Deborah Banks

My work as a therapist is to support and empower clients, helping them build or rebuild their sense of self, develop healthier coping mechanisms and foster stronger connections.

Regarding my therapeutic approach, my outlook is compassionate – guided by respect, confidentiality and trust. I specialise in helping individuals who have experienced difficult situations such as grief and loss, issues with self-esteem, relationship challenges, as well as anxiety and depression. I have considerable experience working with young people facing personal challenges and families navigating complex dynamics, including working with ex-pats and helping them to feel supported as they navigate issues of identity, belonging, and transition.

As a counsellor, I have gained wide-ranging experience working with individuals and families from many different backgrounds. I understand that your history and life experiences are unique to you, and I am here to assist you with whatever you need to unpack or seek help within a safe, nonjudgmental space.

Having completed formal training in the UK and Australia, I bring a wealth of experience. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Counselling, as well as postgraduate qualifications in Trauma Counselling and the Hakomi Foundation. I am currently studying for a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Supervision.

I look forward to meeting you.

I offer a free introductory session during which we can discuss your desire to explore therapy, identify potential blocks to your well-being, and discuss any goals you may have set for yourself. Subsequent sessions can then be booked. 

All of my work is relationally based. I see therapy as a collaboration in which feelings and experiences can be examined safely and repair and reconnection sought. 

My current work is online and offers the flexibility of daytime or evening appointments. I suggest that therapy sessions take place weekly, but I appreciate that life can often interrupt, so I can be flexible with bookings. 

Like any relationship, trust cannot be mandated, and the therapeutic one takes time to build. You are the expert on your life and can, therefore, decide how revealing you would like to be. I can say that I provide a place of safety, but you need to be able to feel that and to know that I, as your counsellor, can hold your emotions however they present. I have confidence in the therapeutic process; you need to have confidence in me. 

The first session begins the journey into feeling that confidence and trust.