Gavin Sapsed

I offer face-to-face and online counselling. It would be my privilege to welcome you to my home in KT4, or online, weekdays from 4pm, or Thursday and Saturday daytime, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hi, my name is Gavin, and I recognise the courage it has taken you to take this step and begin searching for a counsellor. It would be my privilege to be with you on the next steps of your journey towards healing and change.

Whether you are feeling anxious ,depressed, lost, hopeless, lonely, or stuck, I believe it is important to talk and share these uncomfortable emotions with a non-judgemental and empathetic person who genuinely cares about you and your healing.

Research shows that the most important factor in therapy is the relationship, and my aim is to offer a safe, welcoming, and confidential space where you can feel comfortable to discuss whatever feels important for you.

Feeling understood can be an important first step and I will support your capacity to be heard and slowly begin making the changes that you desire for yourself. As an integrative counsellor I tailor my approach to your individual needs.

Therapy is like a journey through the rolling countryside. At times we’re going to be in the dark depths of the valley, but I believe it is better to be sat there with someone’s support rather than struggling alone.

There will be occasions where you determinedly climb the hill, and I’ll encourage you however possible.

At the crest of the hill we’ll discuss which route you wish to take next, and that may mean more valleys.

My goal is to leave you on a path where the ups and downs are no longer as overwhelming, and you can appreciate the journey.

I recognise the importance of protecting ourselves from emotional pain and how we may be using a number of conscious and unconscious strategies to do this. However, over time, these strategies can become outdated and stop us from living our lives as we want, perhaps causing us further suffering and pain.

This may mean you experiencing low moods, including depression, feeling flat, hopeless, or lost. This can result in extended periods of low mood.

You may experience anxiety such as a persistent feeling of unease or distress, and even dread or panic. This may result in even the smallest tasks or interactions feeling daunting and unachievable.

Perhaps you struggle in your relationships and experience loneliness, feelings of betrayal, anger, or find yourself isolated.

Or you may focus your energies on personal goals that offer no long-term contentedness and leave you feeling not enough or judged.

Perhaps you find yourself undertaking harmful or compulsive patterns of behaviour as a distraction or for comfort, causing an added sense of shame, guilt, or frustration.

All of these strategies and emotions are valid and important, as they keep you safe. However, in an uncertain world full of changing demands these strategies can leave us feeling stuck.

My role as a counsellor is to listen and truly hear you, validating your emotions with genuine warmth and empathy, whilst promoting your safety and wellbeing.

Feeling understood can be an important first step and together we will heighten your capacity to be heard and to heal.

As you heal, I will support you to gain awareness and grow, empowering you to make the changes that you desire for yourself.

I offer a free, online, no obligation, 30 minute initial consultation. This is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about my service, and for me to understand what brings you to counselling and to discuss your hopes and expectations of our work together.

We can then mutually decide on the appropriate pathway forward.

If you are interested in beginning your journey of therapeutic change with me, I would be delighted to welcome you.