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.
Melissa Willis
Fully qualified and insured Bacp member Integrative Counsellor. I have worked within the Mental Health sector for over 13 years, 7 of these in the NHS
I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and caring space supporting you to explore, express and develop your experiences and understand your emotions in a safe and private environment.
Counselling can help with many difficult emotions, including low self-esteem, mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression, challenges within life such as work or in relationships, physical illness, stress, bereavement and other issues. I also specialise in childhood sexual abuse and historical trauma.
I offer a free, initial consultation to give you the opportunity to see if counselling is right for you, with no obligation to continue.
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.
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.
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.
Nikki Bailey
BACP registered counsellor offering short and long - term therapy to adults for a range of issues from everyday stress, through to anxiety, crisis, loss and trauma of various kinds..
Heartfelt and deeply authentic, I offer empathy and compassion, so that you feel heard, seen and felt, but also compassionate challenge - as I have found that deep transformational change comes from a balance of both.
My approach often integrates body (sensations/posture) and movement because trauma and attachment problems directly impact the body. Including body therapy work has the potential for deeper healing than just traditional talk therapy alone. I am currently undertaking training in sensorimotor psychotherapy , a somatic (body based) therapy for addressing trauma and attachment difficulties.
Overall, I work with a lens on equity, which to me means embracing diversity and inclusion in therapy, as well as actively reflecting on this.
Please contact me to arrange an introductory session to explore if we would be a good fit..
Georgina Lester
My name is Georgina, I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor and a member of the NCPS.
I offer both short and long term therapy to suit your needs. I am experienced in working with a variety of issues, especially those surrounding addiction.
My desire is to help people gain an understanding of their true selves in order to lead a fulfilling, authentic life.
Please contact me via phone, text or email.
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. .
Please contact me via phone, text or email.
Claire McConnachie
We come across all kinds of difficulties throughout our lives, and although we manage to deal with most, sometimes it can get overwhelming. You might know the reason you are looking for therapy and want someone to listen and support you to work through it. Or you might not know why you are struggling, either way, I am here to help you navigate your way through your journey, to a place of acceptance and understanding of your feelings, helping you find your way forward.
With you at the centre of our work, I create a safe and comfortable environment for you to talk freely and openly about whatever difficulties you're facing. I draw on a wide range of skills and the main theories of Integrative Therapy, so we can find a style that is right for you.
Karen Bowman
BACP Registered Person Centred Counsellor.
I am Karen, and I'm a person-centred counsellor offering empathy in a confidential, safe, non-judgemental space. I aim to truly hear you and your story, while gently challenging you to explore yourself more deeply. I have experience working with feelings surrounding life's complexities - anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss etc. I also have further training and experience in counselling for pregnancy issues and loss for men and women, being a cause close to my heart.
Each client and counsellor relationship is different, and taking the first steps into counselling can feel daunting, so take your time to choose. If you'd like to discuss things further with me then please send me an email and we can arrange a phone call. Together we can explore what you want from counselling in order to find the appropriate ways to help get you there.
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.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about our services, discuss counselling or to arrange to view the rooms for hire.
You can also call us on 07312088189 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to us first. We are happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
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