Claire Hams

* My practice is currently full * 

Please feel free to make contact if you would like a discussion about therapy and to join my wait list. 

Specialist in recovery from high control religion, groups & relationships, spiritual abuse or religious trauma 

I work in a very humanistic and relational way, having originally trained in psychodynamic therapy. My belief is that for therapy to be effective, a good relationship needs to exist between client and therapist. I find that this comes with time, as trust is built. 

I use psychological education to help demystify the way our nervous system responds to events and to understand the mind/body connection. 

Therapy with me can take place either via video call, the telephone or face to face at my therapy room in Epsom. 

It is important to feel able to reflect comfortably and safely on your feelings and current life circumstances. This can help you make sense of them, and come to an understanding of how to move forward in your life.  

You may have been dealing with longstanding issues such as chronic illness, difficult relationships, low mood, or depression and anxiety. 

A shocking life event such as a bereavement, diagnosis of an illness, or a relationship breakup can all cause a feeling of emotional overwhelm.

Finding the inner strength to deal with such issues alone, can be difficult. Having time to talk about who you are as a person, what has shaped and impacted you and your life, and how you can find positive ways to move forward, is the key to renewed energy.

My specialist area is working with post cult recovery and religious trauma and I am trained and certified by Dr Gillie Jenkinson to use the Recovery Workbook © model. This is a specific form of therapy including a psychoeducational and trauma informed approach via a post cult recovery workbook that we cover together. 

Sessions are either 60 mins weekly, or 90 minutes fortnightly. We would discuss which feels more beneficial for you. 

Please feel free to contact me to have an initial discussion and see whether you feel I am the right therapist for you.    

Counselling can be a profound investment into your well-being.

Qualifications

I have a BA (Hons) 1st class degree in Counselling, Adv Diploma in psychodynamic counselling and I am currently a 2nd year PhD student researching born/raised ex Jehovah’s Witnesses experiences of counselling and experiences of therapists who work with them. 

During our initial discovery call (via Zoom or telephone) which can last up to 20 minutes, I will listen to the reason that you would like to access therapy now, and talk to you about your feelings and expectations.  In addition, you will be able to ask me any questions.  

You may want to go away and think about your experience of talking to me, or, if at that stage you would like to arrange a first session, we will agree a first session date and time. Within reason we will aim to keep a regular weekly session slot, however for those with changing work schedules, or complex health conditions, I understand the need for a degree of flexibility with this and we will work together to meet your needs. 

Post Cult /Spiritual Abuse/Religious Trauma Counselling

I offer a specialist therapy model which supports clients in recovery from high control. I trained with Dr Gillie Jenkinson in her post cult counselling (PCC) workbook model for recovery and growth and integrate this with my training as a psychodynamic therapist (understanding family dynamics, upbringing, patterns of behaviour both conscious and unconscious). 

The PCC workbook model provides a trauma informed framework of psychoeducation which helps to unlayer the complexities of the control dynamics used by religions, groups, organisations and also one to one partners to coercively control. Understanding your post cult identity is a key factor for those who have been born/raised in such environments. 

It also educates on healthy boundary setting, assertiveness (having a voice), and understanding the difference between health anger and rage. This psychoeducational aspect of the work is the foundation on which emotional recovery and post traumatic growth can build. 

Sessions can take place online or in person (Surrey or London) and either weekly (60 mins) or fortnightly (90 mins).

Please do get in touch if you want to discuss this more. 

Currently available for supervisees, Monday to Wednesday, flexible times. 

I offer a warm and supportive space for you as a supervisee. My original training in the 7-eyed model of supervision allows us to look at your whole experience of working with your clients. I use creativity and psychoeducation in my own way of working with my clients, so this also features in my supervision style. 

I believe that supervision is a vital space for you to feel supported in all aspects of your practice. We will spend time together exploring how you practice with your clients, navigating challenges and empowering your growth as a therapist. I also encourage you to use the space to think about your own ongoing wellbeing and the impact of the work on your overall self.