KINGSWOOD COUNSELLING
KINGSWOOD COUNSELLING
Helping You Live a Better Life
Hello and welcome to my counselling practice in Kingswood, Surrey. My name is Sharmaine O’Keefe and I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to provide support with warmth, kindness and empathy.
Experiencing difficulties or changes in life can sometimes feel incredibly distressing and overwhelming. Life challenges, grief, trauma, unhelpful thought patterns, relationship problems with friends and family or worries about work issues, studies, children, the future or major life changes and decisions may be holding you back from living your best life and being the person you want to be. Sometimes you might not even know what is making you feel so low, but for some reason you are simply not feeling yourself. Please know that you do not have to experience these difficulties or changes alone. Support is available.
ABOUT
It is really important to look for a counsellor who not only holds the right qualifications, but who you feel comfortable with. I understand that opening up to someone you don't know can feel very daunting but with the right therapist, you will feel a sense of safety and trust and most importantly feel heard and understood. Together we can work through issues, uncover insights, reach goals and find solutions. Having time and space dedicated just to you with a trained therapist can truly be life changing. As for qualifications, I achieved a Masters Degree in Counselling after previously working in education and law, careers which have added an invaluable proficiency to my practice. I am qualified to provide counselling to all age groups and have acquired skills and expertise in several contemporary evidence-based counselling approaches. My practice is integrative which means that I draw upon many counselling theories as each client is unique and not one approach meets all client needs. I use a holistic approach to different therapeutic models but mostly use:
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
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and Mindfulness Techniques.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework, including undertaking regular supervision and ongoing professional development. This ensures the highest professional standards for my clients. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, have an enhanced DBS certificate and I am fully insured.
I offer counselling for adults in many areas, several of which are listed below. However, most of my work focuses on anxiety which includes generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias and social anxiety. Anxiety can also co-occur with other issues such as eating disorders and grief, making anxiety far more common than many people realise. However, the good news is that therapy can significantly help reduce anxiety and manage its symptoms.
I have experience with helping clients who are experiencing the following issues:
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anxiety
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depression
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eating disorders
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grief
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bereavement
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gender dysphoria
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PTSD
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trauma
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intrusive thoughts
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self harm
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OCD
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health anxiety
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relationship problems
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anger management
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burn-out
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study stress
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work issues
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social anxiety disorder
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sexual assault
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abuse
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addiction
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the expat experience including acclimating to a new country
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Counselling
First Class Honours
Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia
Graduate Diploma in Education
University of Western Australia
Awarded the UWA Graduates
Association Prize in Education for
the Most Ability and Promise shown
by a Student in Education
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Awarded Honours by The Faculty
of Law for Academic Achievement
Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia
Bachelor of Arts
First Class Honours
Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia
Admitted to the Supreme Court as a Barrister and Solicitor of Victoria, Australia.
MY SERVICES
There are several ways of working with me, including virtual and in-person options. Together we can decide which form of therapy best suits your needs.
Face to Face Therapy
I provide face to face counselling in a private, relaxed and peaceful space in Kingswood, Surrey. I find this form of therapy enables a trusting and warm therapeutic relationship to develop quite quickly.
Walk and Talk
I provide walk and talk therapy in the beautiful, leafy Kingswood streets or in an agreed location.
On Line Therapy
I am also trained to provide online counselling via video, email, instant messaging, text and phone calls. Online counselling is convenient for clients due to accessibility factors, with video sessions being the most popular amongst my clients.
WORKING WITH ME
I offer a free 20 minute telephone conversation to discuss the reasons for seeking counselling and to answer any questions. I will also share how I work and we can talk about your expectations so you can decide if I am the right therapist for your needs.
All other sessions will be 50 minutes and will cost £60.
The first 50 minute session will be more structured than usual. In addition to some documentation to read and sign, there will be a series of simple questions to answer which will assist me in gaining a greater understanding of your issues. There will also be plenty of time for you to discuss the issues being faced and to ask questions. We will also discuss confidentiality and privacy, both of which are vitally important in the counselling process.
The number of counselling sessions needed varies between clients and depends on the issues being faced. However, the counsellor-client relationship is a collaboration, so we will constantly review our progress together and you will be very much in control of how many sessions are needed.
If you need urgent help or feel that you may harm yourself, please know you're not alone. There is help available:
Samaritans – Tel: 116123 (open 24/7)
Childline (under 19s) – 0800 11 11 The number won’t show up on the bill.
Papryus (for people under 35) – 0800 0684141. Mon – Fri 10 am to 10 pm, weekends 2 – 10 pm, Bank Holidays 2 – 5 pm. Text 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
The Silverline (for older people) – 0800 4708090.
The Hub Of Hope – Google this website and enter your postcode. All the support services in your area will appear.
TESTIMONIALS
"We all look for people in life that touch us in some way, who enrich our lives and make them better. Sharmaine is one such person."
"Sharmaine was almost immediately a revelation."
"Sharmaine is extremely personable with a depth of knowledge and experience."
"A highly talented counsellor, Sharmaine holds herself to a high standard of performance and professionalism and is a committed advocate for her clients."
GET IN TOUCH
enquiries@kingswoodcounselling.com
07306420152
*PLEASE NOTE THAT I WILL BE ON LEAVE FROM 6TH DECEMBER 2024 UNTIL 5TH JANUARY 2025. I will be moving from Kingswood so will only have online sessions available from January.
If I am with a client, I will not be able to answer the phone. If this is the case, please leave a text message or a WhatsApp message (it will be confidential) with your contact details including an email address. Please let me know if it is ok to call you back and if necessary to leave a message or if you would prefer me to email you. I will get in touch as soon as I can. Alternatively, please send me an email.