Gestalt Counsellor
Sinead is a Gestalt Counsellor and works in accordance with the BACP ethical framework. She has over 7 years’ experience working with individuals with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. In particular she has worked with people whose difficulties are around their identities. Having worked for the Parents Support Group in South East London, Outhouse East and more recently in private practice, Sinead understands the need to feel heard, find acceptance, and provides a safe place to explore these issues.
Prior to her counsellor training, Sinead worked as a civil servant and in the charity sector, working for the World Humanity Action Trust and UNICEF UK including a secondment to co-ordinate their HIV/AIDS campaign.
Gestalt therapy is sometimes called 'relational'. This means that the patterns that emerge in our relationships are key to who we are, and how we feel. Gestalt looks at what is happening in the room, between therapist and client.
In her own private practice, she has worked with many issues including anxiety, depression, grief, gender, sexuality and relationship difficulties. She is passionate about seeing people become their authentic selves integrating parts of themselves they have not previously accepted.
She works with adults and is able to offer online sessions as well as sessions in person.
Sinead holds a Professional Diploma in Counselling from the Gestalt Centre, London and a degree (BA) in Political Science.
Fees: Individuals £50
Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Couple Therapist
Starting therapy can feel both exciting and challenging. It’s normal to experience ambivalence—wanting to explore your emotions while fearing what might unfold. Whether you’re considering individual therapy or couples therapy, you’re not alone in this journey.
In our sessions, we’ll dive into your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we’ll understand how your past shapes your present, explore core beliefs, and examine relationship patterns that may be holding you back. My aim is to help you make more informed decisions in your relationships and overall life.
Building trust takes time, and creating a safe space where you can express yourself is essential. Here, you can allow all emotions—positive or negative—to surface. It’s through these expressions that we gain clarity and guidance on how to proceed mindfully and effectively.
At times, this journey may feel frustrating or disheartening—especially when confronting old patterns. Recognizing that these feelings are part of the process is important.
Think of our time together as a safe haven where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. This collaborative journey is about personal growth and achieving a more satisfying life.
My goal is to be your companion on this journey, illuminating the patterns that affect your life—whether individually or in your relationship. Let’s navigate this path together, building resilience and fostering healing in a space where you feel truly supported.
I hold a Professional Diploma in Psychodyanmic Counselling, a Foundation Diploma in Counselling Skills and a Certificate in Counselling Skills. I qualified with the WPF in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in July 2023. I also hold a Certificate in Couples Therapy. I am accredited with the UKCP and the BPC and a member of the BACP.
Fees: Individuals £70. Couples £90
Specialist Counsellor for Children and Young People
Elvira is an experienced child and adolescent counsellor and has been working with young people for over 15 years. She has experience working with a variety of difficulties including depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety, anger and OCD.
She began her career in a therapeutic residential school whilst completing her training, and then moving on to child and adolescent mental health services once qualified, where she has since worked with young people from ages 4-18 years. She also works with adults and families.
Elvira is person centred in her approach but will use other principles if beneficial to the young person such as cognitive behavioural therapy techniques. She is warm and approachable and values her work with young people. She holds great skill in keeping professional supportive relationships with families of the young people she works with.
Elvira holds an honours degree in Counselling Studies and a Post graduate diploma in Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents. She also holds a diploma in person centred counselling. She also attends regular CPD to increase her skills.
Fees: Children, teenagers and young people £55
Person Centred Counsellor
Zoe has over 15 years’ experience in Mental Health where she worked in the voluntary sector, the care sector and the NHS.
Her therapeutic approach is client centred and tailored to the individual, exploring emotions and behaviours in order to gain more effective coping strategies and a deeper understanding of oneself.
She offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where there is space to work together to discover what changes the individual may wish to work towards and can offer short term and long-term therapy face to face for anyone who needs it.
She works with individuals struggling with different issues such as depression, emotional difficulties, emotional regulation, mood disorders, anxiety, historical or recent traumatic experience.
Zoe holds a BA Hons. degree in Person-Centered Counselling. Zoe is currently undergoing training for a MA in Psychodynamic counselling. Zoe is a memberr of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP).
Fees: Individuals £55
Person-Centred Counsellor
Corinna is a person-centred therapist who has worked with a wide range of clients who struggle with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement, loneliness, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, difficult relationships, and life transitions. She is also a volunteer counsellor with Saint Francis Hospice.
Corinna's belief is that we all face difficulties in life from time to time and that therapy can provide a secure, private, and non-judgmental setting in which to explore these issues. She works with her client's to discover new ways of being and to figure out who they are and how they respond to the world today. She is aware of how difficult it can be for a client to discuss personal issues with a stranger and therefore building trust in the room is very important to her. This therapeutic approach can help in gaining an understanding of the ways in which current difficulties may be influenced by challenging relationships or experiences in the past. Corinna believes it is through the development of this trusting therapeutic relationship that clients are able to develop new insights, growth and healing.
Corinna provides a warm and collaborative relationship where her clients can explore and challenge unhelpful beliefs, problematic behaviour patterns, and current relationship issues in a safe environment and treats each client with respect, taking into account their unique requirements and points of view.
