Nell Harvey

I see clients in-person just outside CHIPPING NORTON, Oxfordshire. My therapy room is conveniently situated (with off-street parking) right outside the door. I am in striking distance of Banbury, Bloxham, Stow-on-the-Wold, Shipston-on-Stour, Woodstock, Charlbury and the surrounding areas.

I also work online with clients from all over the UK. 

Availability changes so please do contact me if you would like to know what is currently possible.

What can I help with? 

- repeated unsatisfactory life patterns

- unwanted behaviours/feelings

- relationship difficulties

- change of all sorts (professional, personal, health, lifestyle, life-stage).

- loss/bereavement. 

I tailor my work to each client, offering weekly or fortnightly sessions on a long-term or short-term basis.

Even six sessions can lead to meaningful insight and lasting change. 

My areas of expertise include:

- anxiety/generalised anxiety disorder

- stress (I have a particular interest in stress and anxiety and in how emotional overwhelm can translate into physical symptoms).

- depression

- relationship or life changes (such as bereavement, work, illness, parenting, empty nest, menopause, ADHD).

Are you in safe hands? Yes, I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and hold a current DBS certificate. I work in a trauma informed way. In addition to my private practice I also work for Cotswold Counselling, a registered charity offering counselling in the Cirencester area. 

I understand how difficult starting counselling is. I take trouble to explore what you hope to gain from counselling and gently help my clients start to make the link between past experiences, early patterns of relating and present-day difficulties. Our sessions will help build self-awareness, a sense of safety and healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

How do you decide on a particular counsellor? Research has shown that the relationship you have with your chosen counsellor is largely what predicts a successful outcome. Our 'introductory call' will give you an opportunity to check that you feel comfortable talking to me and to ask any questions. Whether you are looking for help to overcome a significant life hurdle or just some 'emotional maintenance', my approach is always personal,  respectful and non-judgemental.

My integrative background is in humanistic non-directive therapies (Person-Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis). 'Non-directive' does not mean passive however, my role is as an active attuned presence helping you notice what might be outside of your awareness. 

My style of counselling is like a particularly focussed kind of conversation with the emphasis being on your experience, your autonomy and an awareness of the 'here and now' (your current feelings). It is by being truly heard in a non-judgemental, authentic and empathetic way that the counselling process works.

This approach encourages autonomy, self-awareness and growth. Together we explore what it is like to be you, your style of relating to others (and yourself) and your perception of personal responsibility. 

Initially, we would have a short telephone call (15-20 minutes) so that you can tell me a bit about what brings you to counselling, ask any questions and so that you can get a feel for me. 

Sessions last 50 minutes and, for the most part, are held weekly. There is no fixed number of sessions although I recommend clients try and attend 6 in order to start to see meaningful change. 

Payment is taken at the time of booking to secure the first session slot and each subsequent session can then be paid for separately. There is no charge for advance cancellation (48 hours). 

Our first session would involve 5-10 minutes going over terms and conditions such as confidentiality, cancellations procedures, means of contacting each other.

We would then begin to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to achieve/feel different about. You may not be sure at this stage and that is fine. You may just wish to 'off-load' and this is the perfect opportunity. 

Together, we will start to work out what you require from counselling, your needs and expectations. This is all done in a gentle, conversational way. 

No preparation is necessary for the first session and there is nothing to be anxious about.