Samantha Martin

I currently have availability to take clients on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Sessions are usually either mornings or afternoons. Some early evening availability.

Hello. I'm Samantha. So many counsellors to choose from, right? To help navigate this maze of counsellor information and profiles, and work out if I sound like a good fit for you, here’s a bit about me and how I work.

I'm an experienced therapist in private practice, based in Newton Abbot, offering face-to-face and online therapy to clients aged 18+. Some of the issues I can help with include:

 anxiety, feeling on edge;

trauma, difficult childhood experiences

low self-esteem, self-criticism

 stress, feeling burnt out

low mood, loss of motivation, feeling 'not good enough'

life changes, bereavement, relationship difficulties

My approach is person-centred, rooted in empathy, curiosity and respect for what you've been through. I work in a way that's professional but human, gentle but honest- it's collaborative and founded on the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship. I'll meet you with openness, honesty and without judgement- work to truly see and hear you, so that you feel understood and supported. Together, we can begin to untangle and understand what's going on for you a little more clearly, recognise what's keeping you 'stuck', and work out what you need to feel more fulfilled and contented. Counselling could help to you to heal what’s been painful, and develop the awareness, skills and confidence to reach for the life you want to live.   

I'm fully qualified, insured and registered with both NCPS and the BACP. I have regular supervision and enjoy ongoing opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge through professional development and training. Alongside my counselling work with clients, I'm also an associate and course assessor for The Devon Counselling College, bringing my knowledge and experience to helping to train the next generation of counsellors. 

Ways I Can  Support You

Life doesn’t always unfold in the ways we imagined. You might be adjusting to a major change, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or simply sensing that something isn’t sitting right.

But for some people, seeking counselling help can feel like taking a big into the unknown — Where will I start? How will it help me? 

It's natural to feel uncertain or anxious about taking that first step. So, wherever you are right now, whether you’re living with anxiety, trauma, or you're feeling uncertain about who you are or how things could be different, I’ll meet you with acceptance and respect for what you’re experiencing. I offer a calm, validating space where you can slow down, and start making sense of what’s going on for you.

 My approach is integrative, meaning I'll use a range of different counselling approaches, rather than working from a single model. This helps because it's flexible and I can adapt the way we work to what's best for you. With attuned listening, empathy and a rage of techniques, I can help you to navigate life’s changes and challenges, to gently re-assess what you want and need from life. I'll provide a space to reflect on whatever feelings and thoughts are getting in the way of your enjoyment of the everyday, where you can explore and experience your feelings, express them safely, and think about what living well really means for you

Counselling isn’t just about talking — it’s about building a safe, unique connection with your therapist. It’s about how we explore the world through your lens, understand how your past and present shape each other, and about finding ways forward that feel authentic and sustainable.

 If you feel ready to take the next step, or if you’re just curious about what counselling might feel like, reach out.

I’d love to hear from you, chat about your situation, and see how we might work together.

When you get in touch, I’ll arrange an initial, free 20-minute chat to explore what brings you to therapy and how I may be able to help.

At this stage, I’ll take some brief details and complete an initial assessment form. This helps us establish what you’re hoping to achieve from therapy.

Once we agree to move forward, we’ll schedule your first session and I’ll confirm this by email or text.

I’ll also send you some paperwork by email for you to look over. This gives you a chance to read it before we discuss it in your first session.

Sessions last 1 hour and take place in a safe, confidential setting.

What happens in the first session?

When you come for your first session, I’ll begin by welcoming you and taking some time to get to know what’s brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve.

We’ll go over how we’ll work, including confidentiality, session length, and any practical details, so you know what to expect. This is a 2-way process though – you may have a certain way of working or have specific goals you want to work towards. This is the time that we can discuss these things.

The first session is often more about understanding your story and what you’d like from counselling, rather than going more deeply into an issue straight away.

I may ask some questions to help me get a clearer picture of your needs and how I can best support you. It’s also a chance for you to see how you feel about working with me and to ask any questions you might have. Together, we’ll decide whether continuing feels right for you and, if so, arrange our next session or series of sessions.