Corinna is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor under the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), has a Foundation Degree in Counselling and is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Corinna is working towards specialising in trauma.
Fees: Individuals £55
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Sarah is a Psychodynamic counsellor with experience with individuals, couples and groups with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, bereavement, depression, anger and relationship difficulties. She also has experience with neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ issues.
Her goal is to provide a warm and safe environment in which people are able to explore their difficulties, examine their past and clarify their future, all with the guarantee of complete confidentiality and acceptance.
During training Sarah had a placement with Farleigh Hospice and has specialised training in Bereavement therapy.
Prior to counselling training Sarah worked with a conflict resolution charity and is a trained interpersonal mediator, able to assist with practical difficulties and help with communication between disputing parties.
Sarah holds a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling and is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Individuals: £50 Couples: £60
CBT Psychotherapist, EMDR Specialist and Clinical Supervisor
Louise is a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural and EMDR Psychotherapist. She has worked as a mental health nurse for many years prior to undertaking her CBT training where she worked with people with a range of emotional and psychological problems.
Since qualifying in EMDR, Louise now also works with individuals attempting to overcome a wide range of trauma and traumatic experiences and those diagnosed with PTSD.
Louise has over 18 years’ experience working within the NHS in the capacity of a Mental Health Nurse and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. She has worked with a variety of clinical groups and in a range of clinical settings, such as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service delivering CBT to clients with depression and anxiety disorders. She has successfully worked with conditions such as depression, generalised anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress and health anxiety.
Louise is particularly interested in adults experiencing anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, health anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders and holds a busy private practice at the Turner Centre.
Louise holds a post graduate diploma in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and specialist qualification in EMDR as well as her Mental Health Nurse degree.
Fees: Individuals CBT and EMDR £85
Psychodynamic Therapist and Couple Therapy
Jason is a very experienced psychodynamic therapist and couple therapist and has several years experience working with individuals and couples struggling with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.
He has worked in an agency setting, as a psychotherapist in the NHS and more recently has developed a busy private practice in both Colchester and Ongar. Soon after qualifying, Jason took up the offer to return to his training institution to take up the role of tutor and seminar leader on both the second and final clinical year of the BACP accredited Diploma course in Psychodynamic Counselling. He has also designed and facilitated counselling courses in Adult Community Learning in Essex alongside his private practice.
Jason’s experience working with couples has covered an array of relationship difficulties which include, destructive patterns of relating and helping couples to understand the dynamic at work and where it comes from, the impact of an affair on the relationship and how this can be understood and worked through and attachment issues and how these can create destructive patterns of communicating.
Jason holds a Professional Clinical Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and has undergone various additional trainings, including in couple therapy as well as being an accredited member of the BACP.
Fees: Individuals £55 Couples £80
Psychodynamic Therapist and Couple Therapy
I am a Psychodynamic Therapist, I began working at the Stephenson Centre shortly after its opening, the Turner Centre soon after. My training was both academic and experiential, teaching me the skills to take those whom I work with to deeper areas of their minds, with the aim of understanding what could be occurring on both a psychological and relational level. Prior to Therapeutic work, my previous working experience was in the hospitality sector, predominantly in management roles where I worked for ten years with a people from varying backgrounds and abilities.
Despite the importance of theory, diagnoses, and classifications; I feel it is best to work with an individual to understand what could happening for them rather than concentrate solely on what they have been told is ‘wrong’ with them. I have worked with, and am experienced in, a variety of presenting issues which include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Bereavement
- Trauma
- Autism
- ADHD
- Identity issues
- Relational issues
- Sexual issues
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
I am passionate about Psychodynamic work and have an ability to ‘hold’ and ‘contain’ distress for the individuals I work with, allowing the working through of long standing as well as immediate difficulties. If a client does require, I offer short term counselling ranging from ten-to-sixteen sessions to concentrate and focus on a certain area, if this is necessary for an individual; this would be something we would need to discuss upon first meeting. I can also deliver couples therapy for couples looking to explore, understand and address potential issues within their romantic relationship.
I hold a Clinical Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling, am a registered member of the BACP. I attend regular Continuing Professional Development, keeping up-to-date with Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, and therapeutic literature to enhance my knowledge and understanding within the profession.
Fees: Individuals £50. Couples £75
Trainee Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Poppy is currently in the final year of her Master’s training in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Essex, completing in Autumn 2025. As a psychodynamic trainee, Poppy offers a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner world, reflect on past experiences, and gain deeper insight into present emotional difficulties.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that understanding the unconscious patterns shaped by early relationships can bring clarity, healing, and personal growth. Poppy works collaboratively with clients to help uncover the root causes of distress, enabling meaningful and lasting change.
She has experience supporting individuals with a range of challenges, including:
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Depression and low mood
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Anxiety and generalised worry
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Relationship and attachment issues
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Loss, grief, and bereavement
Poppy is committed to ethical and reflective practice and is a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Person Centred Counsellor
I have worked with various client issues such as depression, anxiety, the OCD's, grief, loss, isolation, life changes, low self esteem/confidence, relationship difficulties, confusion, worry, ecological/political disillusionment, identity confusion and more. I take a holistic view acknowledging the role of embodied awareness in helping people work with felt senses to alleviate tension and to support the creation of meaning. I am also able to work directly with symptom relief if this is helpful to you.
