Sian Williams

I am not available on Wednesdays

I am an accredited psychotherapist / counsellor with over 20 years experience. I also supervise the work of other professionals including trainees.

My aim is to provide every client with a safe, non-judgemental, confidential and professional environment in which to discuss their concerns. If something is impacting your life in a negative way, then therapy may benefit you by providing an opportunity to address what has or is happening. I appreciate that accessing therapy can feel daunting, but remember the process of therapy is to enable you to improve or resolve aspects of your life that are problematic including; historical, more recent or current events in your life, personal or professional. Many fear that opening up will be overwhelming but an experienced therapist will pace the way you discuss things. They will help you develop coping strategies to support you throughout.

I believe the quality of the working relationship between my client and I will impact the effectiveness of the therapy. By the very nature of the difficulties my clients are experiencing, therapy is not always "comfortable", but I strive to ensure that my clients feel supported as we work together to improve their situation.

I work hard in the best interest of my client and would encourage anyone accessing therapy to commit themselves fully to the process i.e. attend every appointment booked, attempt any work agreed between sessions or at least think about why you were unable to do it, and discuss any concerns you have with your therapist.

Just consider how differently you would feel, if your concerns were addressed?

WORKPLACE THERAPY: I was Clinical Lead for a staff counselling service (+10 years) supporting those in front line /blue light services, public & finance sector and industry. 

I have run a successful private practice since 2006 and work regularly with private referrals, EAP providers, occupational health services, and the sectors and organisations listed above.

I always feel that the first session is fundamental to the therapy undertaken. Within this first session the client has an opportunity to see if they would be comfortable working with me. Therapy is such a personal undertaking and the client needs to feel that they would be comfortable working with me and opening up to me. If for any reason a client does not feel able to be open with their therapist, then they will not maximise what they need to get from the therapy!

Beyond that, the first session will give me an opportunity to understand how I can best support my client going forward.  

Where the client feels they want to work with me, and I feel that I can support them, then we book another appointment.

However, there is NEVER pressure to book another appointment. The question the client will be asked at the end of the first session is, “Would you like to book another appointment, or do you want to think about it?”….. it is fine either way. 

Rarely, but it can happen for any of us, a client may want or need a different approach. If this happens, please don’t be afraid to say so as sometimes the therapist may be able to signpost the client elsewhere. If this happens it is no reflection on the client or the therapist’s ability. What is important, is that you find a therapist who you can work well with.

I charge for the first session. This is because from the start of that very first meeting, I am working with you to achieve what you want to get from therapy.

I am not available on Wednesdays

I am happy to work one-to-one for supervision or with small groups. Please call to discuss group rates for as clearly the cost per person would reduce. I strive to provide my supervisees with a non-judgemental, confidential and safe environment in which to explore their clinical practice.  I would describe my approach overall as integrative. This is because I will utilise whatever skills and tools I can in the best interest of my client as opposed to making my client “fit” a particular model of therapy.  However. where supervisees are choosing to focus their practice on e.g. CBT, I can adapt my supervision to ensure their needs are met.  I am an experienced psychotherapist / counsellor with over 10 years experience in the NHS at a senior level. Throughout this period I have also provided psychological support for the employees of organisations within other areas of the public sector, the financial sector and industry. In addition to this I have worked in private practice for over 15 years with many referrals coming via doctors, community mental health teams, insurance companies and EAP Schemes etc. as well as individuals who have contacted me based on recommendations.  In addition to clinical competencies, I am concerned about areas such as how we, as clinicians, support our own psychological well-being, recognise and manage potential vicarious traumatisation and/or burnout. Also how we manage potential isolation, particularly for those of us in private practice in a career where due to the confidential nature of our work we cannot, "just offload our day" to families and friends who may be our key avenues of support in other areas of our life. I always suggest that anyone looking for a supervisor meets me for a tea/coffee first (no charge) to see whether they would feel comfortable working with me as a supervisor before we commit to working together.

I provide individual supervision as well as group for both student/trainee and experienced psychotherapists / counsellors. Please contact me for more information about rates for supervision.