Amaia Mackle

Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm

I offer an authentic and honest working relationship based on trust. This will enable us to share and explore your issues safely. I am an integrative humanistic counsellor which means that your wellbeing is at the centre of my practice and that the ethical principles and the values of honestly, empathy and respect are the pillars of our relationship. I will relate and interact with you and not just listen.

I am a BACP and UKRCP accredited counsellor with 20 years’ experience working for the NHS and in private practice. I have worked in many different areas and departments within the NHS through the years: the former Primary Care Trust at different surgeries in York, York Hospital Trust, Priory Medical Group within three of its surgeries and TEWV NHS Trust. I have also worked in two secondary schools counselling children and staff, in the Women Counselling Service in Harrogate and in Askham Grange prison in York.

In private practice, I work with the University of York and York Hospital Trust and also with different Government Ministries and York City Council through different EAP companies. I am also registered and work with Bupa, Axa and Aviva health insurance companies.

I trust in the capacity my clients have to heal and recover and consider my role is that of a humble helper in my clients' journeys. My clients say consistently that I am warm and supportive and that they feel hopeful and encouraged after the sessions even when we have had to explore difficult or painful issues.

I offer a 10 min free phone call for you to see if I am the right counsellor for you. Coming to an initial session or any consecutive sessions does not oblige you in any way to continue.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me for an informal chat if you require further information about me, my practice or any other questions you may have. I look forward to welcoming you into my practice.

I offer a designated room in my house. My clients have described the room as a "safe space", a "sanctuary" or a "sacred space". There is a big window overlooking the garden and a lot of light. 

There is a bathroom next to the room. 

You don't have to go through any private parts of the house.

My only aim in the first session is to prove to you that I am worth of your trust and to help you feel comfortable and safe with me. I will listen to you and interact with you. I will convey to you my understanding, empathy and non-judgemental attitude. I aim to be fully present for you and establish an honest relationship where we can explore your concerns freely.

I will also explain to you the confidentiality limits and the boundaries of our relationship. I will always be open to any questions you may have.

In future sessions, we will look at your issues, your needs, your relationships, your aims for therapy and in life in general and use practical tools to help you access what you need or want.

We may use our therapeutic relationship to aid the understanding of dynamics that might be displayed in your everyday life. The understanding of emotions and how they affect our bodies, appropriate supportive challenging and information sharing, may also be part of our therapy if they are of benefit to you.

Similarly, if it is just offloading what you come for, I will respect it. Whatever your aims and your needs are, they will be respected.