I have an FdSc and BSc Honours (1st) in person centred counselling from Brighton University. I am an Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The Accreditation pathway is designed for experienced practitioners that are able to demonstrate high levels of development consisting of a large body of work including a rigorous assessment and application process. After in depth reflection of my practice, my accreditation portfolio was successful on first attempt conferring professional recognition of higher levels of professional and ethical competence as an independent practitioner.
I receive regular supervision and engage in further professional development in the form of regular person centred encounter groups to enhance my presence and authenticity. I read in depth in continental philosophy in order to enhance my knowledge in how to live effectively and foster collaborative and genuine meaning making with my clients. My practice is based upon a foundation of over 300 hours of personal counselling and psychotherapy over 20 years. Further, my way of Being with you is enhanced through 10 years of mindfulness meditation practice inclusive of an interest in ways in which Buddhist practices may be incorporated therapeutically.
I am passionate about difference and diversity, and am constantly striving to ensure that my practice is inclusive, anti-discriminatory, compassionate and curious in meeting many varieties of human experience and suffering.
Fees: Individuals £60
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Couple Therapist
Tracey is an highly experienced psychodynamic counsellor and couple therapist and has been working at the Turner Centre for several years. She carries a vast amount of experience working with individuals who feel lost, hopeless or stuck or find themselves repeating the same old unhelpful or destructive relationship patterns.
She is a warm and compassionate therapist who is known for her ability to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing space enabling the exploration and processing of difficult and confusing feelings bringing insight and clarity. Working at a pace which feels right for each individual and enabling valuable emotional connections between the past and present whilst developing greater understanding and self-awareness.
Tracey’s work with couples includes working with communication difficulties to understand why communication may be unhelpful and repetitive often seemingly going round in circles; with attachment issues where she supports couples to begin to make sense of and identify painful attachments from the past which may be re-enacted in the present and to support couples in beginning to listen to each other with curiosity and empathy rather than defensiveness and anger.
Prior to her counsellor training Tracey worked extensively supporting young people, children and their families in primary education for several years which was the foundation for her more recent work with Kids Inspire where she has worked with a individuals both parents and young people struggling with an array of emotional and psychological difficulties. She has a great deal of experience with conditions such as ADHD in both young people and adults.
Tracey is drawn to the outdoors and is developing a new area of her therapy practice to ‘Walking and Talking’. It allows the process of therapy to be taken outdoors and can be particularly helpful for those who prefer the movement, task aspect and connecting to the outdoors while reducing a sense of intensity in sitting face to face which may be difficult for some. She has already started to introduce this to her practice for those who are also drawn to this way of being in therapy.
Tracey holds a Professional Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and has undertaken additional training in Couples Therapy. She has attended various additional continuing professional development trainings which include working with baby loss.
Fees: Individuals £60 Couples £80
Person Centred Counsellor
Shaun is a progressive person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist. He has a wealth of experience spanning over two decades where he has helped to positively turn lives around from working within various therapeutic settings including The Priory Group, Mind, CAMHS, PRU’s, Therapeutic Children’s Homes and Essex County Council with a diverse array of individuals and young people.
No matter how complex a situation is, you will not face judgment from Shaun. He has worked successfully with individuals who have suffered and experienced severe trauma including; sexual and domestic abuse, childhood neglect, relationship issues, loss and bereavement, divorce, drug and alcohol misuse, compulsive behaviours, family issues, ADHD, bullying, violence, guilt, anxieties, self-harm, anger, depression, low self-esteem, identity issues, PTSD and more.
On a personal level Shaun exudes a candidly open, honest, and warm demeanour. He engages with his clients not only as a professional counsellor but also as a true person to build trust and form genuine working relationships. This way he demonstrates his dedication to helping others discover their truths so that they may grow forward and find themselves carrying a much lighter load in life. Shaun is inclusive by nature and welcomes individuals from the LBGTQ+ community and is KINK allied.
Shaun values the uniqueness of each person in relation to their life story and engages in therapy sensitively and with respect to personal tolerances. His unassuming approach has worked well when engaging with individuals from within the autistic spectrum.
Whilst Shaun’s humanistic approach is grounded in person-centred theory and practice, he is able offer insights and work creatively from other theoretical and developmental perspectives if needed.
Shaun currently holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and is a member of the BACP. Registered Member No: 403559 MBACP.
Fee for Individuals: £50 Young People (Secondary School Age) £50
Trainee Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
Irene is a trainee therapist on clinical placement at The Turner Centre. As part of her second year of training on the MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Essex, she offers low-cost counselling with us. Her approach to therapy is principally psychodynamic, but her outlook is also informed by her doctoral training in existential philosophy and her experience working as a lecturer in philosophy since 2006. Her academic research has focused on questions of self-becoming and human flourishing, with a particular interest in how our relationships with others can help – or hinder – these projects. Irene is keen to help clients come to a better understanding of how past experiences may be influencing their current difficulties, whether they’re facing anxiety, mood-related struggles, or simply wanting change. She believes counselling can be a powerful tool for achieving greater self-awareness and a more fulfilling mode of engaging with the world.
