Claire Padgett

I work in-person in Berkhamsted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I can also offer online. I have availability.  

About

As a therapist, I seek to support people through the difficulties that life can throw at us, and to see the possibilities that are often hidden from view. Together, it is a chance to reflect and better understand one’s experiences and patterns of behaviour.

I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, who come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. My starting point is that every client is an individual - made up of a tapestry of stories and experiences - from the past and the present.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´) and abide by their codes of ethics.

Experience

My clinical experience has covered themes including: relationship challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, bereavement, abuse, eating disorders, parenthood, fertility, sexual choices and more.

My qualifications include:

Advanced Diploma, Psychodynamic Counselling | The Counselling Foundation

Diploma, Psychodynamic Counselling | The Counselling Foundation

Foundation, Psychodynamic Counselling | The Counselling Foundation

BA Honours, History and Sociology | The University of Manchester.

I offer therapy sessions which take place in-person, at the same time and place each week, and last for 50 minutes. I can also offer these online. We can work with an open-ended approach, or with a focus and end date. The sessions are one-to-one. 

I am trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling, but I know that starting therapy can stir all sorts of feelings, so I work with every client as an individual and adapt the nature and speed of our work.

My approach puts you at the heart of each session. It is a weekly space to talk, explore and reflect; an opportunity to explore the different parts of yourself with curiosity and without judgement. We can notice behaviours or experiences affecting your life; discover how you have adapted in the past; and how you continue to adapt now.

Our therapeutic relationship is central to this. It is an opportunity to observe what goes on in the room between us - your responses and feelings - with someone whose aim is to understand you with openness and empathy. This can give us insights into how you behave and feel outside of therapy in your daily life and relationships.

After your enquiry, I will offer you a free initial call (up to 20 minutes) to get a sense of what brings you to therapy, and for you to get a feel for my approach. It is important that you feel safe to explore whatever you wish. 

If we decide to work together, then we will schedule our weekly slot and use the first session to better understand where you are now and where you have come from. This will be in the form of an initial consultation.