Welcome to
Penny Cole Counselling
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Counsellor and Psychotherapist in Kington ~ close to Builth Wells, Presteigne, Leominster, Hereford and Hay-on-Wye
Are you thinking about counselling or psychotherapy?
A very warm welcome. I’d like to tell you a little about what I offer, how you might benefit from coming to see me and who I am. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if wish to know more or have questions to ask.
I’m Penny Cole and I am an experienced, accredited psychotherapist and counsellor practicing from my consulting room near Kington, Herefordshire, within easy reach of Presteigne, Clyro, Leominster and Builth Wells.
I am a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and counsellor and, for the past sixteen years have worked with individual adults over the age of 18, and particularly enjoy working with older people and with male clients.
I have trained in a wide range of approaches so I can work flexibly and effectively, either short-term or long-term, to help you resolve issues, including
- Anger and low self-esteem
- Feeling afraid, panicky or stressed
- Feelings of Emptiness or Loneliness
- Grief and loss, whether from death, separation or relocation
- Anxiety and depression and a sense of hopelessness about life and the world
- Relationships
- Childhood problems and trauma
- Overthinking and compulsive behaviour
Am I the right counsellor or psychotherapist for you?
The process of counselling and psychotherapy involves what is best described as a conversation between client and therapist, and research shows that the key to a successful outcome is the quality of the relationship between the two, so choosing someone with whom you feel comfortable is extremely important.
The issues that my clients and I have worked with are wide ranging, but I have a particular interest in how our experiences in our early years of life leave a lasting legacy on our psychological well-being especially in connection with our relationships and on our ability to manage anxiety. Our early experiences impact not only the stories we tell ourselves and others about who we are, but also who they affect our thoughts and behaviour in the here and now. Also, I believe that our society moulds us to conform to certain stereotypes that might be at odds with our essential selves.
I have a deep-seated belief that engagement in a secure and supportive therapeutic relationship brings about the process of change that will enable you to create the life that you wish to live and become the person you would like to be. In overcoming fears, anxiety, compulsions, insecurity or overthinking, you will feel able to live life to the full, free from self-doubt, annoying behaviours or a deep-seated sense of loneliness.
It's not unusual for people to say to me:
I’m having problems with my relationship and don’t know what to do
I don’t know what’s wrong, I just feel sad
There’s so much going on in my head and don’t know how to stop it
My partner says I’m cold and unemotional
I feel so lonely all the time, even when with friends or family
I’ve never told anyone this ….
How will coming to see me help you?
Our society places a high value on independence which means that it is often difficult for you to admit to yourself and to others that you are struggling inside. Whilst you might present a brave face to the world, you may find yourself experiencing increased anxiety, have your head full of conflicting thoughts and ideas, or experience episodes of panic or depression.
Sometimes these difficult feelings find expression through outbursts of irritation or anger or you may find yourself reaching out to substances or using compulsive behaviours to cope. Whilst these behaviours may soothe you temporarily, on the inside you feel increasingly alone.
I offer you the opportunity to change your behaviour, feel calmer with more clarity about your purpose in life and how to achieve it and relief from anxiety and loneliness.
Whilst I cannot tell you in advance how long we will work together, many clients find they feel better after as few as 20 sessions. It is important for you to know that effective therapy is a joint endeavour and is one that can take time, and you will find in me a warm, supportive and understanding companion.
If you live in or near Kington, Presteigne, Clyro, Leominster or Builth Wells, you are probably within 40 minutes of my counselling room.
Issues I Can Help With include
Abuse
Ageing
Anger
Anxiety
Bereavement
Compulsions
Death and Dying
Depression Low Self-Worth
Emptiness
Loneliness
Meaning and Meaninglessness
Relationship and Family Problems
Separation and Divorce
Stress
Suicidal Thoughts
Terminal Illness
What can you expect at your first appointment?
We start the session by exploring what has prompted you to seek support at this time, and what you hope to gain from it and we then then decide together whether short or longer term work may be needed, how frequently you would come and what fee would be payable. You can be assured that whatever you talk about will be treated in absolute confidence and with respect.
Where to find me
My face-to-face practice is located near Kington at HR5 3EN, please get in touch for further information on my practice location.
Sadly, I am unable to offer wheelchair access to the property.
How it works
Essentially counselling and psychotherapy involves a process whereby you explore your innermost thoughts, ideas, dreams and fears and discover things about yourself you weren’t previously aware of
My style of practice is known as Integrative which means that I draw upon a range of therapeutic ideas and concepts that I apply and which I feel are best suited to you and your unique needs.
As appropriate, l may use an approach which considers how your past influences you, perhaps ask you to consider how you relate to others including friends and family. I have a particular interest in attachment patterns and we may, at times, consider any link between your present difficulties and your early years of childhood.
If you feel talking to me would help, and you live in or near Kington, Presteigne, Clyro, Leominster or Builth Wells, take the first step and contact me to arrange an initial session.
When can you see me and how much will it cost?
Appointments are available at my Kington premises between 10.00am and 4.00pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each session lasts 50 minutes and are usually arranged weekly at the same time on the same day. You will be expected to pay for each session that is arranged and my fees are £60.00 per session. I ask for 48 hours notice of cancellation, and you will be expected to pay for sessions that are missed or cancelled late. I recognise that Covid-19 has led to financial hardship for many, and so I offer reduced rates in appropriate circumstances.
I accept payments in cash or bank transfer.
I review my fees annually at the start of the calendar year.
I am an approved provider of Psychological/Counselling therapy for Bupa and Aviva Healthcare. If you have cover by either insurance company, I will require you to provide me with details of your policy in order that I may arrange for my fees to be paid by your insurer.
Penny Cole Counselling is a professional private Counselling & Psychotherapy Service situated in Kington, Herefordshire, close to Builth Wells, Presteigne, Leominster, Hereford and Hay-on-Wye
About Penny
I have been working as a UKCP accredited psychotherapist and counsellor since 2008, and prior to that I had a career in legal practice. From an early age, I have been motivated by a desire to help others and, having become increasingly disillusioned with legal practice, and, having gained a lot of insight into myself through my own psychotherapy, I decided to train as a psychotherapist.
I studied at the School of Psychotherapy at Regent’s College London where I was awarded a Masters Degree in Psychotherapy & Counselling and a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Whilst in training as a psychotherapist, I gained experience in a variety of settings, including an NHS Hospital where I worked as an Honorary Psychotherapist, community counselling services, and a university counselling service.
Between 2008 and 2020, alongside my psychotherapy practice, I worked part-time as a Workplace Mediator helping individuals deal with their conflicts in the workplace. I no longer undertake commissions to conduct workplace mediations and currently concentrate my efforts on my psychotherapy and counselling practice.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07776 146427 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.