Irene is a student member of the BACP (listed under her first name, Sheila) and will complete her MA in 2026.
Fees: trainee rate £15. (Monday or Tuesday mornings only)
Fees: Individuals £60
Psychodynamic Counsellor (13 years +)
Leena is one of our Psychodynamic therapists whose training specialised in working with teenagers and young people, but Leena also works with adults. She has been working at the Turner Centre since qualifying in 2020.
She has experience of working in both primary and secondary schools with children and teenagers struggling with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties including school phobia, anger management, self-harm, abuse, anxiety and eating disorders.
She sees adults as well and prides herself on her ability to provide an empathic space and offers a regular, safe and confidential space for people to explore and discuss their problems and difficult feelings. Her aim is to help people to overcome issues that are causing emotional pain, anxiety or generally feeling uncomfortable. She won’t tell you what to do; instead she will encourage you to talk about what is bothering you, and by working together, she can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and make sense of your feelings and emotions. Looking at past experiences, and ways of relating to others can be helpful when trying to understand current issues.
When working with young people 16 and under, Leena will firstly have a consultation session with the parent/caregiver to get a better understanding of the situation, followed by an assessment with the young person.
Leena holds a Masters Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling, a BSc in Psychology and a Post Grad Cert in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Regents University. Leena also has a Certificate in Systemic Practice.
Fees: Teenagers, young people and individuals £60
Senior Specialist Child and Young Persons Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor (Children & Adults)
Penny is our senior specialist counsellor who works with young people, children and teenagers. She has extensive experience working with a range of issues including early trauma, anxiety, school phobia, eating issues, exam stress and neurodivergent young people.
Penny’s career has been dedicated to supporting those with emotional and psychological difficulties even prior to her training. She worked providing therapeutic and teaching support to vulnerable women in women’s refuges prior to her working as a specialist therapeutic and behavioural support worker in an SEN specialist school for 10 years where she supported children struggling with various emotional difficulties such as autism, anxiety and learning and behavioural problems.
Penny also sees young adults for therapy and offers clinical supervision to other child and adolescent counsellors as well as adult counsellors and school support workers.
She has a special interest and specialism in working with children and teenagers who have experienced trauma during their early childhood as well as those struggling with anxiety around study and exams at GCSE, A level and University. Penny also specialises in work with Neurodivergent young people struggling to make sense of mainstream life.
To ensure the best possible care for your young person, Penny has an initial meeting with the parent(s) or carer(s) of young people aged 16yrs and under before counselling meetings begin. This is to establish the most effective service can be offered to your child.
Penny holds a masters degree (MA) in Counselling Children and Young People and a degree (BA) in Therapeutic Communications in Organisations as well as a cert in clinical psychodynamic supervision.
Fees: Children, teenagers and young people £70 Supervision fees are also £70.
Person Centred Counsellor
William is an experienced person centred counsellor, he has worked with people who have had a variety of concerns including, anxiety, low self-worth, depression, bereavement, loss, Loneliness, addiction, stress, low self-esteem, problems with life and relationships.
William believes that by offering individuals the ‘right’ conditions they will form a therapeutic relationship and in turn facilitate a positive change within themselves. Attending counselling sessions with William, individuals are encouraged to explore their difficulties with the sessions led and steered by the individual with the counsellor being there to support and facilitate.
William offers a calm, safe, non-judgemental, empathetic, therapeutic service in a confidential space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and emotions openly, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and finding their own solution to their issues in the process.
Before William qualified with a BA (Hons) degree in person centred counselling, he worked for over 25 years in the care industry in mental health, general hospitals, and supported individuals with learning difficulties in the community. William spent 2 years of his training as a volunteer counsellor providing individuals with face to face and online counselling at the Colchester Institute Counselling Service and with Action for Family Carers. Having qualified as a counsellor, he worked as an addiction therapist at a treatment centre providing individual counselling as well as facilitating group therapy.
William is passionate about helping every individual he works with through therapy, and continues to develop his thinking and understanding by attending regular training and study days.
William holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Person Centred Counselling and is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).
Fees: Individuals £45
Integrative Counsellor
Alison is an integrative counsellor and has worked at the Turner Centre in private practice since qualifying.
She is experienced in working with individuals suffering with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties and in particular, with trauma. She has experience of working with loss and bereavement and worked with the CRUSE bereavement charity seeing individuals experiencing loss. During her training she held a placement at a children’s centre where she worked with adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties including trauma.
Prior to her counsellor training Alison worked as teacher for many years and has extensive experience in supporting young people.
She has a particular interest and specialism in the effects of trauma on the body.
Alison is a accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Alison holds a diploma in integrative counselling and a Batchelor in Education degree as well as having completed her certification qualification in Complex Trauma.
