Philippa Hobden

Monday 09.00 - 11.00. Donations requested.

Monday 13.00 - 19.00

Tuesday 09.00 - 19.00

I remember my feelings when going to my first therapy session with a counsellor.  The feelings of fear about the unknown, what was going to happen, would I 'get on' with the counsellor, would my issues be seen as 'silly', could she/he make me feel better?  I realised after a few sessions of counselling, that I felt very safe with my counsellor.  She helped me through the traumas that had taken me to counselling, when I realised I was not coping well with my life.  The work we did together resulted in me, "swimming strongly and not drowning in the mire".  My counsellor encouraged me to become a counsellor, and four years later I qualified.

I aim to duplicate those feelings in working with clients, creating an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and non-judgementalism.

"Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked in his/her moccasins."  Sioux Indian Prayer

After retiring from full-time seconday teaching and moving into a counselling role, I combined both my skills working with children with SEMH (Special, Emotional and Mental Health issues).  

I also worked with general counselling issues having trained in Integral Therapeutic Counselling at Anglia Ruskin University, Colchester.   My course covered a wide range of therapeutic approaches including:  person-centred, psychodynamic,  transactional analysis, transpersonal, CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and creative work.

My further development  involved training and working at  a centre for rape and domestic abuse.  I also trained to work using  emotionally focused therapy with couples.  I am a member of BEFT (British Emotionally Focused Therapy) and ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellance in Emotionally Focused Therapy)

I specialise in working with addictive behaviours, anxiety issues, relationship issues, sexual assault and domestic abuse.

I charge £45 for individual sessions and £65 for couples sessions.

My qualifications include:

Certificate of Education

BA in Science

MA in Education

Diploma of Higher Education in Integral Therapeutic Counselling with Distinction

Certificate in Relationship Counselling

Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Having arranged our first session through telephone or e-mail contact I offer twenty minutes without charge to see if we are happy working together.  I can then listen to what brings you to counselling and we can see if my way of working fits with your expectations.  

I also offer face-to-face sessions at Tollesbury Congregational Church, CM9 8QD, on Monday mornings from 09.00- 11.00 which are open to all with donations requested.