Claire Gittins

• Couples counselling & relationship difficulties

Relationships can be life's greatest source of comfort, but also one of its greatest challenges. I work with couples wanting to improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate life transitions or decide how to move forward together. I also support individuals to understand recurring relationship patterns, attachment and the impact of earlier experiences. 

Together we explore the patterns beneath the difficulties, helping you build healthier, more secure relationships. Most couples don't set out to hurt each other. They simply get caught in ways of coping that leave one person feeling unheard and the other feeling they can't get it right.

• Pregnancy, parenthood & loss

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 12 years working as a midwife. I support individuals and couples affected by fertility difficulties, IVF, miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth, birth trauma, pregnancy after loss, termination and the emotional challenges of parenthood. 

The emotional impact of fertility difficulties, pregnancy loss or becoming a parent can be profound, often affecting identity, confidence, relationships and emotional wellbeing. I offer a compassionate space to make sense of these experiences at your own pace. I also welcome partners and fathers, whose experiences of grief are often overlooked but equally deserve support.

• Acquired disability & chronic illness

Living with a disability or long-term condition can affect identity, confidence, independence, relationships and emotional wellbeing. As someone living with a neurological condition myself, I understand many of these challenges from both personal and professional perspectives. Whether you're adjusting to a diagnosis, coping with chronic pain or fatigue, or grieving changes to the life you expected, I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space to explore your experience.

I aim to offer a space where you can feel at ease enough to talk openly about whatever is on your mind. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, grieving, or simply trying to make sense of your experiences. Whatever brings you, I will meet you with care, curiosity and respect, so that you can feel heard and understood.

My approach is rooted in person-centred counselling, meaning I believe you are the expert on your own life. Rather than giving advice or quick fixes, I work alongside you, helping you explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences at a pace that feels right for you.

I don't see people as broken. We all develop ways of coping that make sense in the context of our lives, even if those strategies no longer serve us. Together we can begin to understand these patterns with curiosity and compassion, creating space for change where it feels helpful.

The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work. Feeling safe enough to be yourself, without fear of judgement, allows therapy to become a place for reflection, growth and healing. Where appropriate, we may also explore how earlier relationships and life experiences continue to shape the present.

I work ethically within the BACP Ethical Framework and engage in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development to support safe, effective practice.

I offer counselling online, by telephone, and in person from accessible therapy rooms in Inkberrow.

My fees are:

Online: £50 (individuals), £70 (couples).

In person (Inkberrow): £62 (individuals), £82 (couples).

Payments can be made via Stripe on my website, or a bank transfer.

I offer a free 30-minute introductory session, which can be booked through my website. This gives us an opportunity to meet, discuss what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and decide whether we feel we are a good fit before committing to ongoing work.

Before our first full session, I ask you to complete a brief assessment form. This helps me understand your circumstances, any relevant history, and what you hope to achieve from therapy, allowing us to begin safely and purposefully.

Our first session is an opportunity to explore your goals, discuss confidentiality and other practical aspects of counselling, and begin building a therapeutic relationship at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate and tailored to your individual needs. I regularly invite feedback throughout our work together to ensure therapy remains supportive, relevant and responsive as your needs evolve.

The first full session is charged at the same rate as all subsequent sessions.