We don’t have to do it alone.
We were never meant to.
[ BRENÉ BROWN ]
Welcome
I am a fully qualified MBACP registered counsellor offering private counselling sessions just outside of Exeter, Devon.
I can offer you a confidential space filled with warmth and empathy where together, we will explore the feelings, thoughts, and relational patterns that have been causing you distress. I will support you to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage the impacts of your history, your environment, and your daily life.
My counselling style is more about encouraging self-acceptance as a good enough person than searching for perfection. It’s about finding self-compassion and quietening the inner critic.
I support people who want to find more acceptance in who they are, but feel blocked by self-criticism, fear, sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, or doubt.
I see myself not as an expert or someone with all the answers, but as a supporting guide who values and deeply respects who my clients are and the knowledge they already have within.
I am a grounded and real person who you will find relatable, easy to talk to and relaxed.
I tailor our work to meet your individual needs, progressing at a pace that suits you giving you time to build trust in me and the process. I will work alongside you to reach any goals you may have and help you on the road to greater emotional wellbeing.
My experience includes working with adults of any age on a broad range of issues including living with depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief, domestic violence and abuse, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, chronic illness, feeling isolated and hopeless, bereaved by suicide and personal, family and relationship concerns.
No matter what your reasons for seeking help now, this is a courageous first step and I would love the opportunity to work with you on overcoming life’s many challenges.
Please contact me to discuss your needs further.
I look forward to meeting you.
Life is a balance between holding on and letting go...
RUMI
Being heard – my own experience.
We all face challenges and difficult times in life me included. My own personal journey to becoming a counsellor began this way when I knew I needed to make some changes in my life.
The first step that I took involved becoming a devoted student of yoga, breathwork and meditation. While these practices were instrumental in helping relieve my distress I knew I needed to look deeper if I wanted to get to the root of what was keeping me stuck.
It was then that I saw a counsellor for the first time and discovered the incredible power of having someone not only hear me, but also guide me through a raw and honest exploration of what was actually driving my feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
From my own personal experience, I believe that when we dig deep and do the inner work, big shifts begin to happen, and we are able to reconnect with who we truly are. Supporting others on this journey is my absolute joy and honour.
I trained at the Ironmill College in Exeter and hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling - BACP Accredited.
I have further in-depth training in Bereavement, Grief and Loss and worked for Cruse Bereavement Care for a number of years.
As well as working in Private Practice I work for Safe Recovery in Exeter where I facilitate group work for Recovery from Domestic Violence and Abuse and offer counselling on a 1-1 basis.
I have been a Samaritan since 2016.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
I am trained in Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT which is also sometimes known as ‘Tapping’. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture, but without the needles. It involves gentle tapping with your fingers on specific points of the head and upper body while you think about your issue and voice your experience.
EFT is a safe, gentle and effective method for removing the charge of strong, emotional and physical pain. It’s also used to enhance positive and nourishing feelings too. I integrate EFT into my practice (if desired) alongside the usual talking therapy to gently clear the root causes of trauma symptoms, core issues, unhelpful behaviours and limiting/negative beliefs resulting in significant improvements in physical, mental and emotional well-being, and freedom from traumatic memory.
Yoga Informed Therapy
I have been practising yoga, meditation and breathwork for over 10 years and this body-based background has given me a deep understanding of the inextricable link between body and mind, which informs my counselling practice.
Yogic techniques naturally offer both improved mindfulness and greater emotional regulation, making it a perfect complement to psychological work if desired.
Learning is an ongoing process and I continue to develop and update my work through reading new research, having regular supervision, and attending further training, talks, workshops, and conferences.
I am a member of and abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Our work together will be held in confidence by me as detailed in these codes of practice.
I am fully insured, and I have an up-to-date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Fees & Terms
I offer a half hour initial session so you can meet me, ask any questions you may have and decide if you would like me to become your counsellor. The charge for this is £20.
If we agree to work together each individual session costs £45 and lasts for one hour.
Sessions take place once a week if possible or more often if required.
Payment to be made by cash at the session or by bank transfer at least 48 hours in advance of the session. I will send a link to make payment with appointment confirmation.
Cancelled sessions will be charged at the full price unless 48 hours’ notice of cancellation is given.
The results of our sessions have honestly been life-changing for me…"
Working with Judy gave me a chance to honestly explore issues I have been ignoring for years. She is patient and understands I needed to take things slowly. The results of our sessions have honestly been life-changing for me.
Anonymous, November 2018
...her support and gentle guidance…"
Judy’s compassion helped me find the courage to really look at areas of my life that I knew had been holding me back. I really can’t overstate how much her support and gentle guidance helped me to rediscover who I am and what I want.
Janine G, March 2019
She helped me realise that I had the power to make changes…"
Talking to Judy about things helped me see more clearly how past experiences had caused me to behave in certain ways and believe certain things. She helped me realise that I had the power to make changes to my life and her support has meant I’ve had the courage to actually make those changes.
Lee, July 2019
Get in touch
Please get in touch by email or call / text me on 07534 175 110. I will always try to return messages by the end of the next working day at the latest. My practice is based in the Estuary Clinic in Topsham just outside of Exeter. Free one-hour parking is available on Topsham High Street. There is also a car park by St Matthews Hall (EX3 0HF) and another on Holman Way (EX3 0EN). Topsham is easily accessible by train and the clinic is only a few minutes’ walk from the train station.
©JUDY GIBBONS COUNSELLING 2019