Counselling in Axminster
Axminster is the pretty Saxon market town where I have my counselling practice, Counselling South West. Axminster is a delightful town to visit, with its lovely Saxon church of St Mary on the minster green in the centre of the town and its ideal position, nestled within the beautiful surrounding Devon countryside. Whilst Axminster has every service and convenience you might need, it has retained its small market town appeal.
The central square is used for the market on Thursdays, brimming with interesting stalls, and for festive events throughout the year, particularly at Christmas. Axminster has a great choice of cafes if you want to extend your visit when you come to me for counselling. Many people use the opportunity to get a coffee, lunch or evening meal in one of the several cafes and hotels in the centre. The River Cottage H.Q is just a couple of miles away if you are interested.
Welcome to Counselling South West in Axminster
My practice location is in Axminster at 21 Alexandra Road Axminster EX13 5PR. This is a quiet road with on street parking either outside or nearby. It is easily accessible and only 5 minutes’ walk from the bus or train station. Axminster town centre is close by if you would like to spend some time relaxing either before or after the session.
The counselling room is pleasant, comfortable and counselling is confidential. My clients are a variety of couples and individuals who come for counselling with an equal balance of male and female clients. They come from all types of backgrounds, ages and jobs.
About Me
I have lived in this area for 43 years and been a counsellor for the last 30. I trained with Relate and worked for them in both Somerset and Devon until I started my private practice several years ago.
I still work a few hours a week for them and during the last 29 years gained intensive specialist experience in couple and relationship counselling which few counsellors get the opportunity to do for such a long period of time.
I feel it is a privilege to be in this profession, helping people get their lives back on track. I am able to use both my training and the learning from my own personal experiences, good and bad, to help clients. At the same time I also am learning continually from our therapeutic relationships. I am a fully qualified counsellor, on the Relate Register of Counsellors, an LLB, CCERT, Cert ED, and Qualified Adult Trainer.
Client Testimonials
IT Manager
I would just like to say thanks for all your help. When I arrived at my first session with you I had almost given up and lost all hope of a recovery in my relationship. After speaking to you, you seemed to understand perfectly my situation and were able to provide me with some positives which I took away with me and was able to work on.
Company director
It is very difficult to put into words what positive effect on my life our sessions have had. The hardest step for anyone considering counselling is to make the appointment and arrive. However you made me feel extremely relaxed and comfortable from the very first minute we met. My partner also found you extremely easy to communicate with. After weeks of almost silence, she was able to open up and speak to you instantly which was absolutely amazing. Initially she was very wary of counselling and talking to a counsellor. She was happy to return for further sessions, which is testament in itself to your counselling approach and skills.
Marketing Manager
Anne’s support throughout the time when my marriage broke up has been crucial. I suffered depression following the marriage breakdown and extreme anxiety and stress as a result of a variety of other external factors. There were times when I couldn’t see how I was going to get through. Anne’s consistent, clear and sympathetic approach enabled me to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that I didn’t need to be a victim of the situation in which I found myself. I had a number of very difficult decisions to make and, through regularly talking with Anne, I was able to make these decisions with confidence, and be resolute enough to see them through.
IT Manager
I would just like to say thanks for all your help. When I arrived at my first session with you I had almost given up and lost all hope of a recovery in my relationship. After speaking to you, you seemed to understand perfectly my situation and were able to provide me with some positives which I took away with me and was able to work on.
Company director
It is very difficult to put into words what positive effect on my life our sessions have had. The hardest step for anyone considering counselling is to make the appointment and arrive. However you made me feel extremely relaxed and comfortable from the very first minute we met. My partner also found you extremely easy to communicate with. After weeks of almost silence, she was able to open up and speak to you instantly which was absolutely amazing. Initially she was very wary of counselling and talking to a counsellor. She was happy to return for further sessions, which is testament in itself to your counselling approach and skills.
