Low Cost Service
We know that for many, thinking about starting therapy isn't just an emotional decision - cost and affordability play an important part as well. We would like therapy to be available to as many people as possible, and so alongside our private practice, we also run a Commmunity Interest Company (Atlas Counselling and Support CIC) to provide low cost counselling, staffed by our trainee colleagues who are working to complete the practical element of their counselling qualifications.
The fee for this service is £20 per session - it is not means-tested, and you will not be asked to provide any financial details.
All our trainee colleagues have been approved as fit to practice by their college or university, and, as with our fully qualified practitioners, are members of a professional body, and undergo regular supervision to ensure they are working effectively with you.
If you would like to access therapy through this service, please let us know when contacting us. However, access to this service is at the discretion of St John's/Atlas Counselling and Support CIC - we will always aim to match you with a low cost counsellor when requested, but there may be times when we feel that a student does not have the necessary expertise to help you effectively. We would always aim to discuss the reasons for this with you, and help you find suitable alternative therapeutic support.
The Low-Cost ServiceTeam
Leela Kaelani
Trainee therapist
Available various days and evenings
Donnaree Christopher
Trainee Therapist
Available various days and evenings
TBC
Trainee Therapist
Available various days and evenings
Manda Preston
Amanda is studying for her level 5 diploma in therapeutic counselling. She is a student member of the BACP and uses a Person-centred approach to offer a non-judgement safe space for you to explore your feelings.
Trudy Hopkins
Trudy is a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), working towards her level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She works on a one to one basis with adults, using a Person Centred approach to support you in a safe, non-judgemental environment and to help you find your own solutions to problems that you're facing. Trudy works alongside her guide dog, who sits happily in the room.
Jackie Paterson
Jackie is a student member of the BACP who has recently completed the taught part her Diploma in
Therapeutic Counselling at Level 5. Her modality is integrative person-centred counselling. She
works on a 1:1 basis both face to face and on-line in a calm, safe, confidential and non-judgemental
environment enabling you the space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Lucy Price
Lucy is currently studying for her level 4 diploma in person centred counselling.
Lucy believes you are the expert of your own life but sometimes we need support to help us find our way. She will be there to work through whatever challenges you may be facing by offering a safe, non-judgemental space that will allow you to be heard.
Alexandra Rogers
Alex is currently working towards completion of her level 4 diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She is a student member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
Alex offers a calm, non judgmental, accepting environment. Allowing a safe confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings at your pace, supporting you to find your own answers to challenges you maybe facing.
Josephine Smith
Josephine is a member of the BACP and UKASFP, qualified in the use of solution focused therapy, and is working towards the completion of her Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Her personal experience of counselling, and the stigma surrounding mental health means that there is no right or wrong way for you to be in the session, only for you to be you, as you are, and how you feel at that time. Josephine works with adults on a 1-to-1 basis, either in-person or online.
Gemma Oakley
Gemma is a Student working towards her Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling. Her flexible and inclusive approach integrates the modalities of Transactional Analysis, Gestalt & Person-centred therapy. She understands that taking the first step in seeking counselling can be difficult, and feels passionate about offering a safe, no-judgemental environment where you can feel supported in exploring your thoughts and feelings. Gemma works with Adults on a 1 to 1 basis.
Lisa Taylor
Lisa is a student BACP member who has completed the academic side of her Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She works interactively with clients, using a person centred approach, and is passionate about her client work on a one to one level, face to face and online, in a relaxed, safe and non-judgemental environment.
With over 2 years of placement experience now Lisa truly believes that the client can be the facilitator in becoming the best version of themselves by offering a gentle and sensitive therapeutic relationship which she is proud to be a part of.
LeeAnne Ashman
LeeAnne is a retired teacher who has gone into the counselling profession, and is now in her final year of Therapeutic Counselling training. She is student member of the BACP. LeeAnne's studies have centred on being Integrative with her core belief lying in the Person Centered Approach - being non-judgemental and using active listening in an empathic environment. In a safe space and through trust, LeeAnne can build a talking relationship with you, for you to explore your feelings and thoughts in a confidential, supportive atmosphere.
