Sharon Cresswell BA (Hons). Adv. Dip L4 MNCPS, NCPS. (Accredited)

Who I am

I am a fully qualified Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). With a broad range of life skills and professional training, I am dedicated to supporting clients who are navigating challenging life circumstances. Together, we can explore and address difficult issues, helping you break free from negative patterns of behaviour (NATS) and adopt healthier strategies for managing life’s ups and downs. At the heart of my approach is Person-Centred Therapy.

We all face stress and adversity in today’s world, but I believe in the possibility of finding calm, healing, and new ways of coping. I bring personal experience in several key areas, including marriage, close relationships, and working with young people and children. I am married with two grown daughters and have hosted over 100 international students for short and long-term stays over the past decade. I’ve also worked in the healthcare sector, both as a healthcare professional (HCP) and on media projects focused on mindfulness and wellbeing. My experience also extends to the education sector and running small businesses, including working with prestigious clients.

How I Work

I offer a reflective, flexible, and supportive approach to counselling, collaborating with you to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. While my core practice is Person-Centred, I take an integrative approach, drawing on various therapeutic tools such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Gestalt, and Person-Centred Therapy. This means I can use one or a combination of these approaches to best support you in our work together. All sessions are conducted in a confidential, non-judgemental, and safe space, whether face-to-face, online, or by telephone.

I also incorporate creative processes into therapy, depending on what you feel comfortable with. My background in Fine Art, where I focused on the therapeutic exploration of identity, family, memory, the body, and loss, allows me to bring a unique perspective. I have personal experience with bereavement and the grieving process. In addition we can use techniques such as movement, dance, Gestalt body-process work, sound, and visualisation as appropriate to help deepen your therapeutic journey. If you’d like, we can also use objects or photographs (with your consent) as part of our work together.

I am committed to my ongoing professional development and regularly attend training and workshops. My CPD (Continual Professional Development) qualifications reflect this commitment to deepening my understanding and expertise in various therapeutic areas.

Whatever challenges you are facing—emotional, physical, relational, or financial—I am here to support you.

With realistic goals and a compassionate approach, I am honoured and humbled to help you explore, manage, and resolve your concerns together.

Counselling and psychotherapy qualifications:

Level 4 Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling Theory and Therapeutic Practice (Accredited by the NCPS)

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling

Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills

Level 2 Safeguarding: Young People

Level 2 Safeguarding: Child Sexual Exploitation

Pending 2025:

Level 5 Specialist Advanced Diploma: Children & Young People

Aesthetics and faith based qualifications:

BA Honours degree in Fine Art: studio practice exploring identity, family, memory, the body, and loss.

Anvil Trust Cert. (A foundation for faith based studies)

Other works and contributions to care

Creative contributor to the Devon Garden (Dementia therapy garden) NHS Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Surgical training programmes - NHS Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Diabeties research training programmes - RILD / University of Exeter

CAP Christians Against Poverty - coach

Other Certificates (CPDs):

Continual Professional Development Certificates in the following:

CPD’s-Working with grief and loss

Approaching Fear, and Anxiety incl. NATS

Understanding abusive relationships

Eating Disorders incl. Bulimia

Use of Art in Therapy

Exploring Dreams

Working withTrauma

Movement & Archetypes - Expand Your Practice & Self-Awareness pending 2025

Couples Therapy pending 2025

Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society.

I am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.). This confirms that I have met the necessary standards to practice as a professional counsellor and that I adhere to the ethical framework and code of practice of the NCPS. It also means that I am on a register of counsellors and therapists that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

No charge for initial consultation call.

I provide a free non-obligation initial, 10-20 minute call, or zoom (video) call for you to ask questions, find out more, and see if our collaboration feels like the right option for you..

Cancellation policy:

I require 48 hours notice, if not informed the session(s) will still be charged, at the rate agreed in the initial contract.

Concessions and reduced fees:

I offer a limited number of reduced rate sessions to trainee counsellor's’ and clients who receive a low income. Please contact me for further details. If all the reduced rate spaces are full, I can place you on a waiting list until one becomes available. A few places are available by negotiation for those people on low incomes and on benefits, and students; trainee counsellors’.

Inclusion:

I believe that all people should be able to access counselling and not its availability not dependant on affluence.  

Counselling fees and terms

Individual adult sessions £50 per therapeutic hour.

A therapeutic hour is a 50-minute therapy session, which is the standard length for most therapy sessions. The 50-minute hour is a practical and convenient way to schedule appointments, and it gives therapists time to prepare between sessions.