Julie Shannon Psychotherapy — Counselling and Psychotherapy in Sevenoaks
Finding the right therapist
Therapy is a very personal relationship. Qualifications and experience are important, but so is finding someone with whom you can feel able to be honest — including the things that are difficult to say.
I am a UKCP registered existential psychotherapist with over thirty years' experience in mental health. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful and human. I don't believe there is one right way to live, or that therapy is about telling you how to be.
Sometimes we begin with a particular difficulty. Sometimes simply with the feeling that something isn't right.
Qualifications
- MA Psychotherapy and Counselling — Regents University
- Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy — Regents University
- Diploma in Addictions Counselling — University of Kent
Specialist Areas of Interest
- Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Domestic and Emotional Abuse
- Body Image
- Relationship Difficulties
- Compulsive Eating
- Addictive Behaviour
- Agoraphobia and Phobias
- Low Self-Esteem
- Bereavement and Loss
How I Work
I believe therapy should begin with the individual rather than a particular theory or diagnosis. We each experience the world differently, and I don't believe in a 'one size fits all' approach.
My training is existential and phenomenological. In practice, that means I will try to understand your experience as you live it, rather than assuming I already know what it means. Together we can explore your relationships, choices, fears, patterns and the things that may be keeping you stuck.
The relationship between therapist and client is an important part of that work. I don't believe in the distant, emotionally removed therapist. I aim to offer a relationship that is collaborative, thoughtful and honest, where difficult things can be spoken about without judgement.
Therapy isn't about me telling you how you should live, nor about removing all uncertainty from life. It is an opportunity to understand yourself more fully and perhaps discover different possibilities for how you want to live.
Although my primary training is existential, I also draw on psychodynamic, relational, attachment-based, schema and cognitive behavioural approaches where these may be helpful.
Above all, I believe in mutual humanity. A therapist may bring training and experience to the room, but none of us are immune from the difficulties, losses, uncertainties and contradictions of being human.
Professional Registration
I am registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). UKCP registration requires extensive postgraduate training and adherence to recognised professional and ethical standards.
Registration also requires ongoing professional development and provides clients with the reassurance that their therapist is appropriately trained, accountable and working within an established professional framework.
We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.
Supervision
I offer supervision to Psychotherapists and Counsellors, both qualified and in training.
My approach to supervision is supportive, collaborative and reflective. I aim to provide a space where practitioners can think openly about their work, including the areas that feel difficult, uncertain or uncomfortable, without feeling that they need to have all the answers.
I provide space to think about the therapeutic relationship, consider ethical questions and reflect on the impact clients have on us as practitioners. I believe that good supervision should support not only safe and thoughtful practice but the continuing development of the therapist themselves.
Practical Information
How to book — Please contact me by email or telephone. If I am not available please leave me a message. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
First appointment — Your first appointment will last 60 minutes. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you would like to achieve. We will then decide together how to proceed.
Fees — My standard fee is £85 per 60 minute session for individual therapy. The fee for couples therapy is £100 per 60 minutes. The fee for Supervision is £70 per 60 minute session.
How to pay — All fees for self-funding clients are to be paid by bank transfer 24 hours in advance of the session or, if preferred, with cash at the outset of any face to face appointment.
Number of sessions — There is no predetermined number of sessions. This will be agreed and reviewed within the sessions.
Confidentiality — The content of sessions is kept private and confidential. In line with my professional duty of care, this confidentiality will only be broken if there are concerns about your safety or the safety of another person and wherever possible I would discuss this with you first.
Home visits — If you feel unable to leave the house due to anxiety or phobias, I also offer therapy in or from the home. Please call or email to discuss.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Get in touch
116 St Johns Hill,
Sevenoaks,
Kent TN13 3PD, UK
Every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.