About Me
Hello, I am Claire. During counselling you can expect me to listen with empathy, non-judgment, warmth and openness. In a safe and confidential space, you can explore the topics and life challenges you bring to the session, in your own time.
I believe that building a mutually trusting relationship is at the core of successful therapy, making a human connection is vital to give you the most benefit.
How I Work
I work primarily in a humanistic Person-Centred way. However, I will work in ways that adapt to you. For example, I may use creativity, breathing and relaxation techniques or we may discover that tools from Transactional Analysis (TA) would be relevant and beneficial. I also offer Walk and Talk/ outdoor sessions as the natural world is a therapeutic goldmine for many. In every case, I am guided by you. You are the person who knows you best in the world.
I value the variety of human experience - every person is unique. I welcome all genders, sexualities and neurotypes. My therapy rooms are as sensory-considerate as possible. I embrace the spirituality of different traditions, cultures and faiths.
Quick History
My first degree was in Illustration. I have always been interested in expressing myself creatively, through drawing, painting, and writing. I recognise the innate need in all of us to express ourselves in a variety of ways.
I worked as a freelance illustrator for a while and then in retail, office-based roles and hospitality. Throughout my life though, I kept coming back to one thing: connection. I had a ‘lightbulb moment’ whilst putting away socks one day; I could use my passion and ability to make meaningful connections. I knew then that I wanted to be a counsellor and/or psychotherapist. My own experiences of therapy have been transformative. I felt that to study psychotherapy and offer that service to others would be an honour.
“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.”
My path to reaching my goals has not been straightforward and linear, as the most important paths never are. Life events (and pandemics!) can make that path wiggle a bit; life happens! However, by learning to embrace acceptance we keep moving forward. I am always continuing to seek new opportunities to improve myself and increase my skills. I can often be found on CPD courses. In my work, my focus is firmly on how best to support and serve my clients.
When I am not counselling, I enjoy many things including walking, swimming, spending time with friends and family and being creative.
I am
Fully Qualified - Level 6 Diploma in Counselling
Member of the BACP
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Fully insured for Professional Liability
Cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Arbor Counselling
You may wonder, why my practice is called ‘Arbor Counselling’? Simply, the Latin root of arbor means ‘tree’. In modern use, the word arbor means a natural or human made arch, structure or enclosure covered with living climbers, plants or trees or a clearing in a forest. Further meanings describe a supportive frame on which vines grow, the spindle of a wheel and the mast of a ship – all very strong imagery relating to growth, strength, support and branching out.
For many of us, the comfort of being held, sheltered and surrounded by nature is something we crave. It may be on an unconscious level, but it is an ancient requirement for wellbeing. For clients to feel held and supported in a safe and confidential space during their counselling journey is exactly what I aim to cultivate, whether indoors or outside.
