Christine Anderson
Integrative counsellorAbout Me
I offer face to face counselling in central Faversham, and work with clients from all over the UK online. The thing I enjoy most about this work, is helping individuals strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. Life's big transitions, such as bereavement, redundancy, divorce or becoming a carer (to name but a few), can be exhausting, confusing and overwhelming. I help adults of all ages navigate these changes, but in recent years the majority of my enquires are from younger adults.
There's often a general expectation to achieve certain things by a certain age. This applies particularly to young adults and professionals. You may be thinking about establishing or changing a career, further education, exploring your identity, wanting a partner or more friends, starting a family or leaving a relationship, and all the while, responsibilities and commitments are increasing.
Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by crucial decisions, or you're stuck repeating patterns in relationships. Maybe you know something needs to change, but it's difficult to pinpoint what it is. This is also a time where past and painful experiences begin to surface, such as childhood neglect or trauma. With so much going on, you may begin to feel stuck or aimless, and have feelings of not being good enough.
I can help you find clarity by addressing the root cause of your concerns. We'll explore your past, especially if it affects your ability to make changes in the present, and we'll find ways to stop you becoming tangled in your thoughts. While the past is important it's what happens now that matters.
Although it's natural to be apprehensive about starting counselling (especially if you haven't been through the process before) the first session is mostly for you to get a sense of what it might be like for us to work together. At the end of the session I'll give you some information to take away, and if you need it, you can take a little time to think about it before setting up any more sessions. I put the client/therapist relationship right at the heart of the therapy, so it's important that you feel we'd be a good fit.
We’ll work at your own pace, and as you become more comfortable talking to me about your real wants and needs, and you will gain more self-compassion and the confidence to communicate those needs to others. Previous clients have often reported feeling lighter after sessions. They have also described my style as calming, and they've appreciated working things through from a warm place of acceptance.
Originally my background was in the Arts and Media. I've always been interested in the stories we tell ourselves and in helping people tell their own stories. My experience of being on the other end of the counselling process as a young adult led me to train as a counsellor. I learnt that counselling is an investment in future relationships. When you can be more fully yourself, you open the door to deeper connections with others, and the effects of that are surprisingly far reaching.
Locations
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
I offer a free 20 minute initial phone call, so please take that first step and get in touch to arrange. My practice is welcoming and inclusive to all.
Fees are £65 per per 50 minute session, whether online or face to face.
Training and qualifications
I hold a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling; courses that have been accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and as a registered member of the BACP I operate within their ethical framework. I'm committed to my own continuing professional development and I stay well informed of the latest developments within my field in order to enrich my practice. I also undertake regular supervision to ensure that I'm providing the best level of care to my clients.