Clare Shardlow

I currently have availability late afternoons and early evenings. Times for these are from 6-7 for in person or 6-8 for telephone or video calls. I do have some earlier times available on Tuesdays.

I also offer some weekend appointments, these are generally from 3-6 pm for in person or 3-8 for telephone or video calls. 

The in person sessions are at House 7 in Tynemouth, North Tyneside. This is also wheelchair accessible. 

Thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Clare.  I am a Person Centred Counsellor, this means that I believe that you are the expert on your own life. My role isn’t to tell you what to do or judge the choices you’ve made. Instead, I offer you a safe, confidential and supportive space where you can talk openly and be listened to without judgement.

My approach is based on the belief that, with the right support and understanding, we all have the ability to grow and make sense of the things we’re experiencing. I will work at your pace, listening carefully to what matters to you and helping you explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that feels comfortable.

Where appropriate, I offer integrative counselling, this means that at times, with your agreement, I may introduce cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and/or Solution Focused Practise (SFP). I also use creative practices, again with your agreement, this can help you to express your emotions and also help you to process any difficult experiences. 

I also offer explanations (psycoeducation), sometimes it helps to have an understanding of what is happening and why you respond or react in stressful situations. 

Overall, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can safely explore your feelings, be truly listened to without judgement.

During our sessions, you can expect warmth, trust, honesty and acceptance. We’ll work together to understand what has brought you to counselling and what you would like to gain from it. 

Some sessions may feel challenging, while others may bring relief, clarity or a sense of being understood.

Most importantly, you don’t need to be a certain way when you come to me. You can be yourself. I’ll meet you where you are, and we can take things one step at a time.

We can discuss how many sessions you may like, this can be reviewed and changed as you desire. This is counselling your way. I offer both short term and long term counselling. 

What you share is treated with care and confidentiality, within the professional and legal limits that apply to counselling.

Our first session together will give you the opportunity to share what brought you to counselling, and to consider your goals, for example, what you would like to achieve. It is okay if you do not have any goals, you may simply want a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings. 

We will also go through a contract, for example, this is an agreement for us both on the days and times that we meet, confidentiality, and preferred contact methods. 

Your first session in an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little, for you to see if I am the right fit for you.