Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile.
I am a person (or client) centred counsellor and work collaboratively with you to unpick the issues that are troubling you. I came to the counselling profession in my 40's as I had often been told that I was a good listener. I form a warm and caring therapeutic relationship with my clients and although I like clients to have a goal, the pace is set by you and can change as other issues come up and become more important.
I am quite understanding that sometimes our life gets in the way, things happen that are beyond our control and we 'don't have time for counselling', so think of a session as taking 50 minutes for you, get comfy, grab a brew and let it out, swear if you need to, I really don't mind.
I am genuine, warm and offer empathic understanding and like to work collaboratively with you to unpick the issues that are troubling you. I am a person centred counsellor and feel that this approach fits with my way of being, the Person Centred Approach is a talking therapy that does not assign homework and has as its core values that a therapist should be empathic, non-judgemental and genuine whilst being fully present and actively listening as well as recognising that the client is an expert on themselves. I aim to bring all of these aspects to our sessions.
I offer you the space and confidentiality (with some limitations) to talk freely and without judgements and I am not uncomfortable if you cry or need a few minutes to collect your thoughts before continuing.
I enjoy linking adult behaviours or feelings to childhood experiences, whether they are negative or positive, as once we have the awareness of why we react a certain way, we can work on it.
I work with clients who have been bereaved by suicide and sudden death and worked with them to accept the changes that follow including loss of identity and security. I also have 8 months experience counselling people that live with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and understand the anxiety and worries a long-term medical diagnosis can bring.
I am not neurodiverse but I do have a family member who is and understand how that can impact all aspects of family life both positively and negatively.
I enjoy working with a variety of people of all ages, nationalities, genders and LGBTQ+ and feel that the unconditional positive regard offered as part of the person centred approach really adds to the therapeutic relationship.
I read and reply to emails and send worksheets outside of the session times listed especially for email-only clients as I have found that the flexible approach to working is mutually beneficial. I also offer live sessions starting at 8pm in the evenings a few days a week to fit in with people's busy lives and have daytime sessions available on a Monday and Thursday so hope you find a time that works for you.
It takes courage to admit that you could do with an independent and trained person to talk to, so be proud of yourself for taking this step to a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that first step, I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #392001
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Charlotte Houghton. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Charlotte is fabulous! She is very calm and I feel calm after every session. She picks up on things I need to work on to help myself, eg healthy boundaries. I'm so glad I signed up
Written on Apr 08, 2024 after therapy with Charlotte for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have been working with Charlotte for around 4 months on a variety of issues as this has been the most difficult year of my life. I've noticed myself become much more confident in myself and much more clear in my thinking after each session. Charlotte gives time for me to talk and explain my thoughts and feelings and I really do feel like I'm being actively listened to. Charlotte always validates my feelings, but also challenges my thinking by asking questions in a courteous, respectful and professional manner.
Charlotte clearly has a wealth of experience working with people of all ages and walks of life and can quickly emphathise with what I say.
I also appreciate how she occasionally sends me articles and worksheets throughout the week which clearly shows how much dedication she has to her clients.
I couldn't recommend Charlotte enough as I feel like a much stronger version of myself throughout the most difficult and unprecedented time of my life.
Thank you Charlotte!
Written on Oct 02, 2023 after therapy with Charlotte for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and parenting issues
Working together with Charlotte on parental issues as well as general relationship fatigue and anxiety has been extremely worthwhile for me. She helped me to understand and process the emotions I have been carrying within myself for years. Not only has therapy with Charlotte helped me to gain confidence, but also to gain tools that I can use in the future as well.
Written on Jan 05, 2023 after therapy with Charlotte for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
I would highly recommend Charlotte Houghton as a therapist. She is kind, understanding and great at listening and helping you to challenge your thoughts and have a more positive outlook. Talking to Charlotte has really helped me so much and she is an amazing therapist.
Written on Oct 05, 2022 after therapy with Charlotte for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I really enjoyed working with Charlotte. She helped me to see past a lot of weight I was carrying. She brought a fresh perspective and enabled me to connect a lot of my behaviors to past experiences. Really worthwhile.
Written on Aug 01, 2022 after therapy with Charlotte for 3 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem