Clare Phillips

I see clients in person, by video call and phone.

I'm not here to "fix" you, but I am here to help you unpick whatever it is that is bringing you to counselling. I am a firm believer in the power of words and having the space to speak about things that are stuck, or that you have never spoken about before, can be transformative, which is why I love my job.

I imagine you are reading this because it’s too hard to manage on your own anymore. I’ve been there. I became a counsellor because of my own experiences which led me to be a counselling client. I know what it’s like to struggle and either not feeling able to reach out to friends and family, or not wanting to upset them or feel like a burden. I am here to help you to start to move forward with more awareness of what’s going on for you and a way to build self-compassion and inner resources. 

My main specialism is trauma and I can also help if you are struggling with overwhelm and/or anxiety? When the big questions are critical - Why is life like this? Why is everything so hard? What do I like? Feeling lost? Are childhood events or trauma impacting your present day? Are relationships within the family, with your partner or friends creating distress? Fearing the future, feeling lonely? Issues around getting older? When menopause strikes…..…. I will give you the space and support to work through it.

I am an Integrative counsellor and I have been working with children, teens and adults in different settings. Sessions last for approx 50 minutes. I am very much client led but if you need support to express something I have a range of strategies that could help. I will listen to you and may check my understanding from time to time. I am here to help you explore your issue(s) and/or your world. No problem is ever too small or too large.

I have a broadly person-centred approach and find the creative opportunities I offer can help unlock what is difficult to express in words. I am trained in, and have six years of experience, in working with survivors of trauma, specifically, sexual abuse. have a wide experience from 6 years of counselling clients both in person and remotely by telephone and zoom. Plus the life experience of being a mother, now being older and an ex-teacher. I know about burnout! 

I'm aware that first sessions can be nerve wracking, I will do my best to put you at ease. There is no requirement to "spill all your beans" in the first session.

Before our first session I will send you a copy of my Client Agreement. This sets out details around confidentiality, record keeping etc. We will look at this together and check it's ok for you. I will then ask some questions for a short assessment, which is important to ensure we are a good fit and that counselling is suitable for you. If you would like to do this by phone before the first session that is absolutely fine too.