Are you reaching out because you’re struggling with emotions, relationships or big questions such as identity or life direction? Would you like to feel better, have clarity, turn your life around and feel more confident?
Hi, I’m Frances and I’m a Counsellor based in Beggarwood, near Dummer (in south west Basingstoke), I offer a safe, empathic environment for you to explore any issue that troubling you. I tailor the way I work to each individual and work in person, online or in your home.
I’m an Integrative Counsellor with over 10 years experience working in mental health. Please explore my site to learn more about me and how I work; if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Society can sometimes make us feel as though it’s not ok to talk about our feelings, perhaps there’s a fear of opening up about our struggles as we may appear weak. But that’s not true—there’s huge strength in what you’re doing, looking for help by searching for a counsellor is really positive.
You may experience some ambivalence about taking the next step but research has shown that counselling is effective in supporting people as they face life’s challenges.
If you’re looking for a Beggarwood counsellor, look no further.
I’ll offer you safety where you’ll be able to explore any subject. By talking we’re able to gradually uncover sources of pain, shame, loss, regret, disillusionment, fear—nothing is off the table.
I primarily work in a person-centred way which means you’re in the driving seat, the pace of the counselling is in your hands; I walk alongside you, not in-front nor behind.
The idea behind counselling is that you have time spent focusing solely on you. This means you have time to explore issues that might usually (in the business of life) get ignored or covered up. In doing this, you’re more likely to be able to live a more fulfilled, authentic version of yourself.
I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we work together to explore any aspect of your life that’s troubling. Counselling is primarily about talking, my role is to enable self discovery, greater awareness and understanding so that progress can be made towards anything you want to achieve.
While I would always advocate in-person counselling, the pandemic has shown us that online counselling works well for the right client in the right circumstances.
Online counselling may be appropriate if:
Home visits can be most appropriate for clients who’re unable to leave their home. I feel passionately about offering in-person counselling to this client group. I offer counselling within the client’s home provided I can carry out a risk assessment.
I primarily work in a person centred way, this combines unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to build a relational style of working. I recognise that the client’s agenda needs to be central to the work. I also incorporate elements of other theories including existential (answering the big life questions) and compassion focused therapy when appropriate to the work.
Use my contact form to ask any further questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. You can have a free, no-obligation initial consultation; we’ll discuss how counselling works, what you want to get out of counselling and whether I’m the right counsellor for you.
Continuing Professional Development including the following topics:
I use social media for work but I will not search for or ‘follow’ clients on any platforms. If you follow me and things you read raise questions for you, do feel free to ask me about them in our sessions. I won’t always reply to comments on social media posts but we can always talk about anything that comes up for you when we next meet.
Friendships and counsellor-client relationships are very different so it would be unhelpful to counsel friends or people I know personally. If you would like to refer a friend to me, please do, I’ll consider each on a case by case basis.