About Me
Claire Needham MSc GMBPsS
​ Making the decision to seek counselling is not always a simple one - and can be for many different reasons. Sometimes clients are clear as to why they are seeking therapeutic support, and sometimes the reasons feel more veiled – with just a sense that something isn’t quite right. Whatever your reasons might be, I can offer a safe space in which to explore the difficulties you are currently experiencing and that may be impacting your wellbeing and mental health.
​ I provide a confidential, non-judgmental, warm and collaborative environment to explore and make sense of who you are, in relation to both your current and past circumstances, and the difficulties you are encountering. As an experienced integrative, relational psychotherapist, I am able to adapt my ways of working therapeutically to best support you as an individual.
My fundamental approach is person centred – which allows for an integration of Jungian, psychodynamic and existential modalities – whilst working within a phenomenological, and ‘parts’ of ‘self’ framework. My aim is to support you in expanding a sense of who you are, in relation to your life’s story.
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My way of working is to facilitate an open, equal and trusting relationship to talk about what feels important to you, and at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We might at times explore relevant psychological concepts that may aid a better sense of the difficulties you have been experiencing, whilst also reframing your sense of self through a more compassionate lens. I believe my clients have a deeply intuitive understanding of themselves - where the freedoms and agency to express your needs, hopes and preferences are warmly welcomed and encouraged. I offer honesty, empathy and sensitivity, to enable a more integrated sense of yourself to emerge.
Training, Qualifications and Experience
Training and Qualifications
Master of Science (with Distinction) - Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
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BACP - Counselling Young People
I maintain continued Professional Development, attend regular supervision and adhere to UKCP's ethical framework, of which I am an accredited registered member. I am also an accredited member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Experience
As well as working as a Psychotherapist in Private Practice - I have had many years of experience counselling clients in community settings:
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Counselling in the Community
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Clinical Manager
Concurrent to working in private practice, I also clinically manage the counselling team within a community counselling service.
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Past Experience
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NHS
Multi-disciplinary mental health team, supporting patients managing difficulties associated with having a Personality Disorder.
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Educational settings​
Supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people and young adults within educational settings.
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What I offer

Committing to counselling can be a big decision – therefore, if you decide to contact me, we can arrange an initial online meeting (approx. 30 minutes long) which is free of charge and carries no obligation to continue.
This will allow the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss the reasons you have sought counselling at this time. We will also discuss the Client Agreement, which explains the counselling relationship, fees and confidentiality.
We can then arrange next steps if you decide you would like to continue with ongoing sessions.

I offer both short and long term counselling for adults. The duration of therapy is dependent on your individual needs and preferences.
Ongoing Sessions
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We will meet at the same time each week, at an agreed time. The duration of each session is 50 minutes.
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I have availability for daytime and evening sessions and offer both face-to-face and online talking therapy.
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Fees:
For a 50 minute session the fee is £65
*I have limited spaces with concessions for students - which can be discussed when arranging an initial meeting.
My Practice space

Some of the issues I can help with
Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma and Abuse
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Autism/neurodivergence
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Self-esteem and self-worth
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Life transitions:
Young adulthood
Menopause
Mid-life
Latter years
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Bereavement and loss
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Relationship issues:
Intimate
Family
Social
Addiction
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Eating Disorders
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Chronic conditions:
Illness
Stress
loneliness/isolation
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Work related challenges
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