Stella King

Aylesbeare (Daytime hours)

Wednesdays (daytime hours). 

In person and Online 

I offer flexible, trauma-informed therapy for adults who want to step away from unhelpful cycles and towards a more intentional, empowered way of living. I believe that when we begin to understand our inner world, our experience of the outside world can also begin to change.

Imagine feeling like a” gentle, meandering river rather than constant whirlpools and rapids”, feeling released from some of the constraints that life and you place on yourself and beginning to live with greater intention and ease.

As an accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor, I'm curious about what shapes our relationship with ourselves, others and the wider world. Together we'll explore recurring patterns, protective strategies and the emotions beneath them, helping you develop greater self-understanding, choice and authenticity.

As we explore the "louder" parts of you that often shape your decisions and emotional responses, you may also notice the quieter chatter within, that has been harder to hear. At times, I may invite you to notice what your body is communicating and any subtle shifts you become aware of. Paradoxically, the more we shut down painful emotions, (often unconsciously) the more control they may have over us

I have a depth of experience supporting people with wide ranging concerns, (particularly life transitions, loss, illness, anxiety and depression and relationship issues). Being trauma informed means that I have completed extensive training in trauma theory and practice, and if trauma becomes part of our work, we'll move at a pace that feels manageable and safe for you. My aim is to create a relationship where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself, ask for what you need and know that we can slow down or pause whenever necessary

My own life experiences have deepened my appreciation of how adversity can shape us. Alongside my background, as a Registered Nurse and Oncology counsellor, they have strengthened my capacity for empathy, compassion and hope that change is possible

How many sessions

I provide both long and short term therapy. Most people prefer to meet weekly but occasionally, some choose to have fortnightly sessions. 

We have regular reviews to consider timescales that are appropriate for you.

I am also available for one off, longer sessions, please contact me for further details.

Cost

Each session lasts an hour and costs £70

Cancellation

There is no charge if cancellations are made with a minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment. I am flexible and will try to re-schedule when possible.

Qualifications

Registered and Accredited Member of the BACP 

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (2011)

Working with Trauma and triggers, BeeLeaf, London 2023 

PESI IFS Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, 2021

Trauma dissociation and recovery, Carolyn Spring 2016

Advanced Specialist Diploma in Relationship counselling 2015

Facilitating Cancer support groups 2014

CBT for Healthcare professionals (St Christophers 2014

From 2014 to 2024, I worked as an Oncology Counsellor at the Force Cancer Support Centre, Exeter, providing therapy for adults who were affected by cancer. I have experience of co-facilitating groups (The Younger women's breast cancer group, reflective practice for Therapists and Specialist nurses.)   

Previously I worked for almost three decades as a Registered Nurse (Emergency department, Cardiology, Haematology)

It can be challenging to find a counsellor who you are comfortable with, so I offer a phone assessment  which is free of charge or, alternatively, an in person meeting for up to an hour, at the usual cost of sessions.

I will take time to understand your reasons for seeking counselling, answer questions you may have and consider what you would like to gain through the sessions. I will be curious about you and may ask questions about your family, friends, interests, work, home, and relationships, which will provide some context for your situation. 

I will explain how I work and encourage you to take time reflect on this. If you feel that you would like to commit to further meetings then, I will offer you a contractual agreement to read and sign before the next session. If, however, I feel that you will benefit from a more specialist service, I will invite you to consider seeking such support.

EXETER on Tuesdays (daytime hours) 

AYLESBEARE on Wednesdays (daytime hours)

I offer flexible, trauma-informed therapy for adults who want to step away from unhelpful cycles and towards a more intentional, empowered way of living. I believe that when we begin to understand our inner world, our experience of the outside world can also begin to change.

Imagine feeling like a” gentle, meandering river rather than constant whirlpools and rapids”, feeling released from some of the constraints that life and you, place on yourself and beginning to live with greater intention, self acceptance and self awareness.

As a psychotherapeutic counsellor, I'm curious about what shapes our relationship with ourselves, others and the wider world. Together we'll explore recurring patterns, protective strategies and the emotions beneath them, helping you to align more fully with your true self

As we connect with the "louder" parts of you that shape your decisions and emotional responses, you may also notice the quieter chatter within, that has been harder to hear. At times, I may invite you to notice what your body is communicating and any subtle shifts you become aware of. Paradoxically, the more we shut down painful emotions, (often unconsciously) the more control they may have over us

I have a depth of experience supporting people with wide ranging concerns, (particularly life transitions, grief, illness, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship issues). Being trauma informed means that I have completed extensive training in trauma theory and practice, and if trauma becomes part of our work, we'll move at a pace that feels manageable and safe for you. My aim is to create a relationship where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself, ask for what you need and know that we can slow down whenever necessary.

My own life experiences have deepened my appreciation of how adversity can shape us. Alongside my background, as a Registered Nurse and Oncology counsellor, they have strengthened my capacity for empathy, compassion and hope that change is possible

How many sessions

I provide both long and short term therapy. Most people prefer to meet weekly but occasionally, some choose to have fortnightly sessions. We have regular reviews to consider timescales that are appropriate for you.

I am also available for one off, longer sessions, please contact me to discuss further.

Cost

Each session lasts an hour and costs £70

Cancellation

There is no charge if cancellations are made up to 48 hours prior to your appointment, those made later than that, may incur a fee. I am flexible and will try to re-schedule when possible.

Qualifications

Registered and Accredited Member of the BACP

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (2011)

Advanced Specialist Diploma in Relationship counselling 2016

Short courses

Treating complex trauma with IFS PESI, 2021

Working with Traumas and triggers, Beeleaf, 2023

Trauma, dissociation and recovery, Carolyn Spring 2016

Complex trauma and dissociation 2022

CBT for Healthcare professionals (St Christophers)

From 2014 to 2024, I worked as an Oncology Counsellor at the Force Cancer Support Centre, Exeter, providing therapy for adults who were affected by cancer. I have experience of co-facilitating groups (The Younger women's breast cancer group, reflective practice for Therapists and Specialist nurses.)

I Previously worked for almost three decades as a Registered Nurse (Emergency department, Cardiology, Haematology)

Our first session

It can be challenging to find a counsellor who you are comfortable with, so I offer a phone assessment which is free of charge or, alternatively, an in person meeting for up to an hour, at the usual cost of sessions.

This session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. It will be helpful for me to understand some of the details of your background and reasons for seeking support as well as what you hope to gain from counselling. 

I may ask further questions if it feels appropriate, about your family, friends, interests, work, and relationships, which will provide some context for your situation. I will take time to answer any questions you may have and give you a sense of how I work giving us both clarity on whether my approach is right for your needs.

I will encourage you to take time reflect on our introductory session. If you feel that you would like to commit to further meetings then, I will offer you a contractual agreement to read and sign before the next session. If, however, I feel that you will benefit from a more specialist service, I will invite you to consider seeking such support.