Chloe Afferson

I currently have availability on Monday and Friday in person. I also offer online sessions. 

I offer a limited number of concessionary slots depending on individual circumstances. Please contact me for a discussion.  

I practice in a comfortable and private room in Caterham. It is a 5 minute walk from rail and bus links and there is parking on site. 

I offer long and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy which focuses on the exploration of unconscious processes often at the root of suffering. Together we will explore links between your past experiences and present ways of relating to yourself and the world around you. Guided by a pace that works for you, we will move towards enhancing your self-awareness, fostering personal insights, and empowering you to navigate life's complexities toward a more positive future.

I also offer mindfulness training, for stress and depression offering structured programs, one-off sessions, or weaving in mindfulness skills as part of psychotherapy. Mindfulness, along with psychotherapy has a strong evidence base as a way to alleviate psychological distress and support a way of living that is more compassionate, authentic, and happier. 

My specialisms 

I work with clients who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and/or behaviors that are concerning but with no conscious identifiable cause. We will collaborate to understand your difficulties and how this influences the way you relate to yourself and others. We will create a bespoke plan, tailored to support you in achieving your wellness goals.

About me

I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy and have experience working within the NHS, in charities, and have an established private practice.

I hold an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, passed with distinction, from Birkbeck College, University of London.

I am also a qualified Mindfulness Teacher and hold a Post Grad Dip in Mindfulness Based Applications from Exeter University. I have extensive experience running Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy 8 week courses for groups and individuals.    

What to expect

As human beings we have natural and healthy needs, to feel seen, understood, valued, and included. When these needs go unmet, either in childhood or as adults it can cause deep psychological wounds, leading to a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and relational challenges. 

Thinking about change can be daunting even when it is wanted and needed, it can be difficult to make the step towards something new and unknown. Successful therapy acknowledges this and gently questions the, often unconscious, habits of mind that keep us stuck opening up new possibilities and perspectives that empower authentic connection to ourselves and the world around us.

I aim to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in acceptance, empathy, and understanding, with a focus on cultivating a strong working alliance built on trust. I recognise the importance of acknowledging real-world influences on your life, such as trauma, cultural differences, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, or social context so that changes are both meaningful and sustainable.

How therapy can help

The benefits of psychodynamic psychotherapy can be profound. By unraveling unconscious patterns, we can unlock a deeper understanding of your experiences, leading to lasting positive change. This therapeutic approach equips you with valuable coping mechanisms, enriches your interpersonal relationships, and facilitates personal growth.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute telephone call, where I can begin to understand your hopes for therapy and you can find out more about the process.

The next step is an exploratory 1 hour face-to-face session. In this session, we will think together about your background and you can tell me more about your difficulties and how psychotherapy could help. It is also an opportunity for us to get a feel for each other and whether we are a good fit. 

Following this, if you decide to take up therapy, regular sessions will be weekly and last 50 minutes.