Verity Critchlow

My working hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 8.00pm.

I currently have some availability within these hours. Please enquire for details. 

If you contact me by email I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. I do not have a telephone answer service but you are welcome to call me or leave a text message, then I will get back to you.

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile.

I offer a private, confidential and safe space in my own peaceful therapy room where you can talk through issues you may be struggling with. I work in a non-judgemental and supportive way to enable you to identify and examine the nature of your hurt.

Therapy is not about getting fixed by your counsellor, rather it is about taking steps to understand yourself, the reasons for the issues you are facing and working through the feelings that are evoked. Looking for the source of those feelings and beliefs that are often held deep within the body.  

You may be experiencing unwanted thoughts and feelings that are having a negative impact on your life or have specific issues you wish to talk about that are affecting you. Sometimes we repeat old patterns of behaviour that affect our relationships and every day lives. 

As a Gestalt therapist I believe that distressing experiences, thoughts and feelings, sometimes originating from very early childhood, are held within our body and can sometimes lead to negative effects on our physical and mental health.  With this in mind raising awareness and experiencing these feelings in a therapeutic setting can work towards healing and letting go. 

We often develop wounds from relationships but we can also heal within a relationship.

It can be hard to reach out for help so I am happy to answer any questions especially if counselling is new for you. I would wish you to feel supported and fully accepted in our sessions. It is important you do not feel alone with your feelings whether they be loss, guilt, fear, anxiety, shame, anger or sadness. 

To help you decide whether you would like to work with me it is useful to have an initial free of charge telephone call to give you an opportunity to outline why you'd like to start therapy. (If you don't like speaking on the phone we can message each other)

You can find out more about me and how I work and I can answer any questions you may have.  You can then choose to book a first session which usually lasts about one hour.  

The first session is very relaxed and fluid. I like to gain an overall picture of a client and we will also discuss your current situation, feelings, any symptoms or health issues and aims for therapy. Nothing is ever forced as my approach is gentle and empathic. 

After that you can decide if you would like to proceed with regular sessions.  I don't prescribe any set number of sessions. Some clients need short term and others stay for longer.  

 Payments can be made by bank transfer or cash.

I have worked with people experiencing a variety of difficulties including depression, anxiety and panic, PTSD, addictions, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse recovery, domestic violence, relationship issues, grief and bereavement, compulsions, anger, rage, shame, suicidal thoughts, self harm, bi-polar and BPD, Many of my clients are also neuro diverse.