Victoria Pook

Availability

I currently have availability for new clients and offer both online and face-to-face counselling for adults.

Alongside in-person sessions from my private practice in Swindon, I particularly welcome online appointments, which can offer a flexible and accessible way to engage in counselling from the comfort of your own home. Many clients find online therapy convenient and equally effective, especially when balancing work, family life or travel.

My current availability is across Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a range of daytime online appointments available and some limited face-to-face sessions.

If you are thinking about starting counselling, you are very welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what has brought you to counselling, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels like the right fit.

Please feel free to contact me via email or telephone and I will aim to respond as soon as possible.

How I Work

I am an integrative counsellor, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to tailor the work to each individual client. I believe that every person’s experiences, challenges and goals are unique, and therefore therapy should not be a “one size fits all” process.

My core approach is grounded in person-centred therapy, where creating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings openly. I also integrate ideas from Transactional Analysis and psychodynamic theory, which can help us understand patterns in relationships, communication styles and how past experiences may influence the present.

In our sessions, we work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Some clients come with a clear issue they would like to focus on, while others may simply feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. Together we can explore what has brought you to counselling and work towards greater self-awareness, understanding and positive change.

I offer both short-term, focused work and longer-term therapy, depending on your needs. Sessions are typically held weekly and begin with an initial assessment where we can discuss what you hope to gain from counselling and how we might work together.

Above all, I aim to build a warm, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel heard, respected and supported as you navigate the challenges you may be having. 

Practice Description

I offer a warm, confidential and supportive space where you can talk openly about what is going on in your life. My aim is to create an environment where you feel safe, listened to and understood, allowing you the time and space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.

I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, life changes, relationship issues, grief and loss, low mood, stress and feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed. Therapy can also be helpful if you are looking to better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies or make meaningful changes in your life.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches including person-centred, transactional analysis and psychodynamic perspectives. This allows me to tailor the way we work together to suit your individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, identify patterns that may be impacting your wellbeing and explore new ways of understanding and responding to challenges. Some clients come with a specific issue they would like to work through, while others simply know that something doesn’t feel right and want support in making sense of it.

I offer both short-term focused work and longer-term therapy depending on what feels most appropriate for you. Our first session will give us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling and discuss how we might work together moving forward.

My practice is based in Swindon and I offer both face-to-face and online appointments.

My First Session

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, talk about what has brought you to counselling and explore whether we feel comfortable working together. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so this session is designed to be relaxed, supportive and without pressure.

During our first meeting, I will invite you to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable about your current situation and what you would like help with. I may ask some gentle questions to gain a better understanding of your background, your current challenges and what you hope to gain from counselling.

This session also gives you the chance to ask any questions about the counselling process and how I work. It is important that you feel safe and supported with your therapist, so this time allows you to decide whether I feel like the right fit for you.

We may also discuss practical aspects of counselling such as confidentiality, session frequency, and whether short-term or longer-term work may be helpful for you.

Some clients come to the first session with a clear goal, while others are unsure where to start. Both are completely welcome. The aim is simply to begin understanding your experience and consider how we might work together moving forward.