JULIE FRIEND
CHARTERED COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
Perhaps you have suffered a loss, be it recently or in the distant past, or you are experiencing a low mood which seems to have appeared out of the blue. It might be that anxious feelings are overwhelming you, making it difficult to live your life to the full. Relationships with loved ones, friends and colleagues may feel challenging or even destructive. Or perhaps you are aware that painful childhood experiences are impacting your current life and your relationships in a way that feels unmanageable. It could be that it's none of the above - you just can't quite identify what you're feeling and would like to understand yourself better. Whatever your struggles I am happy to meet with you to discuss how I can help.
HOW CAN I HELP?
As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist I draw on my knowledge of a wide variety of psychological theories and frameworks to help reduce distress and to enhance well-being. I have a special interest in attachment-based psychotherapy, which focuses on early relationships and their impact on current state of mind and interactions with others. I am also an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) Therapist and a full member of the EMDR Association UK. (For more information on EMDR please visit
https://emdrassociation.org.uk/).
I am curious about all aspects of your external and internal worlds: your relationships (including the one you have with yourself); your values, beliefs, desires and dreams; your story so far; your present moment and your hoped-for future.
Of great significance in my work is the quality and nature of the therapeutic relationship which develops between us - I believe this to be a key element in bringing about change. Therapy isn't a magic bullet and I can't make your decisions for you. However, I can listen attentively as you talk and think about what matters to you. I can hold a mirror up to you so that you can begin to know and understand yourself more deeply and fully.
Importantly, I will encourage you to see your worth and your capabilities and to celebrate what is going well for you, as well as acknowledging and confronting the more painful aspects of your experiences. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to providing a safe, confidential, collaborative and accepting space where I hope you can feel able to explore your difficulties and increase your self-understanding and your understanding of others.
“The human psyche, like human bones, is strongly inclined towards self-healing.”
(John Bowlby)
ABOUT ME
BA (Hons), MSc, CPsychol, HCPC reg, MBACP
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. My clinical experience began in 2007, and since then I have worked with adults (18+) in various settings including the NHS, higher education and the private sector.
I mainly see clients online via Skype/Zoom but may be able to offer face to face sessions if required (please contact me to discuss further). I am registered with the following health insurance companies: AXA, Cigna & WPA.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
I offer one-to-one supervision for qualified Counselling Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Please contact me to discuss my availability and suitability for your needs.
PUBLICATIONS
Friend, J. (2022). "Write what you don't understand": disordered eating and the non-specialist therapist. Attachment: new directions in psychotherapy and relational psychoanalysis, 16(1), 57-66.
Friend, J. (2022). [Review of the book Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel]. Attachment: new directions in psychotherapy and relational psychoanalysis, 16(1), 108-111.
Friend, J. (2022). "Let food be thy medicine": The impact of nutrition on mental well-being. In: L.Cundy (ed.), Attachment, Relationships and Food: from cradle to kitchen, (pp.58-72). Oxon:Routledge.
Friend, J. (2021, November 2). Food for Thought: exploring food and eating with clients. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.pesi.co.uk/blog/2021/november/food-for-thought-exploring-food-and-eating-with-cl/
Dancey, C.P. & Friend, J. (2008). Symptoms, impairment and illness intrusiveness - their relationship with depression in women with CFS/ME. Psychology and Health, 23(8), 983-999.
FAQS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND THERAPY AND FOR HOW LONG?
Therapy usually takes place weekly. The day and time of the session is generally the same each week. The length of the counselling or psychotherapy contract will depend on your needs and will be negotiated between us. Counselling usually lasts between 6-24 sessions and tends to be more focused work, usually dealing with a specific issue. Psychotherapy is generally longer and more explorative.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES? HOW LONG DOES A THERAPY SESSION LAST?
FEES
£130
DURATION
Therapy sessions last 50 minutes. I begin and end sessions on time so please be aware of this if you are running late.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you can provide me with at least 48 hours’ notice I will not charge for cancelled/missed sessions. Any less than 48 hours will incur a full fee.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I AM IN A CRISIS?
I do not offer emergency support as I cannot guarantee my availability to you. If you or someone close to you is in danger in any way please contact the emergency services on 111, the NHS Crisis Team for your borough, your GP or the Samaritans (08457 90 90 90).