Vanessa Waddell

My name is Vanessa and I have been a practising integrative counsellor since 2009. I have been told I am approachable and easy to talk to. I am committed to providing therapy in a safe, warm, accepting, confidential and non-judgemental environment.  I can work with any issue and I specialise in workplace stress and baby loss, miscarriage and infertility.

I have been accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) since 2012. To become accredited, members must complete many hours of training, practice and supervision and go through a rigorous application and assessment process. I have an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Integrative) awarded by CPCAB. Prior to this, I did Volunteer Alcohol Counsellor Training and a Certificate in Christian Counselling. In addition I am an accredited member of the Foundation for Infant Loss Training. I have also completed the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) Foundation Course in Infertility Counselling. I have completed courses in written-word therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Comments from former clients:

"Vanessa is an excellent counsellor. She was very accepting of me and helped me go to difficult places."

"If I needed counselling in the future I would go to her again."

"I have recommended Vanessa to friends."

"I can't really thank Vanessa enough for how she helped me through a very difficult time."

"When I started counselling with Vanessa, things were so very dark and troubled and with her support a more centred me has grown."

I offer counselling in Epsom, Surrey with individual adults on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, with the aim of enabling you to enhance your life, increase your well-being and to live with a greater sense of freedom. I can also work over telephone or online and have been doing so since 2011, well before the coronavirus pandemic. I have completed 'Moving your practice online-a brief course for counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health practitioners' by Online Therapy Institute.

In addition to my private practice, I work as a counsellor for an employee assistance programme. I am also contracted to work with NHS patients through IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). I spent 2.5 years working as a staff counsellor for a government department.

We meet for an initial 50 minute session and then you can decide if you would like further sessions. It is important you feel comfortable with me, as it is widely understood that it is the relationship between client and counsellor which is the determining factor in leading to a successful outcome.

If you decide to continue after the first session, we will agree to work together with clear aims in a warm, accepting and therapeutic environment. During the session, you share your thoughts and feelings with me and I will use my counselling skills to help. Counselling is not a quick fix. As a client you must be prepared to embark on a journey which will involve increasing self awareness and may be uncomfortable at times. I will be with you the whole time, supporting you with empathy and understanding.