Hello and welcome! My name is Ellen and I’m a fully qualified and experienced integrative therapist for both individual and couples based at CBT and Counselling Cobham. I have a Diploma in Narrative Therapy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy. I am also a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) so therefore adhere to their ethical guidelines.
My training was ‘integrative’ which means that I studied various models of counselling. This enables me to draw upon many different therapeutic approaches in order to meet your unique needs. I work in a confidential, sensitive way in an environment that is warm, relaxed, non-judgemental and fully supportive.
Narrative Therapy, sees you as the expert on your own life, with your challenges viewed as separate from who you are. This approach helps you understand how your issues affect your life, providing a fresh, outside perspective. It’s a respectful, non-blaming style of therapy that recognises how you make sense of life through your relationships and personal stories.
I see problems as responses to life’s challenges, not as part of who you are—you are not the problem! Together, we’ll identify the changes you want to make and how to achieve them. I’ll actively listen, engage fully, and offer helpful tools as needed, participating in our conversations rather than sitting passively.
I have extensive experience helping people with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, relationship issues, trauma recovery and more. People who have consulted with me have told me they feel at ease, comfortable and supported in our sessions and appreciate the insights they gain through counselling—insights that empower them to make meaningful, positive changes in their lives and relationships.
I am originally from Seattle, Washington, USA and have lived in London and Surrey for over 40 years. I began my counselling career working with families and couples as well as individuals, providing me with invaluable insights into relationships.
Prior to becoming a Counsellor, I worked in the City where I gained extensive knowledge and experience of relationships in the workplace and the pressures and stresses of working in business. I was a Counsellor for Relate from 2008-13 and in private practice since 2013. I am the mother of adult twin daughters.
Respectful Listening and Active Support. I will listen to your stories and hopes with respect, compassion, and without judgement. Rather than simply being a sounding board, I will take an active role, offering insights, observations, and practical tools to help you achieve meaningful change.
Flexible pacing – I will work with you and at your pace. We will talk about what is important for you to talk about, rather than me setting the agenda.
Collaborative and Adaptive Approach – I take a collaborative approach, regularly checking ensuring that our work together is on track for what you wish to achieve.. Often, the focus of the work changes and evolves over the course of counselling and I will check with you that things are moving in directions that you’re finding helpful.
Flexible to Fit Your Schedule – I will be flexible in accommodating your schedule and lifestyle. Therefore, offering sessions at convenient times and adjusting frequency as needed. I will accommodate your individual requirements for the counselling process based on what is helpful for you.
Understanding Problems with Empathy – I see challenges as the result of complex factors outside of ourselves that we are trying to navigate, not personal failings. This approach allows us to explore solutions with empathy and perspective.
If you would like to make an appointment to see Ellen at CBT and Counselling Cobham. Then please ue this link to make an appointment