Fiona Heard

I currently have availability on Mondays & Tuesdays at different times throughout the day and early evening.  I am fairly flexible so I can offer sessions outside of these times.  

Please note I offer in person sessions in Chichester and all other sessions are online.

Welcome to my profile on the BACP Directory and welcome to Humanistic Counselling. If you are unfamiliar with this term it simply means that I believe, and my training and study supports this philosophy, in the unique value of every individual and the incredible potential we all have for personal growth and self-discovery.  My approach is centred around you - your feelings, experiences and aspirations.

Part of my training and ongoing practice is within the field of oncology and those experiencing cancer, be it personally or through a family member,  who is in treatment or has recently finished treatment and is finding it tricky and challenging to gain a sense of belonging or traction back within the fold of 'normal living'.  You may have found that trying to go back to where you were or even who you were just does not work for you anymore.  Or that your relationships have shifted or changed and this may feel liberating or perplexing or both.  

Experiencing cancer can for so many people be an experience with a good outcome and even this may make you wonder why you do not feel quite yourself.  For others, there is a fundamental change of perspective and a disruption of future plans, like retirement or travel, that may need some time and exploration.  

There are many words and phrases that the cancer patient and or their family become familiar with during the process of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, the most challenging aside from the cancer diagnosis itself, is palliative care or 'being palliative'.  Sadly it is not always used in the way that can give hope and comfort.  Receiving palliative care often simply means someone is living with cancer and through therapy and treatment is quite possibly living a relatively normal life.  It does not only mean 'end of life care'.

If you are interested in Humanistic Counselling to support you in your cancer experience, you can expect to be received in a warm and non-judgemental space where you are listened to and heard.  You will be able to embraced with acceptance and respect, allowing you to express yourself freely without fear, criticism or judgement.  In a short space of time, this will create a trusting relationship you can feel safe to be vulnerable and honest about your feelings and your experience. 

I aim to encourage genuine communication between us so that together we can explore your feelings and experiences in a way that feels real and true to who you are.  In turn that helps you to gain insight into thoughts, feelings and behaviours and perhaps, more importantly, your needs and how they may have changed.  This journey of self-exploration can lead to powerful realisations and meaningful change.  

The counselling experience will not be lonely or scary as we will be side by side navigating the challenges you face.

In our first session, we will discuss what brings you to counselling and I will take some personal information and talk through the process and listen to you about what you are looking for.  This is an assessment session and you can decide to continue with counselling or not.

Hello, I’m Fiona, and welcome to my counselling profile.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and trained as a Humanistic Counsellor at the University of Chichester, graduating in 2023. With four years of counselling experience, I’m passionate about helping individuals understand themselves more fully and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and self-compassion.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in various legal roles and I am also a mother and grandmother. These life experiences give me a grounded and empathetic perspective that I bring into my practice. I understand that everyone’s journey is different and counselling offers a space for exploration and growth—whether you're facing anxiety, low mood, a sense of isolation or seeking personal development. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect and the belief that we all have the capacity to change and grow.

I have a particular interest in supporting women through life transitions, including peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause. These stages can be emotionally and physically challenging, affecting identity, relationships and well-being. I offer a compassionate space to explore these experiences and reconnect with inner strength and resilience.

I also have experience working with individuals affected by cancer and with family members and carers. These conversations often involve grief, anger and the quiet sadness of lost hopes—like retirement or watching grandchildren grow. A diagnosis can raise deep questions about meaning, mortality and legacy. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore these complex issues.

Counselling has been a valuable part of my own life and training. It continues to shape how I work—with warmth, understanding and a deep respect for each person's story.

All first sessions are an assessment of your situation and a discussion of possible outcomes.