Shelley Walker

I work with adults who may appear to be coping well on the outside, but underneath feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in familiar patterns, or unsure why life doesn’t feel quite right.

You may be someone who is used to getting on with things, supporting other people or appearing capable, while privately feeling anxious, exhausted, not good enough, or caught in ways of thinking and relating that are difficult to shift.

My approach is relational and integrative, with a strong attachment focus. I’m interested not only in what has happened to you, but in how earlier experiences and relationships may continue to shape the way you see yourself, relate to others and respond to the world around you.

I draw particularly on attachment, psychodynamic, person-centred and existential thinking. I don’t work from a fixed formula. Instead, I adapt the work to you and pay attention both to what you bring into the room and to what develops between us.

For me, insight is important, but insight alone is not always enough. The therapeutic relationship can offer an opportunity to notice familiar patterns as they emerge, understand them more deeply and gradually experience different ways of relating to yourself and to others.

I have a particular interest in neurodiversity and the often unseen impact it can have on individuals, relationships and family life. My MA research explored the experiences of fathers raising autistic adolescents, including themes of identity, responsibility, uncertainty and the emotional demands of parenting.

I hold an MA with Merit in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and also work therapeutically within NHS primary care.

I offer individual counselling and psychotherapy to adults in Surbiton and online.

People come to me for many different reasons, including anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship and attachment difficulties, bereavement and loss, life transitions, recurring patterns, caring responsibilities, burnout and the impact of neurodiversity on individuals and family relationships.

You do not need to arrive with a clear explanation of what is wrong. Sometimes the starting point is simply knowing that something does not feel right, that you are tired of managing everything alone, or that the same difficulties keep repeating.

My style is warm, engaged and collaborative. I am not a passive therapist who simply sits and listens. I will think with you, laugh with you, ask questions and, where it feels helpful, gently explore patterns that may be difficult to see from the inside. 

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call so that we can briefly discuss what has brought you to therapy and whether working together feels like the right fit.

My private practice is based in Surbiton, with online sessions also available.