Meg Harper

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy for my clients and a keenness to listen and understand. Clients who enjoy working with me, however, are those who want a therapist who will also intervene to suggest strategies, tools and alternative ways of thinking or behaving.  I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tailored to suit my individual clients and drawing on a range of therapeutic models such as Person-Centred Counselling, Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. When appropriate, I also use creative approaches, Walk and Talk therapy and am trained Sand Tray work and Small World therapy.  My hope is that, one way or another, we will find what works for you and that despite the difficulties you are experiencing, you will have some fun along the way!

I am also trained in Couples Therapy and Psychosexual therapy and relationship work.

I have extensive experience of working with young people (11+).

I believe that therapy continues outside of the therapy room so I will often set home tasks in negotiation with my clients. If you choose to work with me, expect this to be a feature of the work! You might be watching videos or talks, reading, journaling, doing something practical or physical - but carefully managed so it feels do-able.

I prefer to work face to face but am happy to work on Zoom when necessary and if it is the only option which works for a client. I do not, however, work with couples on Zoom.

I'm trained in animal-assisted therapy, and most days, my therapy dog, Rosa, will be in the room with us - but to be entirely honest, she is more of a soothing presence than an active part of the therapy. She is a Portuguese Water Dog, so is deemed to be hypo-allergenic.

I've been a counsellor since about 2005 and I still continue to grow and learn through my work and look forward to meeting new clients!

I work with adults, couple and young people aged 11 and over.  I have particularly extensive experience of working with teenagers, having worked as Head of Counselling for seven years in a large secondary school. I also work as a counselling supervisor.

My counselling room is based in Warwick, from which I also conduct my Walk and Talk therapy. I offer online therapy where appropriate.

Please do visit my website www.megharper.co.uk to find out more about me, the way I work and the issues I can particularly help with. That, I think,  will be more help to you than a simple list.

I do not currently work with people with eating disorders or do group work.

My first session with you will be 60 minutes long. My aim will be to help you share with me the personal story which has led to you seeking therapy. I hope that our time together will you give you a sense of whether you are comfortable to work with me. I will also aim to assess whether I will be able to work effectively with you. I ask clients to submit some administrative details and to ensure they are happy with my Agreement to Therapy in advance of the first session.

I do offer a free phone call for a maximum of 20 minutes for those who want to 'check me out' but personally, I think clients get a much better impression of whether we will be able to work together, by having a full hour's session.

I'm sorry have no availability for new supervisees at present.

My lead model is CBT but this is underpinned by my training and commitment to a person-centred approach. I also use ACT, Positive Psychology and some creative therapies, including Sand Tray/Small World in my work and have had training or experience in other models such as TA and logotherapy. My work could be described as integrative or eclectic but it is heavily influenced by the cognitive and humanistic models. 

I work with couples but I do not supervise couples therapists.

In my own supervision, I enjoy working with supervisors working in different models from my own, as this is more challenging and I learn more that way. I am therefore happy to work with supervisees using different models from mine. When working with students, however, it is more appropriate, I believe, to work with a supervisor who understands one's own model so I only work with students who are working towards qualifications in CBT or ACT.

I have extensive experience working with young people, so am qualified to supervise those working as school counsellors or in similar roles.

I work from my home Warwick or I am happy to work on Zoom. I am trained in Animal Assisted Therapy so I often have my therapy dog in the room with me. You should be aware of this if you want to do face to face work. She is a Portuguese Water Dog so is deemed to be hypoallergenic.

Please do visit my website: www.megharper.co.uk to find out more about me and the way I work.

In your first session, which will be 60 minutes long, I aim to give you the opportunity to find out about me and to see whether you would feel comfortable working with me. I will also assess whether I think I would be a helpful and effective supervisor for you. I will aim to find out about your experience and journey so far, the context in which you work, your caseload and your modalities. I will also need to collect some basic administrative details.