Our Therapists
Susan Aston
Fully qualified and insured Counsellor, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and founder of Barnstaple Counselling and Wellbeing.
I am a member of the Bacp, my core approach is integrative and person centred. Professional, genuine, grounded. Counselling offers a neutral space to tell your story, your experience in your own words, to be listened to without judgement, a time to talk, a time to think, a time to process how you feel.
My counselling experience is working alongside adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, autism, low self esteem, trauma, abuse, adverse childhood experiences, those who are caring for another family member, change, transition and loss.
Ben Trafford
Sports Massage Therapist. Our aim is clear, to provide you with precision therapy for optimal performance.
Using industry leading techniques, with a simple approach to complex issues, getting the best possible results on the day. Specialising in posture correction, lower back pain, sciatica, shoulder, neck and elbow pain.
Aiming to reduce and eliminate pain, increase range and quality of movement, creating the best possible environment for healing and recovery.
Caroline Bailey
Fully qualified and insured Bacp member Integrative Counsellor.
I am a qualified Person Centred, Emotion Focussed Therapeutic Counsellor for adults. If you are struggling with anxiety and or depression, I can support you to explore your feelings, make sense of any challenges you are facing and find your sense of 'self' again.
I have lived experience and have worked alongside people from different walks of life within counselling and social care for the past 30 years. As well as private practice, I am a High Intensity Counsellor with the NHS Talking Therapies Service, with particular interest and specialism in depression, anxiety and supporting people (or families) living with neurodivergence.
Joanne Braker
Hi, Thank you for taking the time to seek the support that you are looking for. I'm Jo and am both a qualified Integrative Therapist and Dramatherapist (registered with the HCPC and British Association of Dramatherapy).
As a therapist I am focussed on the importance of the therapeutic relationship to support the needs of the individual, enabling you to build safety and trust, to be able to share and explore your experiences.
I am person focussed - meaning I take my cue from the individual, their interests and what they bring. I am able to draw on a range of theories and use a spectrum of creative arts including art, music and sand tray, to enable the individual to make connections and find a way in to exploring and understanding the issues they come with.
I have substantial experience in working with children and adults. I have experience in CAMHS, schools, residential children's homes, post adoption, trauma and neurodivergence. I am experienced in supporting adult mental health in patient, charity and parental support experience and am trauma informed.
Taking the first step to come to therapy can feel big and I appreciate the challenge in taking this first step.
During our initial, no obligation session we will take the time to get to know each other and explore why you are seeking therapy.
We will have a general chat about how I work, discuss the approach that best suits your needs and determine whether we can work together in a therapeutic way.
Mark Drage
A fully qualified Integrative Counsellor (MBACP) for adults and young people
Hi, I am an Integrative Counsellor, meaning I can practice in a variety of different ways to best suit what you feel is the most effective. I am a calm, steady, warm and empathic counsellor who will be by your side, helping you to feel seen and heard without judgement. Perhaps you have not had the chance to truly open up before?
I will be there to support you to explore what may be troubling you, perhaps to make sense of your world or maybe to change aspects of it. Perhaps you feel stuck and want things to be different? Take that first step. Drop me an email with your contact details for an initial free 15-minute phone consultation to help us decide if we are right for each other.
Rachel Lewis
I am an accredited psychotherapist, a pluralistic counsellor, qualified to work with young people (8-18) and adults. I use a range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring each session to what is most helpful for you in the moment. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, feeling different, or dealing with difficult experiences like grief or trauma. I know it can feel hard to talk about these things, but you don’t have to do it alone. With my own experience of being LGBTQIA+ and having ADHD, I understand how important it is to feel accepted for who you are, and you can always be sure of empathy, openness, and understanding from me.
Alongside my private practice, I support survivors of domestic abuse for Waves Counselling Project and counsel children and young people in a North Devon school. I am also trained in grief counselling with Cruse. I hold an enhanced DBS and am fully insured. My approach is warm and supportive, giving you space to talk, explore and find your own way forward. If this resonates with you, I’d be glad to hear from you.
Sara Van Vliet
I work with adults and young people and have experience working with clients whose trauma from domestic abuse has impacted their lives. (Whether it is current or historical). I also work with a wide range of clients experiencing difficulties, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and loss. I hold a BA Hons degree in integrative counselling. I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I regularly attend workshops, CPD learning and seminars to stay updated on the latest therapeutic techniques and best practices. I love young people, and their well-being and mental health are of the utmost importance to me. I have worked with special guardians and parents who have struggled with life and parenting.
People bring many emotions and issues to me, and my approach to therapy is integrative, tailoring it to the individual needs of my clients. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, to create a personalised treatment plan. This allows me to address the unique circumstances and goals of each client, fostering a supportive and flexible healing environment. By integrating different techniques, I aim to empower clients to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies. My clients can explore and express their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I believe it is important to work collaboratively with my clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.
