
Jenny Chesher
Registered Member MBACP
Contact information
- Phone number
- 07772683859
Features
- Flexible hours available
Availability
My client days are Thursday and Friday, when I try to be flexible about when I can offer sessions. If neither day is possible for you, I can sometimes be available on Saturdays.
About me and my therapy practice
Are you seeking a different form of therapy to help cope with a stressful life, difficult relationship, painful loss or perhaps your own negative thoughts or feelings of anxiety? Let the therapeutic power of animals and nature combine with my counselling skills to support your healing journey.
Since 2017 I have been providing counselling and equine or animal-assisted therapy sessions on an idyllic Somerset smallholding on the edge of the Quantock hills, close to both Bridgwater and Taunton. Here you will find a tranquil haven in which to seek respite, and a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard and supported by an experienced and caring counsellor.
My approach to therapy is person-centred and relational; my initial aim is to gain your trust as a client and enter into your world, to experience life as you see it and build a strong relationship. I can then start to understand the issues that are troubling you. I use that insight to support you in finding hope, facing and re-framing your problems and identifying strategies to either overcome them or cope better with them. Through my strengths-based, collaborative approach, I help you to recognise your own strengths and qualities and find coping tools to build your confidence and resilience.
I qualified in 2016 with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Iron Mill College (a course accredited by BACP). In 2021 I gained a diploma in working therapeutically with children and young people and have also undertaken training in supporting young people with anxiety and depression. Other CPD have completed includes pre-trial therapy and supporting victims of sexual and domestic abuse, working with boarding school survivors and supporting people who have experienced bereavement, loss, anxiety and trauma.
I am trained and certified as an equine-assisted therapy practitioner by LEAP (on a course endorsed by BACP) and also have certificates in animal-assisted interventions and animal-assisted therapy in counselling.
Practice description
I use a combination of talking, creative or nature-based therapeutic techniques and animal-assisted interventions to help you explore the issues that are troubling you.
Having trained to work therapeutically with both dogs and horses. I facilitate the remarkable ability of these animals to connect with, and gently reflect back, underlying human emotions in a non-judgemental and supportive way. My dogs offer a reassuring presence for clients in the counselling room helping to build confidence and trust and support clients who struggle to communicate painful feelings or describe difficult experiences.
My equine-assisted therapy consists of ground-based interactions with my gentle, friendly ponies. No experience with horses is required, although a certain level of mobility and a willingness to take part in outdoor activities is needed. It is a form of therapy that enables clients to get in touch with their unconscious thoughts and feelings. The feedback that a client experiences from the horse is instant, tangible and personal to them, without the need for words. This makes it a particularly powerful form of therapy.
The peaceful setting for my counselling and the supportive presence of animals is particularly conducive to helping people who are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. For clients leading hectic lives, they have space to become calmer and more reflective, whilst for those who feel lonely, hurt or rejected they can find a warm, reparative relationship to build their self-esteem and confidence.
I provide an equine-assisted programme specifically to support people who have had a diagnosis of cancer, or are supporting people in that situation.
I see clients aged 11+. My form of therapy is particularly accessible to adolescents and young people. I find that the combination of interacting with animals and being outdoors engages them more than conventional face-to-face counselling in a room, and helps me to build a collaborative and trusting relationship with them.
My first session
So that my clients benefit from my tranquil setting and the presence of my animals, I offer primarily face to face sessions.
I generally aim to respond to client enquiries within 24 hours and am happy to have an initial telephone conversation to help you decide whether I am the right therapist for you. If you wish to proceed with a first session, I will ask you to complete an initial client assessment form so that I can tailor our sessions to your particular needs.
For clients under 20 years old, or those wanting to find out more about equine-assisted therapy, I am happy to offer a free initial meeting to check that you are comfortable with me and the environment we will be working in.
Counselling sessions are 60 minutes and cost £50 whilst equine sessions are generally 90 minutes and cost £70, although the cost is £60 for 12-15 year olds.
My counselling room is a traditional shepherd's hut set in a peaceful orchard which provides clients with a cosy and private place to share their thoughts and feelings. Outdoor and equine-assisted therapy takes place at the same location either in our fields or in a yard with adjacent shelter.
Private transport is generally required to reach this location. Please advise me beforehand if you have any particular access requirements.
What I can help with
Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Bereavement, Cancer, Depression, Health related issues, Identity issues, Loss, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Stress, Trauma, Work related issues
Types of therapy
Animal assisted therapy, Behavioural, Cognitive, Creative therapy, Integrative, Interpersonal, Person centred, Relational, Solution focused brief therapy, Transactional analysis
Clients I work with
Adults, Children, EAP, Older adults, Trainees, Young people
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Outdoor therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy, Time-limited
Languages spoken
English