self esteem, anger, loneliness and general sadness.

Clients come to me in private practice with a range of issues that they want to explore in a safe, non-judgmental environment. All my work comes from a position of curiosity: I am not an expert on you – you are the expert on your own experience – my role is to harness that so you can reach your potential and resolve, or learn to accept, some of the challenges you are facing.

Together we ‘walk-around’ what you are confronting – we look at it emotionally, rationally and analytically, gently probing and searching for an understanding that will give you a fresh perspective.

Sometimes sessions are all in words; sometimes we may use pictures or experiential work (journaling, sandtray, dreamwork, shells etc) to unlock what you are feeling and help remove the obstacles you may be putting in your path to healing. Whatever path we take, we will choose it together in therapy, in a collaborative, solutions-based programme. Depending on need, we will also come up with practical coping strategies and skills to support you in your everyday life.

Sessions last approximately 50 minutes and cost £70, which is payable on the day of the session. Initially, I work with clients on a weekly or fortnightly basis. For longer-term clients, we may work on a monthly basis and some like to have a quarterly check-in just to support their on-going journey.

Clients can be seen in person at my practice or via telephone or zoom. For clients who may be travelling or live part-time overseas, sometimes they may choose a combination of all three therapy delivery methods.

In a small number of cases, clients prefer to be seen at home and that can be arranged, for an additional fee, if appropriate.