Marketing Manager
Anne’s support throughout the time when my marriage broke up has been crucial. I suffered depression following the marriage breakdown and extreme anxiety and stress as a result of a variety of other external factors. There were times when I couldn’t see how I was going to get through. Anne’s consistent, clear and sympathetic approach enabled me to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that I didn’t need to be a victim of the situation in which I found myself. I had a number of very difficult decisions to make and, through regularly talking with Anne, I was able to make these decisions with confidence, and be resolute enough to see them through.
Guest
I cannot express enough gratitude for Anne’s exceptional counselling expertise. When I sought her help during a challenging period in my marriage, she guided us through individual and joint sessions with unparalleled skill and compassion. Anne had the ability to navigate through the complexities of our issues, especially in steering my husband towards understanding how his behaviour was upsetting me and the urgency of taking action. Beyond the initial concerns, Anne has been a consistent source of support, offering invaluable insights and empathy as I tackle various life struggles. Her depth of experience and keen understanding of human distress make her an invaluable ally on my journey. Anne’s warmth and genuine care shine through in every session, making me feel incredibly fortunate to have her in my corner. I wholeheartedly recommend Anne to anyone seeking profound and effective counselling support.
Artist
Counselling for anxiety, depression and negative thought patternsI went to Anne at a very dark and confusing time for me when my life was severely restricted by negative, unhelpful thinking processes. She both provided me with a safe, non-judgemental environment in which I could tell her my deepest thoughts and fears and helped me understand the way I think, providing me with tools and beneficial thought processes I needed to continue my recovery process on my own.
Builder
Your relaxed manner and understanding makes it extremely easy to express how one is feeling and I found the experience very rewarding. A real ‘life lesson’.
Retired
I would urge anyone who is considering counselling to contact you. I cannot recommend you highly enough.
Widower
Once again Anne, many thanks for your help and support. It’s been a difficult journey for me at times and without our sessions I dare not think what may have happened.
Solicitor
Thanks does not really convey my gratitude and appreciation for the help you have given me and my partner.
Vet
We just wanted to email you to let you know just how beneficial your sessions were for me and my husband. We were not in a good place when we first came to you but we both knew we really wanted to save our marriage. After 3 sessions we were in such a better place and 2 months later we have continued to build on your advice and things now are so much better than they have been in such a very long time. So thank you ever so much Anne …… your help was invaluable.
Teacher
Working with Anne has had a very significant and positive impact on me and, consequently, on my children. Life has not become perfect, but, with Anne’s support, I am well-equipped to deal with whatever is round the corner. I am now divorced, and that was done humanely, with dignity and without bitterness, as I initially hoped it could be. I have no doubt this would not have been achieved without Anne’s support and I will always be extremely grateful to her for this.
Accountant
I would thoroughly recommend Anne’s counselling services to anyone struggling to deal with difficult circumstances or challenging emotions.
Everything You need to know
Length of counselling?
I offer flexible hours in a comfortable and friendly environment. Each client’s needs and problems are different and will depend on whether the counselling is for an individual or couple. Each session lasts an hour and the number of counselling sessions will vary according to the type of problem and the speed of recovery and change.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a process by which, with my help as a counsellor, you are able to explore your issues and problems. This can be either together as a couple or alone, in a place where you won’t be criticised or judged.
If you come as a couple, I will manage emotional outbursts and arguments. This is so you are able talk to each other in a manner which is non-threatening and calm. Having come to an understanding of your problems, I will then help you to make changes. These will start to resolve your issues and leave you in a position to get your lives back on track.
Where I work?
I work at my private practice in Axminster.
The areas that my practice covers are East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset. This includes Axminster, Seaton, Lyme Regis, Colyton, Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Chard, Crewkerne, Bridport, West Bay.
I also have clients coming from Taunton, Exmouth and Collumpton.
My Fees?
I charge £50.00 for individuals and £60.00 for a couple.
I will negotiate a reduced rate for those on low incomes or on benefits.
Payment is by Bank Transfer on booking or cash or cheque at the appointment. This also applies to remote or telephone counselling if face to face counselling is not possible.