Samantha Edwards

Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 2.30pm

Fridays from 10am to 8pm

I also offer online sessions in the evenings and weekends to suit your personal needs and requirements.

Psychotherapist, Mental Health Advocate, Public Speaker, BSc & MA (Psychology), PGDip (Psychotherapy), MÂ鶹ԭ´´

I am a qualified and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MÂ鶹ԭ´´) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework. This ensures that I work ethically and provide a service that is in the best interests of you, my client. As well as qualifications in psychotherapy, I hold a BSc (Hons) and MA in Psychology from Bangor University. During my time at University I majored in Risky Behaviour, Drug and Alcohol addiction, mental health and duel diagnosis.

I offer an Integrative approach to counselling and draw on a range of various counselling theories and techniques to accommodate the individual needs of each client. If the way we are working together doesn't feel like it's addressing your needs, I can suggest alternative ways of working together to make sure you receive a service that you feel is helpful to you. I believe that each individual will have their own personal requirements and so with this in mind, my primary modality will always be Person centred. Person centred therapy is based on the view that everyone has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change, given the right conditions. I will work with you to ensure you are supported and nurtured throughout the therapeutic process in a safe and confidential manner.

I have experience and specialist training in the following areas;

Rape and sexual abuse, overdose prevention, motivational interviewing, communication skills, emotional intelligence, risk management, public speaking, conflict resolution, mental health awareness, social care standards, challenging behaviour, drug and alcohol awareness, self-harm first aid, and suicide awareness.

I have almost 20 years experience working in Mental Health and addiction. I am a motivational speaker and have had the opportunity to speak at many high profile events including TEDx and training days.

I work alongside you in a safe and confidential manner to help guide and work with you to overcome the challenges that you are facing. I do so without preconception, without judgement and with a genuine willingness to listen and understand. Your safety and well-being is my highest priority. Within my work I adhere to the Core Conditions, they are:

Empathy

If you have lost a loved one, and later in life a friend confides in you that they have just lost a loved one, you can almost be certain that the feelings you have towards your friend include empathy. This is much deeper than sympathy, when a person feels empathy for another, what they are actually doing is feeling just as that person is feeling. They are metaphorically putting themselves right into the shoes of that person and feeling the same emotions, the same pains, the same fears, the same thoughts, the same worries. To empathise with someone is to feel that persons feelings on a much deeper level than simply listening.

Congruence

Congruence is the ability to be genuine and open. If you were to enter a room whereby you were asked to share your most inner feelings, would you feel comfortable doing so if the person listening to you was wearing a clown’s mask? (probably not). To be congruent, you must be yourself, no masks, no lies, no fears of judgement. If a client can see that the counsellor is genuine and honest, they themselves will feel able to open up in a genuine manner too.

Unconditional Positive Regard

This describes the ability to look beyond every human flaw, every bad deed or disagreement, and treat a person with total respect love and value regardless of who they are or what they have done, what they believe or what they stand for. I believe a good counsellor has the ability to look into the eyes of their client, and deal with the client in that moment- no expectations, no judgement, no hatred, no conditions, just simple love and respect for a fellow human being regardless of flaws and faults.

Going into a therapy session for the first time can feel like a daunting experience but can also feel relieving knowing you are one step away from accessing the provision you are seeking.

Our first session is more of an introduction than a deep dive so please rest assure you are in safe hands. On arrival you will be greeted by myself and offered a refreshing drink and the opportunity to take a seat. Initially I will explain the process of psychotherapy and ask if you have any previous experience of counselling. I will ask questions about your background, current concerns, and what brought you to therapy. This is an opportunity to tell me the important things you feel you need to get off your chest and find some relief.

We will discuss practicalities such as;

Confidentiality

Number of sessions you feel you may need

Length of sessions

You will be given an opportunity to open up at a pace that suits you and together we will find a modality of therapy that will work best (this can always be revisited and altered if needed). You do not need to share everything right away, it's ok to take your time, I am here to listen without judgement and create a safe and supportive space where you can begin to feel seen and heard.

We will discuss any concerns you may have and i will do my best to ensure you are comfortable and happy with the service provided.

You will be given the opportunity to discuss any issues you have and will be given my contact card in case of emergency or if you need to make alterations to future sessions. 

My office is located discreetly within a building on the high street and there is adequate parking available. There is also a train station and bus route available within a two minute walking distance as well as shops and outlets where you can purchase food and drinks. I also have a restroom for your convenience.