Darren Monsiegneur

You’ve made it this far. Good on you. 

Whether you’re new to therapy or returning, this part can be often feel like pot luck and in a way, it kind of is. So then let me tell you a bit about myself.

I have been a qualified and practicing therapist for close to a decade and over that time I have come to specialise in working primarily with all aspects of both trauma and Neurodiversity- that is conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and others. Through working with trauma I also have extensive experience working with issues around suicide, Bipolar, PTSD, abuse, grief and more. Though this is not nearly the extent of my experience it is the fields in which I have come to specialise and choose to focus my work towards.

If you are wanting to address any issue of or around Neurodiversity, or if you are struggling with lingering issues of trauma, which could look like heightened anxiety, phobias, intrusive thoughts, emotional outbursts, avoidance or more, if you know it is time to explore that thing you have held deep for far too long, then it may be that I am the therapist for you.

My ethos is to always be honest, open and transparent. I work without judgement and always with empathy. I work to assist you in becoming who you truly are, from your perspective.

That all said, I do not take many clients on at a time and I only see clients online and during the first half of the day.

Given that there is now a real cost of living crisis I have reduced my fees to only £40.00 per appointment though since Covid-19, I now only work online or via telephone which I had surprisingly found these methods to be as efficient as face to face.

If you are deeply struggling, feel like your teetering on the edge of crisis, cannot see a future, then please drop me a line.

I am always happy to have a brief 20 chat via phone or online. If it happens that I cannot take you on, I am always happy to assist your search so that you can avoid finding another closed door.

My initial training is as a Person-centred therapist; where I respect you and your lived experience. You are the 'expert' on your life. I listen and offer perspectives that help you uncover your real truth and find your resolution to the issues you bring.

I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); where we can work towards resolving a whole number of issues through a series of tasks and exercises, both practical and cognitive. CBT can really help change behaviours and the thoughts and beliefs that promote them.

I also have additional training in Trauma inform clinical applications; utilising a number of therapeutic techniques and methodologies to help someone regain control of their trauma reactions and responses. Trauma can manifest in so many ways from low self-worth or self-esteem to anxiety attacks to emotional dis-regulation as well as physical ill-health (such as auto-immune diseases).

I have extensive experience around developing mindfulness and body/mind awareness which is often reflected by clients to be nothing short of liberating. After all, we can't live a life without challenges and difficulties. A mind/body awareness can greatly influence how deeply these challenges and difficulties affect us.

As someone diagnosed with ADHD and is very likely on the Autism spectrum (I've done the tests too many times), I have extensive knowledge of what Neurodivergence is and how to work with it so that we can lead and live a full life unlimited by our condition. I have come to also develop training courses for both the  Neurodivergent and therapists alike. 

I do, and will continue to always remain open to knowing more. 

I do, and will continue to always see any client as a whole person who has entrusted me with hearing their vulnerabilities and I have always held that sacrosanct.

A clients safety and wellbeing shall always be the primary concern. I strongly adhere to the BACP's code of ethics.

First appointments are usually like the rest though of course it is usually more of a 'get to know' each other. 

We would explore issues in more depth and build a general idea of what therapy is likely to come to look like as well as get to know each other more.

I am a very personable therapist and happy to share myself in the relationship. I sometimes share aspects of my own life if relevant. I am not a blank sheet who will only ask "How did that make you feel". I am comfortable being challenged if you feel it needed.

I can be directive with specific issues if requested though I try to remain non-directive and let you bring what feel most poignant to you at the time- as this is often where the most effective therapy occurs.