Ashley Cootes

I currently have availability for face-to-face in Harold Wood Thursday and Tuesday online.

I am a level 7 qualified and insured counsellor/psychotherapist with availability for new clients. I can help you explore difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, relationships and addiction. I have experience with working both short and long term.

Together we will look at what could empower you to more constructively deal with a challenging situation or personal difficulty that is impacting your wellbeing and outlook. Facing and talking through difficulties in the presence of an understanding, objective witness, is proven to help alleviate symptoms of mental ill health in many cases. By engaging with the therapeutic process, you may find new possibilities and insights open up to you. 

Background & Experience

I have worked with adults of all ages, from young people to OAPs. In addition to private practice, I have been a counsellor for university students and the NHS primary care service. I have worked with a range of issues including people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, stress, PTSD and CPTSD, complex bereavement, various forms of addiction, eating disorders and relationship challenges. While I work with a range of issues and diverse client base, I have a particular interest in trauma/inter-generational trauma and recovery.

In addition to my professional experience, academic qualifications and training, a significant part of my background has been helping and supporting individuals as a voluntary mentor and a group facilitator for many years.

My background is in the arts, higher education and student support. I have been a practitioner of mindfulness and meditation for many years.

My style is based on an integrative and relational approach to counselling and psychotherapy, trauma-informed, with awareness of difference and multiculturalism. I aim to work with the way each individual client prefers to explore their feelings, thinking and behaviours and will offer ways of working that will resonate for each individual depending on their needs and personality.

I offer a safe space to clients, with a warm and welcoming presence, where they can be their true selves and work through anything that has impacted their wellbeing.

Before your first session, I will send you an agreement which sets out how we would work together. In the first session I will go over this, answer any questions, and ask about what brings you to counselling and what you are hoping to gain from the experience. There are no right or wrong answers to this; if you are not sure, we could explore this. I have a few initial assessment questions and, if you decide to work with me, we can discuss how you would like to engage in treatment. Everybody’s needs are different, so we can explore what this may look like for you.