Fees: Individuals £50
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Couples Therapist
Cathy is a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor working alongside adults who are experiencing difficult and uncertain times emotionally. She helps to create a safe and reflective space for each individual to share their emotions and believes that investing time looking after your mental health is an essential part of life’s journey.
At a pace that is right for you, counselling can help to develop self-awareness; consider unresolved issues and understand how experiences both in the present and the past can affect your feelings today. Untangling feelings or memories which may at first appear complicated, upsetting or inaccessible can be explored to create a new way forward and lasting change.
In a non-judgemental and confidential environment, Cathy aims to support you during your counselling, working in the short, medium or long-term depending on personal situation or need.
A member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Cathy works within this regulatory framework, to ensure best practice. Cathy has a certificate in Couples Counselling. Her experience academically and professionally includes work in schools, charitable organisations and private companies.
Fees: Individuals: £65 Couples: £80
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Paul is a warm, approachable, and highly skilled Psychodynamic Therapist dedicated to helping adult clients navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives. Known for his down-to-earth nature and empathetic approach, Paul creates a calm and supportive environment where clients feel truly heard and understood.
Paul firmly believes that effective therapy begins with a trusting and secure relationship. He prioritises the client’s well-being, tailoring his practice to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
With extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, Paul has a particular focus on supporting members of the Military and Emergency Services, including Veterans. His deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these groups, such as operational stress, trauma, and transitioning to civilian life, allows him to connect effectively with clients who have served. Paul’s commitment to this area is reflected in his work with a national charity supporting the armed forces and his passion for ensuring these communities have access to Psychodynamic Therapy. Concessions may also be available for veterans and those in the Military and Emergency Services.
Paul’s areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, stress, anger, and relationship difficulties. Using a Psychodynamic approach, he helps clients explore unconscious patterns and past experiences, enabling them to gain deeper self-awareness and achieve lasting change.
Paul offers a safe, confidential space where clients can bring their anxieties, emotions, and experiences. He is dedicated to helping his clients find clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.
As a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Paul adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards. He holds a Master’s Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Essex and is committed to ongoing professional development to provide the best possible support to his clients.
Fees: Individuals £55
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Alison is an experienced Psychodynamic Counsellor and has worked with individuals struggling with various psychological and emotional difficulties.
In particular she has worked with issues which include; anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, complex behavioural conditions, loss of identity, grief and issues which remain unlabelled.
Her experience prior to her counsellor training is mainly in the media where she has worked in roles which have created the ground for her to begin to understand group and organisational dynamics and how others respond to their positions in the organisation.
Alison has a special interest in group dynamics and the role individuals unconsciously take on in group settings when with others and continues to study this intriguing phenomenon.
Alison holds a Professional Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.
Fees: Individuals £55
Director, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Couple Therapist and Clinical Supervisor
Jane is the director of the Turner Centre in Colchester and the Stephenson Centre in Ipswich and is a highly experienced and compassionate psychotherapist who supports individuals and couples through many of life’s most challenging times. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, navigating a difficult relationship, coping with bereavement, or simply seeking to understand yourself better, she offers a thoughtful and supportive space to explore your concerns at your own pace.
So much of life requires us to ‘hold it together’. Therapy is a place where we are allowed to ‘fall apart’, speak the unspoken and begin to put words to what’s felt unsayable. Jane believes that healing begins not with solutions, but with presence—with someone sitting alongside you, seeing you and listening. She sees therapy as a space where people come not just to “feel better,” but to understand themselves more deeply, make sense of their inner lives, and move forward with more self-trust.
Janes approach is psychodynamic which means she helps people explore how past experiences – especially early relationships – may still echo in present-day patterns of thinking, feeling and relating. Rather than offering advice or quick fixes, she works alongside you to uncover the roots of emotional pain, gently bringing what’s hidden into awareness. Over time, this creates space for real change.
When working with couples, she also uses a systemic lens, helping partners to break out of reactive cycles, improve communication and re-discover emotional connection – even when trust has been eroded or the relationship feels stuck. Her approach honours the complexity of two inner worlds in relationship with each other.
Prior to her therapy training, Jane worked in the NHS managing Community Health Services in Hackney, East London. Her first therapy training was in 1998 and since then she has worked for 10 years as a specialist palliative care psychotherapist in a hospice setting supporting individuals and families facing terminal illness, grief and existential issues. She facilitated bereavement groups, carer’s groups and designed training workshops for professionals supporting the dying and bereaved. More recently, she has worked in the NHS psychotherapy department offering long-term therapy to individuals with severe and complex personality difficulties, for Essex County Council as a staff counsellor and mediator supporting staff and managers in resolving workplace conflict, 10 years as a practice counsellor for three GP practices in Colchester and teaching and supervising trainee therapists as a seminar leader on a psychodynamic training in Chelmsford.
She holds a professional doctorate from the University of Essex, a masters degree (MSc) in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of London (Birkbeck) and additional qualifications in couple, family and systemic therapy from the Institute for Family Therapy, London. She is an accredited member of the BACP.