I offer a free 30-minute informal consultation; an opportunity to meet with me, find out more about my approach, and then decide if you feel comfortable working with me as your counsellor.
Abuse, Addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Health related issues, Infertility, Life coaching, Loss, Menopause, Men's issues, Personal development, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Service veterans, Sex-related issues, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Substance Dependence, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues.
CBT, Creative therapy, Existential therapy, Family therapy, Gestalt, Humanistic, Integrative, Person-centred, Phenomenological, Play therapy, Psychodynamic, Relational, Transactional analysis, Transpersonal.
Adults, Couples, EAP, Families, Groups, Older adults, Organisations, Trainees, Young people.
Home visits, Long-term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Outdoor therapy, Short-term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work.
Keira Keenan
I am a Child and Educational Psychologist working in the field since 2012.
In the past I have worked predominantly in school-based practice, assessment of need and intervention planning. I now work in a therapeutic capacity with children and young people, to support their social and emotional well-being. I use a range of creative approaches such as drawing, games and play to create a safe and engaging space for your child or young person to express themselves. I apply principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution Focussed Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Person Centred Therapy (PCT) to work towards positive outcomes.
Finding appropriate support, that is a 'good match' can be a challenge. I therefore offer a free 15-20 minute online/in person session to explore how we can work together, with no obligation to continue.
Jill Keech
Advanced Dip.TA (psych) UKCP Trainee Member
Life can be complex, and at times, we all need a safe, supportive space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. As an experienced psychotherapist in advanced clinical training, with a background in pastoral education, I offer a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can speak freely and be truly heard.
I hold a Certificate in Counselling and have completed four additional years of formal training in relational TA psychotherapy to Master’s degree level.
I have several years of experience working with individuals in educational and clinical environments, including the NHS and various mental health charities.
This background has provided me with an awareness of individual differences among people. I know that no two people are the same. We each carry our own stories, shaped by relationships, experiences, and patterns that may no longer serve us. Sometimes, these patterns can leave us feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward.
My approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. I will listen with empathy and without judgement, working alongside you to make sense of your experiences and emotions. We will explore the underlying issues that may be holding you back and, together, create a new story for you.
Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, or simply a feeling that something isn’t quite right, I’m here to support you to make sense of it.
I have a room at Barnstaple Counselling and Wellbeing, located in central Barnstaple for in-person consultations, which is my preference, although I am potentially open to online work if the location is not convenient.
Payment is by cash or bank transfer at a rate of £50 per 60-minute session. A concession rate may be applicable depending upon eligibility.
If you’re ready to take the first step, I invite you to get in touch for a free first-time non-obligatory consultation to ensure we’re a good fit.
Contact me by email in the first instance or by phone.
Let’s begin the conversation!
Toby Longin
Hi thanks for looking at my profile
I’m an Integrative counsellor based in North Devon who enjoys working with adults and young people. I have a private practice, work in a school and volunteer at a local mental health charity. I have over twenty years experience in helping people with addiction. I believe that deep within us all is a place of peace and equilibrium that becomes obscured by life’s difficulties and how we’ve been treated. It’s a privilege and a joy to help someone find that place and watch them change and enjoy life again.
Jen Jefferies
Hi, I'm Jen and I'm here to listen. Thank you for reaching out.
I'm a humanistic integrative counsellor offering you confidential, authentic and non-judgemental support. Through working together within talk therapy, our focus will be to help you through your troubles and explore ways of enhancing your wellbeing.
My counselling journey started when I experienced the onset of early perimenopause at the age of 39 with minimal local support available. The experience of anxiety, panic attacks, aches and pains contributing to health anxiety, sleeplessness, and so on, with no one to validate as normal was terrifying, that's when I chose to help others through talk therapy. And, as my studying progressed, I discovered a passion in diversity, LGBTQIA+ communities and varying cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs.
My experience includes counselling within a private nutritional therapist company, specialising in menopause, and within a local diversity charity.
I welcome all, offering a safe, fair, and respectful space to be you with no judgements.
I accept you and all that you are, I respect you and all that you are, I offer empathy to you and all that you are, and I will be genuine and authentic to you and all that you are.
I am a Registered Member (MBACP) of the BACP and I'm fully committed to the Ethical Framework, ensuring every individual is treated equally and with
dignity.
I offer a free 20 minute introductory call or Zoom session, please feel free to pop me a message or call to arrange this.
Thank you
Jen
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me (Susan Aston) if you have any questions about our services, discuss counselling or to arrange to view the rooms for hire.
You can also call me on 07312088189 if you would prefer to talk, or please leave a message. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours Monday to Friday and uses secure phone and email services.
If you are in urgent need of support please contact your G.P. phone 111 or Samaritans 116 123
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