Susan Davies

I work on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I start my day at 9.30am and my last appointment is at 5pm at the latest. I am not fit for purpose after that!!! I have, what i consider to be a lovely 'therapy shed' in my garden which looks over a pond and all the wildlife which comes with that. It is peaceful, comfortable and warm. During the winter a hot water bottle is waiting for my clients, which they can, and do cuddle throughout. I think it is a huge comfort, particularly at the beginning of our relationship. I am also a member at Lifeways Therapy Centre In Stratford on Avon, so for those who do not drive, this is an ideal substitute. We are very lucky to have such a great Therapy Centre nearby with the perfect ambience for our work.. I like to be flexible within my practice. I aim to be able to see new clients within a week of contact and I understand how busy and ever changing life can be at times, leading to late cancellations which are unavoidable, when this happens we just rearrange the appointment for another convenient time for us both.

As a qualified Person Centred Counsellor of 12 years experience, I am still in awe of the depth of the human spirit and its ability to heal itself, given the right conditions.  I meet my clients with no preconceptions, no judgement but a curiosity about them and their world, a wondering of what has brought them to see me and whether, as a team, we would be able to make their world a better place for them to live in.

In my work, I consider myself to be a confidante and a companion to my clients, keeping them in a confidential and safe space where they can explore their feelings and thoughts. Life is very complicated and it is easy to get lost in the busyness and lose sight of what is important.

I have experienced depression for which i needed help. When my children were adolescents and life became too complicated, the support I received from a counsellor was life changing and it led me into the counselling profession, where I can now pass that help onto others who need it.

In addition to my original training I also trained at Myton Hospice on both the adults and the children's bereavement courses and  volunteered with them for over 6 years, which was a privilege. I also trained at Safeline, a charity which supports survivors of sexual abuse, where i also volunteered for 5 years. I am currently a volunteer at the Shakespeare hospice, a position I feel passionate about. I have received a wealth and breadth of experience through my volunteering with these charities.

My small private practice I meet my clients either in my therapy shed in the garden, at Lifeways in Stratford, via zoom on line and on the telephone. I also enjoy Walking and Talking with my clients.

The sessions are for an hour and for couples it is 90 minutes. 

I work with adults of all ages, adolescents, children, couples and families.

The initial assessment I offer free as I consider it to be a 'getting to know each other' session because a good relationship between client and counsellor is crucial for therapy to work.

After that my charges are £40 per hour for individuals. For a couple or a family the charge is £70 per 90 minutes.

My qualifications include:-

Diploma in Person Centred Counselling (Warwickshire College)

Diploma in Coaching (Warwick University)

Diploma in Couples and other Relationships Counselling(The Grove Practice, London)

Diploma in Integrative Supervison and Group Supervision (The Grove)

Our first session will be a time to get to know each other and for the client to give me a broad outline of why he/she has come to see me and what he/she is expecting and hoping for from our relationship.

I will also give my client a broad outline of what counselling is and how i work. I will explain what will happen during the next hour and what to expect, to please ask if they are uncomfortable in any way and to ask questions if there is anything they do not understand or are unsure of

I like the first session with a client to be as relaxed and as open as possible so we can build up the trust slowly from the bottom up.