Fees: Individuals £90 Couples £110
Trainee Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
Matthew is a trainee therapist on clinical placement at The Turner Centre. As part of his training on the MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Essex, he offers low-cost counselling with us. His approach to therapy is principally psychodynamic, but his outlook is also informed by the existentialist tradition. He has taught philosophy at the university level for over 20 years, and his academic research has explored the intersection of existentialism and the psychological sciences, including the practice of psychotherapy. Having nurtured an interest in psychotherapy and how it works for many years, he is excited to help clients explore what matters to them most and to better understand what might be holding them back in life.
Matthew is a student member of the BACP and he will complete his MA in 2026.
Fees: trainee rate £15. (Monday mornings only)
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Couple Therapist
Elliot is an experienced psychodynamic counsellor and couple therapist providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for individuals and couples to explore their experiences and feelings and talk through whatever may be troubling them.
He has worked with a variety of people from a wide range of backgrounds and with a range of difficulties including feelings of depression and low mood, anxiety related problems, relationship difficulties, anger issues, low self worth and feelings of worthlessness and stress related difficulties.
As a couple therapist, Elliot’s aim is to create a space enabling each partner to express their thoughts and feelings around the relationship and how they experience the other and themselves within it. It may be necessary to think about each partner’s early life as this will help to understand how early relationship experiences have influenced feelings of being in a relationship, intimacy, expectations of each other and the different ways each partner attempts to resolve conflict – which could be challenging it defensively or withdrawing from it completely. This understanding and insight will enable the couple to begin to listen to each other, understand the impact each has on the other and why, and how this could be different.
He believes that everyone has their own unique journey and experiences, and as a result, therapy should be attuned to the individual and/or the couple. As an individual counsellor Elliot works with people to support them in gaining greater insight into their inner and outer worlds, their relationships and to develop a greater understanding of their behaviours, feelings and emotions.
Elliot holds a professional Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling, has undertaken CPD in couple and relationship therapy and is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Fees: Individuals £50 Couples £70
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Couple Therapist
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Couple Therapist
I am a psychodynamic therapist who works in a client-led manner to support individuals and couples looking for deeper insight and long-lasting change. Whatever the hurt, experience has shown me that getting better starts when we feel safe enough to open up and connect.
It is my aim to provide a trusting and confidential space where you can share your story and, with help, make connections between past experiences and present difficulties to gain insight into your current feelings and behaviours.
I believe in learning by doing, so, in the last fifteen years, I have worked and volunteered for a number of charities and services supporting clients impacted by a diverse range of difficulties, including loss, bereavement, substance misuse, sexual abuse, homelessness, cultural and geographical displacement, as well as LGBTQAI+ related issues. In my most recent roles in the NHS, I worked as an assistant psychologist in an autism diagnosis service, as well as a couples therapist offering counselling to people impacted by depression, anxiety and stress.
In my private practice as a counsellor, I continue to have a strong interest in helping individuals and couples who may be feeling stuck, but are willing to understand more about their current situation and ready to find a way forward.
I am a neurodiversity-affirming therapist and I find working with neurodivergent people and couples highly rewarding. If you or your relationships struggle because of ADHD diagnosis/presentation, I am here to help. By supporting you to gain a better understanding of your experiences and by modeling a compassion-based relationship with your ADHD diagnosis/presentation, I can help you address ADHD-specific difficulties, as well as generic relationship struggles that might make life harder than it should be.
Whatever issues you are facing, I hold the belief that, ultimately, we all need the space to be heard and seen as we make sense of what we are going through. Therefore, in our sessions, we will focus on you and your experiences as a whole, the past and the present, the conscious and unconscious elements of your presentation, and we will build a therapeutic relationship that aims to empower you and help you find yourself again.
I hold a Clinical Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling, a Certificate in Couples's Counselling for Depression, as well as a master’s degree from the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies in Jungian Studies (MA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (BSc).
I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Tavistock Relationships-approved couple’s therapist for depression.
Fees: Individual counselling: £55 Couples counselling: £75
CBT Psychotherapist
Marta is an experienced cognitive behavioural therapist who is accredited by the BABCP. She has over ten years of experience working with mental health difficulties and emotional distress. Marta studied clinical psychology and registered as a practitioner in Italy before moving to the UK to work in NHS mental health services, where she offers interventions to people from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds who present with a wide range of problems.
Alongside CBT Marta is knowledgeable in a number of therapeutic models including third-wave CBT, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy and person-centred therapy allowing her to tailor her approach to different needs.
Marta is adept at providing support to individuals who feel stressed, low, lost or burnt out, or who struggle with self-worth, trust issues, or challenges in connecting with others. She has extensive experience working with trauma survivors and people struggling with body image; her compassionate and open approach aims to establish a safe space where you can collaborate and work on a plan for change. This includes developing coping strategies and techniques to help you effectively manage stress, anxiety, depression and overwhelming emotions.
Marta holds a (honour) B.Sc. in Psychology, with a focus on science and techniques, and a (honour) Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She has also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Additionally, she has received training in Narrative Exposure Therapy, treatment for complex post-traumatic stress disorder and Metallisation Treatment.
