Anna Maplesden

I offer in person counselling and online (subject to assessment). 

I work Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs between 9 am - 5 pm. 

I accept a full caseload for the above hours so if your enquiry comes in when there are no spaces available you can consent to be added to my waiting list. 

Please do not neglect other appointments with your GP or Mental Health Services whilst you are waiting for private counselling. 

About me 

I am a specialist counselling provider for 999 employees with over 10 years experience as a counsellor. 

I have supported many clients in these situations: 

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a personal or professional incident 
• Stress, Anxiety and Depression due to personal or work related incidents 
• Burnout for high performing executives / leaders 
• Sensitive work-related grievance processes / disputes / workplace allegations & internal investigations 
• Absence from work due to mental or physical health
• Bereavement counselling for friends or family members as a result of unexpected deaths including suicide, accidental or traumatic death

I am a former Counselling & Wellbeing Manager within policing and provided employees with psycho-educational training to help them proactively support their mental health in the workplace. 

What enables me to provide my service? 

• BA Hons (1st) Counselling (Integrative); University of Greenwich

• EMDR Therapy Training; Richman EMDR Training

• Trauma Focused CBT; Tehrani and Associates

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for the Workplace; Dr Paul Flaxman, University of London
  

• Implementing Peer Support Defusing & Demobilising for Traumatic Events; Oscar Kilo National Police Wellbeing Service
• Mental Health First Aider; Mental Health First Aid England

I have completed CPD training in Psychotherapy for Autism and Childhood Imagery Rescripting Therapy (ImRs). 

How I demonstrate commitment to ethical & safe practice? 

I am supported by two supervisors a Psychologist and EMDR Consultant and a Senior Psychotherapist. 

How do I expand my knowledge? 

I am currently training to be a Supervisor to other counsellors (May 2025). 

Where do I work? 

I work in a discreet, comfortable self-contained office with step access and from another office with no stepped access. I can provide sessions online, however, this is subject to assessment and if I feel comfortable about severity / safety. 

Assessment - Feeling Nervous or Anxious?

It is very common to feel worried about talking to a counsellor if you believe that you have to talk about a traumatic incident in full detail. , I ask a few basic YES / NO questions in respect of a trauma (s), plus some history taking.

I need to establish whether I can support you within my skill set and for you to decide if you feel comfortable talking to me. 

I offer a range of therapy interventions tailored to each individual client but I place more importance on fostering an environment where you experience a safe, open, nurturing and trusting relationship.

I invite you to take some self-screenings for anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress. These do not provide a diagnosis but provide an indication about severity and the different therapy choices open to you.  

Post-Assessment - what next?

After assessment, I provide clarity about my rationale for you selecting my service but I also encourage you to get a 2nd opinion and take your time over your decision making.

I offer 50 mins for Standard Talking Therapy

I offer 75 mins for EMDR

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR*), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy*), Person-centred and Psychodynamic therapy.

*Evidence based therapies recommended by NHS

I offer both time-limited therapy (where a goal is agreed) or longer term or open ended. 

If you have any concerns about your mental health then you should consult your GP, who continues to have duty of care whilst you are accessing private counselling. 

Please note that dependent upon complexity and how emotional you may feel during the assessment it is sometimes necessary to attend a 2nd assessment before I can make a recommendation.