Counselling in St Albans, Hertfordshire and online
Counselling in St Albans, Hertfordshire
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Emma Hooper Counselling.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming or simply harder than you expected it to be. You might be feeling anxious or low, or finding that everything is becoming too much. Perhaps you’re navigating changes or grieving a loss, or simply looking for a calm, supportive space to understand yourself better and reflect on what’s happening in your life.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on different psychological approaches which I tailor to fit your individual needs. I view each client holistically and I am genuinely interested in who you are and the experiences that have shaped you. I also acknowledge the importance of the mind-body connection and how this shapes your experience of the world around you.
Whatever you’re going through, you deserve a space where you can feel heard and understood without judgment or expectation. Together we can explore some of the issues you are currently facing, you may discover new insights about yourself, and maybe consider a new way of being in the world. Finding the right words can be difficult, so you do not need to explain everything perfectly. You can simply come as you are, and we can go from there.
As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), and abide by their code of ethics. A link to my BACP profile can be found here.
My Qualifications
- MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (Buckinghamshire New University)
- Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (University of Northampton)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (West Herts College)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (West Herts College)
- Certificate in Online and telephone counselling (Counselling Tutor)
- IAFPD Certificate in Coaching (Centre for Coaching)
Experience
In addition to my private practice, I work as a volunteer counsellor for Florence Nightingale Hospice and Rennie Grove Hospice, and I have previously volunteered for MIND.
Counselling in St Albans, Hertfordshire and Online
Who I Work With
I work with adults (18yrs+) who want space to understand themselves better, as well as those who are experiencing a range of emotional and life challenges. These may include:
- Feeling anxious or suffering from low mood
- Low confidence or problems with self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties – these may be personal or work relationships
- Feeling overwhelmed or difficulty coping with everyday tasks
- A diagnosis of a chronic or life-limiting illness
- Grief, loss, or bereavement
- Life changes, in your career or in your personal life
My Counselling Specialisms
While I work with a variety of clients, I have a particular interest in supporting people with:
Cancer and life-changing diagnoses
A diagnosis can completely change your world. Whether you have received a cancer diagnosis, another serious or chronic health condition, or you are supporting someone going through this, counselling can help you to process how you are feeling.
Loss and bereavement
Grief is different for everyone, and has no set timeline. I support clients who have experienced loss or bereavement, as well as those navigating other significant life changes, such as health, identity, or relationships.
Perimenopause and menopause
The changes that happen during this time can have an impact on mental health, identity, and relationships. I provide a space where you can feel understood during this transition.
Initial Consultation
It is important that I am the right counsellor for you. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation so that we can discuss what has brought you to counselling, how I work as a counsellor, and answer any questions you might have. If you feel I am not the right counsellor for you, I can direct you to someone else if you prefer. In the same way, if I believe a different counsellor may be better suited to your needs, I can support you in finding someone appropriate.
If you decide that you would like to work with me, then I will send you a copy of my contract. I will also send you a short client information form so that you can tell me more about yourself and what expectations or goals you may have. We can then discuss this at our first counselling session.
Sessions and Fees
Sessions usually take place weekly and last for 50 minutes. I am able to offer these sessions either in-person, in St Albans or London Colney, or online.
The cost for each session is £65 which is payable by bank transfer 48 hours before our appointment time. I’m able to offer a limited number of low-cost counselling spaces for clients who are on universal credit or have limited financial means. If this applies to you then please get in touch to see if I have any current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an integrative therapist?
As an integrative therapist, I am trained in different psychological approaches which I can tailor to fit your individual needs. The four main theories that I draw on are:
- Psychodynamic theory – this focuses on how past experiences and relationships influence how you are in the present.
- Person-centred theory – a non-directive therapy that is based on the belief that people can understand themselves and grow when offered a warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental space.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - an approach that helps you to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to get rid of them, encouraging you to act in accordance with your values.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – this focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and noticing any patterns. CBT then supports you in developing practical strategies to respond differently.
How long will a session last?
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
How much does a session cost?
Sessions cost £65.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, I offer online counselling sessions via Zoom.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
I ask that you give me 48 hours notice of any cancellation otherwise the full fee for the session becomes payable.
How do I pay for sessions?
I ask that you pay by bank transfer 48 hours before our session time.
Do you offer a preliminary chat?
I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation so that we can discuss what has brought you to counselling, how I work as a counsellor, and answer any questions you might have. If you feel I am not the right counsellor for you, I can direct you to someone else if you prefer. In the same way, if I believe a different counsellor may be better suited to your needs, I can support you in finding someone appropriate.
Are you registered with an ethical body?
I am registered with the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by their code of ethics.
Are the sessions confidential?
As a counsellor I take confidentiality very seriously. What you say to me is confidential with a few important exceptions. These include situations where you give your consent for the information to be disclosed, where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or another person, where there are concerns about child safety, or where I am required by law to disclose information. We will discuss the limits to confidentiality in our first session, so you feel fully informed and supported.
Do you offer crisis support?
Counselling is not designed for crisis situations or if you need help urgently. In these situations, please contact your GP. In addition, the following organisations are available to you:
- Calm – 0800 58 58 58
- The Samaritans - 116 123
- NHS Direct – 111
- A&E department
Get in Touch
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about how counselling works, or if you would like to arrange an initial free 15-minute telephone consultation. This provides an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to counselling, explore how I may be able to support you, and decide whether I am the right counsellor to help.
I offer counselling sessions in St Albans and London Colney, as well as online. I work with clients from St Albans and surrounding areas including Radlett, Harpenden and Watford.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have and provide further information about the counselling process.
All enquiries are usually responded to within 48 hours. All contact is strictly confidential and handled using secure phone and email services.