Welcome to
Harriet Doward Counselling
“It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens, how confusions that seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard”.
Carl Rogers
Making a commitment to counselling is a potentially life-changing decision which requires courage and trust so building a strong connection with your therapist is crucial. We will work together to find new perspectives by identifying and challenging old patterns and barriers to help forge change and move forward.
Do any of these statements ring a bell?
- You feel isolated with no one to talk to
- You are stuck in a rut you can’t get out of.
- You experience feeling ‘not good enough’ or that you don’t ‘fit in’.
- You are in a relationship where you don’t feel listened to or validated.
- You feel angry all the time.
- You feel anxious and are struggling with motivation
- You want to make sense of your past relationships with family, friends, siblings, partners.
- You have addiction issues.
- You may be diagnosed with ADHD or ASD and want to explore how best to navigate your life and relationships.
If you are new to therapy and are nervous about embarking on the journey, I offer a free initial 15-minute telephone consultation to give you the opportunity to discuss your issues and ask me any questions you may have to help you decide if you would like us to work together.
About Me
After a career spanning media, fashion and more recently pastoral care in secondary education I made the decision to train for a Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy. I found the experience life-changing both in a personal and professional capacity. Since qualifying I work in private practice and in a school setting as well as facilitating on a foundation certificate in counselling at The Albany Centre in St Albans.
I work with depression, anxiety, peri-natal depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, addiction, bereavement and self-harm. I have experience in working therapeutically with neurodiversity and have also developed a particular interest in the psychological impact of our school years which led me to pursue additional training on working with boarding school survivors.
I am currently training as a Creative Couple Worker at The Centre for Gender Psychology.
Individual Therapy
My role as your therapist is to provide a safe and empathic environment where you feel confident to share difficult issues without fear of judgement. I work with anxiety, depression, self-harm, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, anger, post-natal depression, addiction, trauma, and bereavement amongst others. My approach is rooted in Gestalt Therapy, which encourages a better understanding of how we relate to ourselves and others and the subsequent impact we carry both emotionally and physically.
Couples’ Therapy
Whether you're in a crisis and about to walk out ... if there has been an affair ... or the relationship has become boring, stuck in a rut ... couples’ therapy may be the answer.
I will work with you to help you understand the subconscious roots of your relationship difficulties; looking at what first drew you together, where you got stuck and how to move the relationship forward. My aim is to help you understand and monitor the way you and your partner have been interacting and provide you with a glimpse of a new path.
The Commitment
Therapy is a significant investment in yourself of time, energy and money. We are making a commitment to each other in deciding to work together.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
Directories
Sessions
Individual Therapy
Sessions are for a 50 minute ‘hour’ (the remaining ten minutes is set aside for note writing and reflection). My fee is payable by BACs on the day of the session.
The ‘hour’ belongs to you and I will be there for you whether you decide to attend or not. For example, if you arrive late, I will still be there although I will end the session at the normal time.
Couples Therapy
Sessions are for a 50 minute 'hour' (the remaining ten minutes is set aside for note writing and reflection). My fee is payable by BACs on the day of the session.
I am not able to conduct the session if only one of the couple attends.
If you arrive late, I will end the session at the normal time.
Guidelines
- If therapy is to be beneficial, it is important that you are available for your weekly sessions on a regular basis.
- If you cancel your session with less than 48 hour’s notice I will charge you the full fee for the missed session.
- Please attend your session ‘ready and able’ to work, i.e. not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Please understand that I am not an emergency service. If you need support urgently, please contact your GP or the Samaritans helpline.
Fees
Fees will be reviewed annually.
Individual Therapy
£68 online
£78 in person
I offer a free 15-minute phone assessment for additional questions.
Couples Therapy
£110 online
£130 in person
I offer a free 15-minute phone/video assessment for additional questions.