Carmen Roberts

Contacting a counsellor for the first time is a big step and can feel nerve-racking but my aim is to walk in your shoes, at your pace, and remain on your side - with the added value of seeing your life from a different angle and slowly helping you to feel more positive and achieve your goals.

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy is integrative, that means I have been trained to create and adapt different methods, based upon two key principles; person-centred (which looks at the here and now) and psychodynamic (which focuses on the past).

When it comes to counselling, each person’s life story and how they view the world is unique. Likewise, there is no single approach to identifying and working through a specific issue. Counselling offers you the space to discover new perspectives and can equip you with the skills you need to overcome problems.

My counselling room is in a renovated stable block in the grounds and gardens of Malvern View, originally an 18th Century farmhouse in the village of Apperley, located in the centre of a triangle with Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Gloucester at its points.

I offer private, gated parking in a tranquil village setting and with no possibility of being seen or overlooked, it is the ideal place for confidential therapy sessions. The room has glass doors offering views across the countryside and based in stables, the room has an equine design.

It is common for people to feel daunted by the sheer size and power of horses - they can become a metaphor for dealing with intimidating and unpredictable life circumstances but inspiring ones too. Horses are also known for their intuition and calming ability and this is also reflected in therapy.

When you first get in touch, we will have a brief conversation about why you're seeking counselling and will arrange a time for us to have an initial session face-to-face. In this first session, I would like to find out about what has brought you here, as well as some background to your life. As we explore your reasons for coming, we will set down some goals to work towards. This initial session lasts around one hour and costs £50 and can be paid in cash or via BACS,

After this session there is no obligation to continue. It is very important for you to feel you can work with me so please let me know if you sense something is not right for you. Similarly, it will give me an indication as to whether I am the right counsellor for you and am able to help.

Upon deciding to work together, we will agree upon a mutually convenient day and time and that will become our regular appointment. Each 50 minute weekly counselling session costs £50. Payment is preferred via BACs and you will be invoiced monthly, other payment options can be discussed. Our work together will be reviewed every 4 weeks, when we can talk about how the therapy itself is progressing.

The most important aspect of counselling is confidentiality - what you say to me stays in the room. There a few exceptions as stated by the BACP to which I am professionally bound and these will be discussed in the initial session. What to expect after this session will be discussed in person, to help manage your expectations and get a sense of how our work together will unfold.