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Counselling | How I work

Abstract marble effect background symbolizing structured, fluid, and personalized counsell

How I work​

Whether you’re facing long-standing challenges or navigating a difficult period, we will explore what you’re experiencing, including your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and the impact these may have on your life. This can deepen your understanding of yourself and create space to consider what might help you move forward, while also developing resilience where things may be less within your control.

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​Working across both the NHS and private practice, I support people from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of challenges. I offer an inclusive and respectful service, welcoming clients of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, beliefs, ages, disabilities, and sexual orientations.

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Therapeutic Relationship

I believe meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. As trust develops, we can explore your experiences with greater depth and openness, including aspects that may feel difficult, painful, or uncertain.

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My life experiences, personal therapy, and professional training have shaped an empathetic, grounded, and authentic way of working. I aim to provide a warm, confidential space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and able to speak openly at your own pace.

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​I work collaboratively in a warm, engaged, and honest way, offering challenge when appropriate, while always prioritising your best interests. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to fostering self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being whilst supporting lasting and meaningful change.

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Tailored Integrative Approach 

​Everyone brings their own history, perspective, and experiences. I therefore take a holistic, integrative approach, drawing from a range of therapeutic methods and tailoring our work to your individual needs:

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Person-Centred & Humanistic · Internal Family Systems (IFS) · Transactional Analysis (TA) · Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) · Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) · Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) · Solution-Focused · Creative Approaches – Gestalt · Psychoanalytic/Dynamic · Mindfulness-Based Practices

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This flexibility allows our work to evolve with you. We will work at your pace and regularly review our sessions to ensure the approach remains relevant and supportive.

  • Trauma  

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences  

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Stress/Burnout

  • Bereavement/Loss  

  • Self-worth/Low self-esteem  

  • Relationship/Divorce or Family Issues 

  • Pregnancy/Parenthood

  • Life transitions/Changes

​Counselling sessions are initially weekly, 50 minutes, usually for 10–12 sessions short-term or 10+ for longer-term work. When weekly sessions are no longer needed, upon request we can move to fortnightly sessions where available or arrange ad-hoc sessions.

Face to face sessions occur in a private setting near Kingsbridge TQ7.. Online sessions are via Teams. 

Fees are £65 per session, payable before each session or in blocks of 4 by bank transfer. 

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©2026 by Deborah Pleasants

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