Qualifications:
BABCP accredited practitioner
PGDip Evidence- Based Psychological Treatment (IAPT Pathway) CBT
PGDipMental Health Practice 2016
M.Sc. (Hon) Clinical Psychology 2011
B.Sc. (Hon) Psychology science and techniques 2009
Fees: Individuals CBT £85
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Jane is a Psychodynamic Counsellor working at the Turner Centre in private practice . She has many years’ experience working within the Mental Health field as a qualified nurse and has supported individuals undertaking treatment for addiction , anxiety , depression and difficulties with relationships and trauma . She also has a particular interest in bereavement and loss although is happy to work with whatever you bring to the session
Jane seeks to provide a safe non-judgemental and supportive space at the Turner Centre which allows you to focus on understanding yourself and the relationships within your life . She offers both long and short term Counselling .
She holds a MA from Essex University in Psychodynamic Counselling.
Fees: Individuals £55
Counselling Psychologist, EMDR Specialist and Clinical Supervisor
Claire is a Counselling Psychologist, EMDR specialist and a clinical supervisor. She has had many years of experience offering therapies to adults and adolescents having worked in the NHS and in the private sector for over 10 years before going into private practice. As an accredited EMDR practitioner, she offers specialist therapy services for trauma related difficulties. Claire also supervises other psychologists in their work.
As a psychologist, Claire has trained in a number of therapeutic models including CBT, third wave CBT, psychodynamic and person centred therapy. She is highly creative in her approach, drawing upon proven therapy models to help individuals to move forward with the difficulties they may be facing and prides herself on being compassionate, grounded and empathic.
Along with her wealth of experience in a wide range of emotional difficulties which include anxiety disorders, depression, stress, childhood abuse, relationship issues and loss, Claire’s particular specialisms include trauma and eating disorders.
Claire is a BPS Chartered and HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. She holds a Post Grad Diploma in the Practice of Counselling Psychology and a masters degree in Counselling Psychology, a BSc in Psychology and Criminology and is on the register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors.
Fee: Individuals CBT and EMDR: £90
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Sue is a psychodynamic counsellor and is experienced in working with adults with a wide range of issues. She offers open ended counselling and works with people face to face on either a short or long term basis, depending on what they wish to achieve from the sessions. As a psychodynamic counsellor, Sue will work with individuals to understand how past experiences link with current difficulties, allowing the exploration of feelings which are at the root of distressing symptoms such as anxiety and mood problems, which often lead people to seek counselling. Sue also believes that counselling can be useful to people as a tool for self-awareness, even if they do not feel they have any particular problem or symptoms but perhaps have a sense of wanting to make changes in their life.
In addition to her counselling work, Sue also works for a mental health charity, in partnership with an NHS Trust, working with people on diverse issues such as those around employment, housing, social isolation, long term conditions and poverty, helping empower them to develop the tools to manage the challenges they face in their day to day lives.
Sue has worked in the voluntary sector for nearly 20 years, which has included delivering programmes supporting people with long term conditions and disabilities into education and employment opportunities and managing a social enterprise for people with mental health problems.
She holds a Masters Degree (MA) in Psychodynamic Counselling and also a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and she is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Fees: Individuals £50
Integrative psychotherapist (adults and children above the age of 14+)
Evis is an integrative therapist working with both children (14+) and adults. Before joining the Turner Centre, she provided therapy in the non-profit sector, gaining experience in both short-term and open-ended therapy with a diverse client base.
Evis aims to create a safe space where she can meet her clients where they are and explore their current circumstances compassionately and free of judgement. She understands that different issues require different approaches, and integrative therapy enables her attend to the whole person, working through thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physiological responses. She draws from a wide range of methods, including Existential, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, CBT, Gestalt, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
When working with children, Evis will first arrange an initial consultation (50 minutes) with the parent(s) before planning the next steps for the child or young person (under 16).
Evis is a registered member of the BACP and abides by its regulatory framework.
She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. She also has a background in social sciences and communication, with both BSc and MA degrees in these fields. She also holds an enhanced DBS background check.
Fees: Individuals £50.
Integrative Counsellor
Claire is an experienced Integrative Counsellor and has worked at the Turner Centre in private practice since qualifying.
She is experienced in seeing individuals with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression and bereavement and loss.
Prior to her counsellor training, Claire worked for several years as a nursery nurse, caring for babies and young children in a nursery setting. She has also worked in finance and management where she supported employees who were experiencing stress related difficulties which impacted their work.
Claire has a particular interest in working with people with attachment difficulties, anxiety and depression.
She holds a diploma in Integrative Counselling. Claire is also an accredited member of the BACP.
Fees: Individuals £55
Integrative Counsellor
Fees: Individals £50
Psychodynamic Counsellor/Therapist
Felix is a Psychodynamic Counsellor/Therapist working in private practice at the Turner Centre, where he offers both long- and short-term counselling. With a Master’s Degree in Refugee Care, he is also uniquely equipped with specialised knowledge of trauma, resilience, and the psychological impact of displacement and adversity. He has supported individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including fleeing from persecution, intergenerational trauma, narcissistic abuse, physical abuse, addiction, depression, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. Felix specialises in psychodynamic counselling, a depth-oriented approach rooted in psychoanalysis that seeks to uncover the unconscious factors influencing your emotional and psychological well-being. Together, we will explore how past experiences, emotions, and recurring patterns shape your present mental landscape. Felix believes your mind is your home and offers a space where you can talk about whatever feels important to you at your own pace, without a set agenda. He is committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment to help you navigate your challenges and build a more fulfilling life.
