Mikiko Akeda

My current working hours

Monday to Friday

Mornings: starting as early as 9:30 AM  

Afternoons: throughout the day  

Evenings: ending by 9:00 PM  

** My availability changes, so don't hesitate to contact me to enquire about current availability. 

I am committed to offering a safe, professional space characterised by confidentiality, non-judgment, and empathy. You will be listened to and accepted, and I will support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour patterns from different perspectives. Our collaborative work would help you gain a better understanding of yourself and make sense of the challenges you are facing.

I have lived in England for 27 years. I am interested in cultural differences, and my experience as a minority in society has allowed me to understand what "being different from others" feels like. I have gained deep insight into "feeling alone" and realised that anyone can feel this way, especially when it feels like no one can understand your struggles.

In my early career, I had the opportunity to meet individuals from various backgrounds and listen to their personal stories of life and struggle. I realised how important it is to have someone who listens to your story, and having a safe space to talk can have a powerful and positive impact on mental health. This experience sparked my interest in counselling. 

Motivated by a desire to deepen my understanding of counselling, I decided to pursue an integrated course that extensively explored various counselling models. Throughout my studies, I found myself particularly drawn to the psychodynamic approach. This approach offers profound insights into the complexities of our issues and personal histories. By engaging in this exploration, individuals can enhance their self-awareness and gain the tools necessary to reflect on their past experiences. Ultimately, this journey empowers us to make more informed and better choices as we move forward in life.

After six years of studying and training, I started working as a fully qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor at my private practice and also at Basingstoke Counselling Service, which supports the local community.

I am here to support you in exploring and discussing whatever is on your mind. My experience spans a wide array of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and challenges in relationships. In our sessions, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe and welcoming environment, where open expression is encouraged when you feel ready.

During our sessions, I am deeply interested in what is on your mind and how you are experiencing the world around you. My goal is to help bring to light those unconscious thoughts and feelings—whether they are repressed, inhibited, or bottled up—so we can reflect on them and work through them together. I believe that many of the issues we face as adults can often be traced back to our childhood experiences. Therefore, I frequently invite discussions about your family history and childhood memories, as they can uncover patterns and connections that shed light on your current challenges.

I offer weekly 50-minute sessions, available in-person, online, or over the phone, for adults aged 18 and over. My fee is £55 per session, while couples therapy is available for £75.

In my private practice, I've transformed a caravan on my property into a warm and inviting counselling room. Situated in Wash Common, Newbury, this space is designed to ensure comfort and confidentiality, allowing my clients to feel at ease as they engage in their sessions.

Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your journey toward personal growth and healing. I believe that establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is fundamental to effective therapy, which is why I offer a complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation session. This initial meeting allows us to connect, discuss your goals, and assess whether my approach aligns with your needs.

During our consultation, we will explore your concerns, clarify what you hope to achieve in therapy, and discuss any questions you may have about my methods or background. This is a great opportunity for you to get a feel for my style and to determine if you feel comfortable moving forward.

After our discussion, you will have the space to reflect on our conversation. You can consider whether you would like to embark on our therapeutic journey together. Should you choose to proceed, we will adopt an open-ended approach to our sessions, meaning there is no predetermined number of sessions. This flexibility allows us to tailor the process to your evolving needs.

Once we make the decision to work together, we will schedule regular weekly sessions, creating a consistent space for your growth and development. I am here to support you every step of the way as we navigate this path together.