Counselling in Seaton
My Practice, Counselling South West, is in Axminster, 7 miles from Seaton. Seaton sits on Lyme Bay, a 96 mile stretch of coastline which is the East Devon & Dorset World Heritage site. It is on the eastern edge of Axmouth harbour and the River Axe – the delightfully unspoilt river which wends its picturesque way down from Axminster where I have my private counselling practice, Axe Valley Counselling.
It is just 7 miles away from Seaton so within easy reach and there is parking on the road outside my counselling practice or nearby. The Undercliff walk (made famous by the book and film, The French Lieutenants Woman) goes from Seaton’s Axmouth harbour to Lyme Regis. The story is about lost loves, passion, blighted relationships and separation due to personal issues and social pressure. Although the social and family prejudices and pressures have changed, difficult personal relationships cause as much distress today as they did back then.
Welcome to Counselling South West
If you are feeling in need of counselling, I offer experience, confidentiality and a comfortable, safe environment with a relaxed atmosphere. My expertise is in relationship counselling, couple counselling and individual counselling and the various issues which arise from these. My clients say they are surprised at how quickly they can relax and feel confident even if it is the first time they have had counselling, and they feel able to discuss their problems without feeling criticised or judged.
About Me
I have spent 20 years specialising in couple and relationship counselling and individual personal counselling. I trained with Relate and still work for them but now mainly work in my private practice where I offer flexible working hours in a comfortable environment. My practice in Axminster is easily accessible from Seaton and surrounding towns and villages in East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset.
How does counselling work?
You will come either alone or with your partner to discuss issues which are making you unhappy or stressed in some way. The initial consultation will be an opportunity for you talk about what has brought you, and for me to gain some understanding of what your problem is and whether I can help you. It is also an opportunity for you to see whether you feel comfortable with me and happy to continue to build a therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to resolve your issues.
If this is the case, then counselling will involve exploring your present situation and the previous events and circumstances which have lead to it. This may mean looking at past experiences and expectations, but will lead to a better understanding of what is happening now, and ideas for changing things to improve your situation and make life happier in the future.
Client Testimonials
IT Manager
I would just like to say thanks for all your help. When I arrived at my first session with you I had almost given up and lost all hope of a recovery in my relationship. After speaking to you, you seemed to understand perfectly my situation and were able to provide me with some positives which I took away with me and was able to work on.
Company director
It is very difficult to put into words what positive effect on my life our sessions have had. The hardest step for anyone considering counselling is to make the appointment and arrive. However you made me feel extremely relaxed and comfortable from the very first minute we met. My partner also found you extremely easy to communicate with. After weeks of almost silence, she was able to open up and speak to you instantly which was absolutely amazing. Initially she was very wary of counselling and talking to a counsellor. She was happy to return for further sessions, which is testament in itself to your counselling approach and skills.
Marketing Manager
Anne’s support throughout the time when my marriage broke up has been crucial. I suffered depression following the marriage breakdown and extreme anxiety and stress as a result of a variety of other external factors. There were times when I couldn’t see how I was going to get through. Anne’s consistent, clear and sympathetic approach enabled me to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that I didn’t need to be a victim of the situation in which I found myself. I had a number of very difficult decisions to make and, through regularly talking with Anne, I was able to make these decisions with confidence, and be resolute enough to see them through.
IT Manager
I would just like to say thanks for all your help. When I arrived at my first session with you I had almost given up and lost all hope of a recovery in my relationship. After speaking to you, you seemed to understand perfectly my situation and were able to provide me with some positives which I took away with me and was able to work on.
Company director
It is very difficult to put into words what positive effect on my life our sessions have had. The hardest step for anyone considering counselling is to make the appointment and arrive. However you made me feel extremely relaxed and comfortable from the very first minute we met. My partner also found you extremely easy to communicate with. After weeks of almost silence, she was able to open up and speak to you instantly which was absolutely amazing. Initially she was very wary of counselling and talking to a counsellor. She was happy to return for further sessions, which is testament in itself to your counselling approach and skills.
Marketing Manager
Anne’s support throughout the time when my marriage broke up has been crucial. I suffered depression following the marriage breakdown and extreme anxiety and stress as a result of a variety of other external factors. There were times when I couldn’t see how I was going to get through. Anne’s consistent, clear and sympathetic approach enabled me to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that I didn’t need to be a victim of the situation in which I found myself. I had a number of very difficult decisions to make and, through regularly talking with Anne, I was able to make these decisions with confidence, and be resolute enough to see them through.
Guest
I cannot express enough gratitude for Anne’s exceptional counselling expertise. When I sought her help during a challenging period in my marriage, she guided us through individual and joint sessions with unparalleled skill and compassion. Anne had the ability to navigate through the complexities of our issues, especially in steering my husband towards understanding how his behaviour was upsetting me and the urgency of taking action. Beyond the initial concerns, Anne has been a consistent source of support, offering invaluable insights and empathy as I tackle various life struggles. Her depth of experience and keen understanding of human distress make her an invaluable ally on my journey. Anne’s warmth and genuine care shine through in every session, making me feel incredibly fortunate to have her in my corner. I wholeheartedly recommend Anne to anyone seeking profound and effective counselling support.
Artist
Counselling for anxiety, depression and negative thought patternsI went to Anne at a very dark and confusing time for me when my life was severely restricted by negative, unhelpful thinking processes. She both provided me with a safe, non-judgemental environment in which I could tell her my deepest thoughts and fears and helped me understand the way I think, providing me with tools and beneficial thought processes I needed to continue my recovery process on my own.
Builder
Your relaxed manner and understanding makes it extremely easy to express how one is feeling and I found the experience very rewarding. A real ‘life lesson’.
Retired
I would urge anyone who is considering counselling to contact you. I cannot recommend you highly enough.
Widower
Once again Anne, many thanks for your help and support. It’s been a difficult journey for me at times and without our sessions I dare not think what may have happened.
Solicitor
Thanks does not really convey my gratitude and appreciation for the help you have given me and my partner.
Vet
We just wanted to email you to let you know just how beneficial your sessions were for me and my husband. We were not in a good place when we first came to you but we both knew we really wanted to save our marriage. After 3 sessions we were in such a better place and 2 months later we have continued to build on your advice and things now are so much better than they have been in such a very long time. So thank you ever so much Anne …… your help was invaluable.
Teacher
Working with Anne has had a very significant and positive impact on me and, consequently, on my children. Life has not become perfect, but, with Anne’s support, I am well-equipped to deal with whatever is round the corner. I am now divorced, and that was done humanely, with dignity and without bitterness, as I initially hoped it could be. I have no doubt this would not have been achieved without Anne’s support and I will always be extremely grateful to her for this.
Accountant
I would thoroughly recommend Anne’s counselling services to anyone struggling to deal with difficult circumstances or challenging emotions.
Everything You need to know
My Fees?
My Fees
I charge £40.00 for a 55 minute session and £50.00 for a couple if they are both working. Rates can be negotiated is someone is on a low income or benefits. Payment is by cash or cheque at the session or by previous BACS payment. This also applies for telephone counselling if coming in person.