Welcome

As a qualified registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Dip.Couns, mBACP), I have wide experience working empathetically with adults at all stages of life (16+). I offer a warm atmosphere, free from judgement, in which to explore whatever is going on for you.

I can support you with, for example, anxiety, bereavement, abuse, ADHD, relationships, depression, separation, stress, loss, PTSD, personal development and spirituality, allowing you to gain awareness, clarity, understanding and find your own solutions and a way though whatever difficulties you may be facing. Or you may simply wish to talk things through confidentially with someone who isn’t family or a friend. This in itself can make a huge difference in your life.

It is good to talk. It’s even better to be truly heard. This listening is fundamental to what I offer.

About Me

After studying various forms of counselling in Winchester and then achieving a Diploma in Humanistic Counselling at The University of Chichester, I worked as a volunteer at the reputable Petersfield Counselling Service, gaining valuable experience. I then started my private practice in Winchester, Hampshire. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Dip.Couns, mBACP).

I have a long interest in personal transformation and believe we all can grow and reach our full potential. My aim is to aid and support your own awareness, development and actualisation, leading to positive changes in your life. My approach is informed by a background of more than 30 years of yoga practice and decades of meditation, inner learning and self-knowledge. This puts me in a unique position to help others in their own journey of exploration and healing.

About Humanistic Counselling

The basis of the humanistic approach to therapy is that you as the client are understood to be best placed to know how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. As such, counselling is not focused on giving advice or analysing, nor is any judgement made. Instead, a safe, attentive, warm, genuine, respectful and empathetic environment is provided, with our therapeutic alliance/relationship allowing for increased awareness, realisations, insights and positive change in your life. I will support you in reaching your own understanding, making decisions and moving towards true happiness.

I may also offer various techniques to help with relaxation, grounding, centring and general wellbeing. These are related to yoga, breath-work, meditation and mindfulness and can be immensely beneficial.

Some of the principles of humanistic counselling are:

1. You have inherent worth, deserve respect and your experience is valued.

2. You have an innate tendency towards growth, change and realising your potential.

3. You are naturally creative and unique.

4. All aspects of the human psyche have the potential to be a resource.

5. The environment I create facilitates hope, possibility, autonomy, resilience and personal/professional transformation.

6. I seek an authentic way of being that facilitates relational depth in the here and now.

In addition, my knowledge of psychology, spirituality, CBT, Transactional Analysis, psychotherapy and other forms of counselling and therapy may also inform our work as appropriate. 

About Our Sessions

Sessions take place in a peaceful room in central Winchester. Clients appreciate the feeling of sanctuary in the spacious room, with an outlook to a fine garden. Arriving at this quiet place once a week from the busy streets and our busy lives, can in itself be relaxing and therapeutic. We can also work remotely if you are away or unable to attend in person that week.

After an optional free telephone or online consultation, sessions are of 50 minutes duration, and are £60. We will agree an appointment time that works for you. Counselling works best with consistency and regularity. According to your needs, counselling may be long or short-term.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, and our lives increasingly lived online, I feel it is important to meet face to face rather than through a screen or talking to artificial intelligence.

All sessions are confidential and underpinned by the the BACP Ethical Framework

Contact

Starting counselling can feel daunting. I aim to support you in making this step and offer a free 30-minute consultation by phone or video call. 

Please contact me by calling or texting 07811 404119 or email hello@duncantoms.co.uk to book a consultation, your first session in person, or if you have any questions at all. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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