Claire Avril

Hi, I'm Claire.  

I have been a practicing therapist for 12 years, and worked in the mental health field for over 25 years.

I am a Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I am also a trauma informed and expressive arts therapist.

I specialise in trauma, stress and anxiety management, low/mood depression, procrastination, and professional performance.

I have expertise in working with Neurodivergent individuals. With a focus on initial diagnosis and management of the condition thereafter.

I work with couples that are in power struggles, conflict, domestic, verbal and emotional abuse, divorce, and/or  family/child custody matters. Or just want to successfully maintain their relationship. 

I have my own therapy room in Sale, South Manchester. I will create a therapeutic environment, where you will feel safe and secure. I will listen to you without judgement, and will accept and value you. I ask you questions so that I can understand you, and help you to achieve your goals.

I will promote, and manage the necessary conditions for you to relax, feel able to open up and talk about your thoughts and feelings, no matter how difficult they may feel. 

I will provide and help you implement techniques/resources where you can work towards becoming your ideal self. ie. how to manage anxiety, stress and depression. I will show you grounding techniques, self regulation and self soothing exercises.

We will explore what the root cause of your struggles may be. Such as: low self esteem, self worth; self confidence and/or poor body image.

Therapy will allow you to gain your sense of self back, focus on your identity, and self image. You will learn to  reframe  negative  thoughts, or negative coping strategies. You will achieve happiness, and strength to move forward through life in a positive manner. Life is short, and you deserve better happy and feel in control. 

In my studies I have specialised in Human Communication, Person Centred Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Trauma and Resilience. 

I am a trauma informed therapist and use creative/expressive arts, and linguistics to encourage you to explore and express yourself more freely. 

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

I have a Therapy dog, called Rudy Wigglesworth, and he is available to attend sessions should he be required. 

I am police checked with an Enhanced DBS.

I offer counselling and psychotherapy via: face to face, Zoom, telephone, email, WhatsApp, or home visits. 

I am based in Sale, South Manchester.

I offer a safe and calm space where I will listen to you without judgement, and provide a place of acceptance, non-judgement and authenticity.  

Please note that I offer sessions at a concessionary rate. I am keen to ensure that therapy is accessible for all. This is for individuals on a low income.

The first session is a free 30 minute chat, which can be over the telephone, face to face or video call. 

This will be an opportunity to get a feel as to whether you would feel comfortable working alongside me.