Jane Abbott

I have over 16 years experience of working specifically with older children, young people and young adults age 11-25. I have worked in a number of secondary schools, university and private practice. I have always enjoyed working with young people and feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity. I call myself an Integrative Counsellor and my practice is informed by different counselling approaches, I am able to work flexibly to meet the needs of each individual client. I believe that one of the most important aspects of counselling is the relationship between the counsellor and client. In order to establish and develop that relationship, I try to be non-judgemental, empathic and genuine. I aim to see the client’s feelings, circumstances and issues from their point of view and feel it is extremely important to listen the young person. I have found that we rarely listen fully to one another and the affirmation of having been listened to cannot be underestimated. I work collaboratively with whatever the client wishes to talk about. I try to help the client gain an understanding of their feelings, the reasons they came to see me and explore possible ways forward.

I am originally from Scotland and have lived in Wales for over twenty years. I am a warm, considerate and empathic person with a good sense of humour. I initially went to art school and taught in schools and colleges before training to become a counsellor. Since qualifying in 2005 I have had the privilege of counselling people of different ages and from many walks of life. I have worked with people in middle age, who have retired, young people at the start of their working lives, people about to become a parent/s, students and adolescents in and out of school, universities and colleges. I worked as a counsellor in schools and higher education for many years. As well as working with people from the UK I have extensive experience of working with clients from different cultures with different believes e.g. South East Asia, India, the Middle East, the Far East and various countries in Africa. Many of these clients live, work and study in the Uk as well as live in their home countries. I help client’s with a range of concerns and problems such as relationships, people questioning their sexuality, depression, abuse, bereavement and ill health to name just a few. 

I was trained as an Existential/Humanistic Counsellor but describe myself as an Integrative Counsellor which means my practice is informed by different therapeutic approaches adapted to meet the client’s individual needs. I aim to offer a safe, warm and empathic space in which to explore the clients reasons and feelings for coming to see me. It is very important that I see the client’s feelings, reasons and circumstances from their point of view. I believe the client is the expert of their own experience. I try to be non-judgemental, genuine and empathic and see the counselling relationship as one of the most important aspects of counselling. I see the relationship as a partnership where we work collaboratively to determine the most effective way forward. I work holistically and see the client as a whole person, I/we consider their emotions, thoughts, behaviours, physical health and social circumstances . Through periodic reviews I remain flexible to any changes.

I understand people can often be anxious and uncertain at the prospect of their first counselling session. At the beginning of the session I will introduce myself and explain confidentiality and it’s limit: what is shared in the session, stays in the session unless I feel the client at risk of harm to themselves or others. I will explain the first session is for the client to see if they are comfortable talking with me and I will briefly explain the Integrative Counselling approach and how it can be tailored to the client’s needs. I will ask throughout the session if the client has any questions. We will then explore the client’s reasons for seeking counselling and what the client hopes to gain from the counselling process. If possible I will ask some questions e.g. personal history, relationships, work, family life, health and previous experience of counselling. Towards the end of the session we will outline what the client may wish to discuss and explore in possible future sessions. I will then happily and answer any final questions and concerns.