Stuart Estrella-Pinto

During the Coronavirus outbreak, counselling appointments are by phone or video only. 

Having counselling via phone or video is somewhat different to face-to-face sessions and you should ensure that the Counsellor you choose is trained and experienced. I have specialised training in providing counselling by phone / video and have several years of experience of working in this way, not just during the Covid epidemic. Indeed, some of my clients prefer to always have their sessions by phone or video for the convenience it offers.

Hello, 

My name is Stuart and I am a fully qualified and accredited Therapeutic Counsellor. 

Sometimes people are not sure if they should have counselling, maybe because they feel their problem is too small or sometimes the opposite is true, the problem feels too big. Maybe it feels taboo to discuss. In my opinion, the decision to have counselling should focus on how the problem or situation is affecting you. In other words; is it important enough to you to seek therapy? If you are in any kind of distress and talking to friends and family is not possible or has not helped, then I think counselling should be considered.

My aim is to provide you with support and help you work through whatever problems to you are facing with the aim of either reducing / eliminating your distress or finding the answers to the questions you have, whichever you want to do. 

About me:

I am both a Counsellor and a lecturer/researcher. As a Counsellor I have worked for the NHS, several universities, charities,  businesses and in private practice.  I do not have a specialisation as I am experienced in working with all sorts of difficulties, but I have worked extensively with university students, bereavement, existential questions (sometimes called 'life crisis') and relationship difficulties.

Part of my working week is also devoted to teaching counselling at university level and also carrying out research on counselling therapies.

If you would like to book an appointment or have further questions, please get in touch or visit my website.

The therapy I offer is currently by phone and video. The therapy is confidential and tailored to your needs. Counselling session are usually booked on a week-to-week basis and the frequency of sessions will depend on your needs and availability.

The first session consists of an assessment. This is an opportunity for you to tell me about your problems and for me to get some context and history about what has happened. There are opportunities for you to ask questions and we will talk about what I can offer and decide what to do next.