Ami Patel

I can currently offer counselling sessions on Monday 11am -3pm, Wednesday 10am- 8:30pm and Friday 10-8:30pm.  You are invited to my welcoming garden studio for face to face sessions or if an outdoors session is preferred then my outdoor therapy is based at Totternhoe nature reserve, these sessions are limited to daylight hours. I can be flexible and offer online sessions if face to face sessions can not always be attended.  

Welcome to my profile page, I practice as an Integrative humanistic counsellor, whereby I tailor my knowledge to best suit my client's needs. I am passionate in the work I do with my clients, my experience has led me to work with diverse groups of individuals from different walks of life. Some of my experience has come from working at numerous charities where I have counselled individuals from BAME communities, survivors of domestic violence and young adults experiencing mental and emotional health difficulties. I care about how each client is unique and I have the upmost respect for their individuality.

I work in an empathic, compassionate and holistic way, focusing on my client's overall wellbeing. I like to work in an authentic manner where we can create a unique therapeutic relationship where you feel heard. This will consist of a space that is non-judgmental, safe and genuine. 

The three main therapeutic approaches that I use at the core of my practice is as follows:

Person centered approach - providing an environment which is authentic, non-judgmental and confidential.

I combine techniques of Gestalt therapy and focus on body language such as bodily, vocal and facial expressions of the client, resulting to better self-awareness.

I am also influenced by Object Relational theorists whereby I may explore with the client their childhood and in particular the relationships formed to primary caregivers as these relationships can be replayed later in life with others.

I like to work in a creative manner when suitable and encourage clients to use different tools in therapy such as handouts, reading of extracts, art or toys. I encourage clients to explore their thoughts, feelings and actions freely and openly with no judgement. Counselling does not need to be looking at the negative and I will highlight the positive and strength in result creating a more whole picture.

The way I work is similar whether you choose to work with me indoors or outdoors. Outdoor sessions may be appealing for those who are naturally drawn to nature and feel most themselves in this space. Being outdoors can be helpful for numerous reasons such as for individuals who find communicating difficult feeling or maintaining eye contact hard, to find out more please visit my website. 

Before the first counselling session, I can offer a short call via telephone to discuss what brings you to counselling and any questions you may have for me, if from this call you feel comfortable and are happy to proceed, you will be invited for an initial consultation. The consultation can last up to 50 minutes and is an opportunity to meet in person, become familiar to the surroundings and to understand in more detail how the counselling maybe helpful. At the end of the consultation you may already have come to a decision or you may take a few days to think whether or not you would like to continue, if so we will then arrange our first counselling session. 

At our first counselling session we will take a few minutes to go through the counselling contract and from here we can then go onto our counselling session.