Ashley Cootes

My hours are daytime Monday to Thursday. I currently have availability for face-to-face in Harold Wood on Mondays and online Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are currently full, but there may be some flexibility in future so please check with me.

I am a level 7 qualified and insured therapist with extensive experience and knowledge. Whatever challenges may be impacting you, difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, relationships and addiction, I will work with you to explore what you need to move forward despite what has happened or how stuck you may be. 

Together we can look at what could empower you to more constructively deal with a situation or personal difficulty that is affecting your outlook. Facing and talking through difficulties in the presence of an understanding, objective witness, is proven to help alleviate symptoms of mental ill health in many cases. By engaging with the therapeutic process, you may find new possibilities and insights open up to you. 

Most folks benefit from working with a goal in mind, that way we do not get stuck in rehashing the past. It is important to find balance between acknowledging how the past has impacted you and how you see yourself moving forward.

Background & Experience

I have worked with adults of all ages, from young people to OAPs. In addition to private practice, I have been a counsellor for university students and the NHS primary care service. I have worked with a range of issues including people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, stress, PTSD and CPTSD, complex bereavement, various forms of addiction, eating disorders, relationship challenges and neurodiversity. I have experience with working both short and long term.

While I work with a range of issues and diverse client base, I have a particular interest in trauma/inter-generational trauma and recovery, addiction, and parenting. 

In addition to extensive professional experience, academic qualifications and training, a significant part of my background has been helping and supporting individuals as a voluntary mentor and a group facilitator for many years.

My background is in the arts, higher education and student support. For 20+ years I have practiced mindfulness and meditation.

My style is based on an integrative and relational approach to counselling and psychotherapy, trauma-informed, with awareness of difference and multiculturalism, underpinned by the Â鶹ԭ´´ Ethical Framework. I aim to work with the way each individual client prefers to explore their feelings, thinking and behaviours, and will offer ways of working that will resonate for each individual depending on their needs and personality.

I offer a nonjudgmental, welcoming space to clients, where they can be (or find) their true selves and work through anything that has impacted their wellbeing.

Before a first session, I check availability first, as my practice is usually full. If availability aligns, I will offer a 15 minute introductory call to meet me, ask any questions and briefly tell me about what has led you to seeking talking therapies. I may ask a few assessment questions, for example, if you have had any previous talking therapy and what you are hoping to gain from working with me.

When you book a first session, I will typically email an agreement which sets out how we will work together. In the first session I will go over the agreement and answer any questions.

Then I will ask about where you need to start. At some point in the first session, I generally ask about what you are hoping to gain from talking therapies. There are no right or wrong answers to this; if you are not sure, that is ok, this usually becomes clear with a few sessions for those who do not know. Everybody’s needs are different, so we can explore what this may look like for you.