Debbie Barnett

I currently offer counselling sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Sessions are usually arranged weekly at the same time, though I can discuss flexibility if your circumstances change.

At present, I have limited availability, but please get in touch to enquire about current spaces or to join my waiting list. I will always aim to reply to enquiries within 2–3 working days.

I am an experienced counsellor, supporting both young people and adults. From my earliest training, I recognised how powerful it can be to feel truly heard, and this has become the foundation of my work.

I will listen with warmth and respect, and together we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your pace. Whether you are a teenager navigating school and family pressures, or an adult facing the challenges of work, relationships and life, I offer a safe space where you can feel understood and supported.

Please feel welcome to talk to me about an initial consultation.

I offer counselling in person and online.

In person: Sessions take place in a private counselling room in Guildford town centre, providing a safe and confidential space.

Online: Sessions are available via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which can offer more flexibility and accessibility depending on your needs.

We can discuss together which option feels most comfortable for you.

Before booking counselling, I offer a free 30-minute introductory call. This is a chance for us to meet, talk through what you are looking for, and get a sense of whether working together feels like the right fit. You can also ask any questions about how counselling works, my approach, or practical arrangements.

If you decide to go ahead, our first full session will be more in-depth. We will spend time talking about what brings you (or your young person) to counselling, what you hope to gain, and how the sessions can best support you. I will also explain confidentiality, including its limits, and make sure you feel comfortable with the process.

I do not use formal assessments or questionnaires in the first session. Instead, I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where you can begin to feel heard and understood. If the client is under 18, I may meet briefly with a parent or carer at the start or end to agree boundaries and ensure clarity around confidentiality and safeguarding.

By the end of the session, we can decide together whether to continue with regular counselling. Some young people find short-term work helpful, while others prefer longer-term support. This is something we can review as we go.

The fee for the first full counselling session is the same as for ongoing sessions.