Heather Ashford

I provide in-person therapy at the Clifton Down Therapy Rooms, on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

I provide online therapy throughout the week.

I do not work on Tuesdays or on weekends.

I offer a calming, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. Through empathising and hearing your experiences with curiosity and compassion, I aim to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, allowing you to make positive changes and move forwards.

I am an experienced integrative relational therapeutic counsellor, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I have worked with many different adults and young people over the years.

Working relationally means I will work hard at developing a safe, trusting and genuine therapeutic relationship between you and me. I will facilitate a relationship which enables you to feel safe enough to grow and change. Working in an integrative way means I blend a range of different therapeutic approaches based on what works best for you as a unique individual. I will work collaboratively with you, and tailor how I work based on your individual needs and experiences.

Within my private practice, I support clients with a wide range of presenting problems. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Depression and low mood

· Low self-esteem/confidence

· Anxiety

· Challenging life events and/or life transitions

· Relationship difficulties

· Family enmeshment

· Past abuse

· Trauma

· Generally feeling like something is ‘off’ or not quite right.

I empower clients to find their inner strength and make positive changes in their life, drawing on existing resources and strengths, whilst working together to explore new ways of thinking and behaving.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” - Carl Rogers

I integrate many different theories whilst working with clients, but mainly person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. In simple terms, this means I work with you to help you make sense of things that are happening in your life currently whilst also working with you on a deeper level, exploring your past experiences and how these may be unconsciously influencing you now. I may also bring elements of other theories, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transaction Analysis, into our work, if appropriate for you.

I work in a trauma-informed way, ensuring your safety is paramount and that you always have autonomy and choice.

Prior to working in private practice, I have worked as a counsellor in numerous settings, including a domestic abuse charity, a general mental health charity, a sixth form college and a secondary school. I have also volunteered at The Listening Place (London), providing ongoing in-person listening support to those who feel suicidal.

I regularly engage in ongoing training and personal development. It is important to me to ensure my ways of working are up-to-date and evidence based.

Deciding to embark on therapy, and deciding to set aside 50 minutes a week to dedicate to your self-awareness and self-development, is a huge first step.

​It is normal to feel nervous about having a first session, and I will do my best at creating an environment where you feel safe, welcomed and heard. I will ask you some initial questions to help me to understand your needs and how best I can support you - there are no right or wrong answers. I will provide you with a space for you to tell your story at a pace that is comfortable for you.

I will work hard to understand your needs from therapy and together we will agree on goals and how we will work together. This will be regularly reviewed with you over time.