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.

Sometimes life throws more at us than we can manage alone. If you’ve found yourself here, then maybe you’re already exploring the possibility of support- and that’s something I can help with.

 I'm Samantha, an experienced counsellor, based in Newton Abbot and online. I work in a way that's professional but human, gentle but honest, in a space where you can show up as yourself. I don’t see therapy as something that's 'done to' you - it's a collaboration- something we do together. My role is to work alongside you, helping you explore and untangle what's confusing or painful, and find a way forward that feels safe and authentic.

 I'm experienced in working in a wide range of different areas, including: anxiety; stress; trauma; low self-esteem; difficulties with attachment and relationships; grief; life changes and transitions. My approach is integrative, which in practice, this means we may draw on different perspectives at different times, depending on what you bring and what feels most supportive for you. Some approaches focus on understanding emotions, others on patterns in relationships, thoughts, or past experiences. My role is to help make sense of these options with you and to work collaboratively to find what feels right.

I work initially a person-centred way, meaning I see our relationship as central to the counselling process-  my role is to meet you with openness, honesty and curiosity — to see and hear you, so you can feel understood and known. It’s a collaborative way of working, rooted in empathy and respect for your lived experience-these are the foundations of a therapeutic relationship that can help you with whatever you’re facing.

Sometimes it can take a while to feel comfortable with the counselling process, and it can feel risky to 'open up' in counselling. I understand this, so together, we’ll focus on what feels most important for you to explore, at a pace, and in ways that feel ok for you.

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.

 I can help you to navigate life’s changes and challenges, 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.