Felix holds a Master’s Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling/Psychotherapy and is a registered member of the BACP.
Fees: Individuals £50
Transactional Analysis Counsellor and Couples Counsellor
Eleanor believes that counselling can be a transformative tool for personal growth, helping individuals improve their day-to-day well-being, overcome internal limitations, gain clarity in communication, and enhance their relationships with themselves and others.
With compassion, empathy, and understanding, Eleanor supports adults facing challenges such as depression, low mood, anxiety, physical illness, grief and loss, and relationship issues. She has a deep interest in understanding both the internal and external experiences of people, grounding her work in Transactional Analysis (TA) therapy. This approach helps clients stay present-focused while exploring the impact of past events and future concerns, fostering positive change and transformation.
During her training for her Diploma, Eleanor volunteered at the Cancer Wellbeing Centre at Colchester Hospital, where she had the privilege of supporting individuals with cancer diagnoses. Facilitating support groups for breast cancer patients further deepened her understanding of the importance of compassionate care during difficult times.
Eleanor holds a Therapeutic Counselling Diploma from TAWorks in Oxford and is also a fully trained yoga and breath-work teacher. Committed to continuous professional development, she regularly attends training and supervision sessions to ensure she offers the best support to her clients. She has undertaken additional training to work with clients with ADHD, Autism, AuDHD and Neurodiverse Couples and she has become an associate counsellor for Aspire Autism, a UK wide specialist Autism and ADHD Consultancy.
An ethical practitioner, Eleanor is a member of the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) and adheres to their code of ethics. She is also an accredited member of the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists & Hypnotherapists (ACCPH). Additionally, she holds an Enhanced DBS certificate and is fully insured. Online sessions are available, with individual sessions priced at £55.
Fees: Individuals £55. Couples £80
Psychologist
Wendy is an experienced Practitioner Psychologist who offers a warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental space for clients to explore and work through their difficulties. She's passionate about helping children and young people (from age 3 to 18) to heal and thrive and works closely with families to achieve this. Wendy also works individually with adults. Wendy has experience in working with a wide range of concerns, including:
* Mood and anxiety issues
* Low self-esteem
* Behavioural and relationship challenges
* Trauma and attachment difficulties
* School related difficulties.
* Bereavement
Wendy uses a psychodynamic approach but is also trained in other modalities like CBT and person-centred therapy, and will draw on these when it's helpful for the client’s unique situation.
She's highly creative and uses a variety of therapeutic tools—including play therapy, art, and sandtray work—to help clients safely project, explore, and understand experiences.
Wendy worked in a trauma centre and university counselling support centre during her training and has also worked in child and adolescent mental health services.
Wendy holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and professional accreditation with the HCPC.
Please note: For work with children and young people, Wendy requires an initial intake session with parents before starting sessions with the young person
Fees: Individuals £90
Person Centred Counsellor
Sara is an experienced person centred counsellor having worked with a range of emotional issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues and loss. Person centred therapy is a humanistic approach to therapy. As a person centred counsellor Sara believes that given the right conditions within the therapeutic relationship an individual can reach their full potential and become their true self. Any individual attending a counselling session with Sara is encouraged to bring their own issues to the session as the session is led by the individual and not the counsellor.
Sara will endeavour to support individuals to work through their difficulties, helping to build confidence within a non-judgemental, supportive and trustworthy therapeutic relationship. As a person centred therapist Sara believes that we are all the expert on our own life as nobody else lives our life but us.
Prior to qualifying with a BA (Hons) in Counselling Studies Sara has worked a variety of occupations from retail through to hospitality roles. Sara spent four years volunteering on the telephone and conducting face to face sessions with the Samaritans. Her interest in therapy was sparked by a life-long desire to explore people’s behaviour and the value system (ideals) a person holds that may create issues which lead to certain behaviours.
Sara is looking to extend her therapy knowledge by undertaking more training in the areas of couples and workplace counselling in order to facilitate healthier relationships and manage conflict.
Sara holds a BA (Hons) degree in Counselling Studies and is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Fees: Individuals £50
Our Location
52 North Hill
Colchester CO1 1PY
The centre is located On North Hill, next door to the 6th Form College and the entrance is on the right hand side along the driveway between the college and North Hill Hotel. It is discreetly positioned but easily accessed.
Availability
We work from early in the morning until late into the evening and a small number of our therapists work on a Saturday and Sunday. Our 7 child and adolescent counsellors work after school hours (from 4pm) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 4 of them have appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Therapists you can trust
All our counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists are registered with one of the main therapy organisations and work to a code of ethical practice ensuring a high standard of care.
